9 Patterns To Break The Boyfriend Sweater Curse

Here’s a scenario for you.
A knitting group.
Just a regular knitting group. The kind you find up and down the country. Across the world in fact. Each member working on their latest project. A glass or few on the table. Maybe some nibbles, located a safe distance away from the cream-coloured cashmere.
“I’m going to knit my boyfriend a sweater,” announces Naïve Knitter boldly.
Silence.
Probably tumbleweeds.
The other knitters look at each other shiftily.
“Are you sure?” replies Experienced Knitter tentatively. “What about the Boyfriend Sweater Curse?”
“The what?”
“The Boyfriend Sweater Curse. Everyone knows that if you give a handknitted jumper to your partner, the relationship will inevitably fail.”
“….um….”

There aren’t many urban legends in knitting but the Boyfriend Sweater Curse, or Love Sweater Curse, is one of them. It might be purely coincidental or it might be a real thing, we’ll leave you to make up your mind on that one, but we reckon these patterns are worth the risk!

Bark by Rowan

One for pooch-lovers everywhere! We adore Martin Storey’s simple stocking stitch jumper with French Bulldog intarsia motif. Get this, plus a pattern for a classic v-neck sweater for £4 at knitrowan.com

Men’s Textured Jumper by DK Books

Warm, chunky and super comfy, this understated design is sure to become his new winter favourite! The honeycomb stitch pattern is achieved using a cabling technique. Join Let’s Knit Together to access this project. T&Cs apply.

Sweater in Big Value Chunky by King Cole

Sometimes less is more and this easy make has just enough detail on the upper section to suit even the most reserved fellows. It can also be made for around £20. Find stockists and further info at kingcole.com

Sweaters in Highland Heathers Aran by Stylecraft

Go for a relaxed look with a buttoned neckline in this smart number from Stylecraft. It’s knitted in softly dappled Highland Heathers Aran and features neat rows of cables. A round-neck version is available too on Stylecraft pattern leaflet 9875. Find a stockist near you at stylecraft-yarns.co.uk

Bryce by West Yorkshire Spinners

Knitted in gorgeous British wool with a hint of colourwork, this one ticks all the boxes. Find the pattern in Sarah Hatton’s The Croft Shetland Colours pattern collection, along with designs for all the family. For stockists, visit wyspinners.com

Striped Sweater with Round Collar by Bergere de France

For more simple colourwork, just say it with stripes. This easy-knit design mixes up the width of the colour bands for added interest. Buy the pattern and all the yarn you need from bergeredefrance.co.uk

Sweater in Fjord DK by King Cole

Go for even easier colourwork with a self-patterning yarn! This gives you the chance to give extra care and attention to your knitting and shaping – it is a gift, after all. For more information and to find a stockist near you, visit kingcole.com

Garter Stripe Hoodie by Josh Bennett

Is a hoodie a jumper? We think so but you could have just found a loophole in the Sweater Curse! With effective raised stripe detail and chunky buttons, we think this design from Josh Bennett is definitely worth taking the chance. Buy the pattern at joshbennettnyc.com

Combe by Rowan

Go all out to impress with this striking pattern by Martin Storey. This fashionable knit gives you the perfect opportunity to show off your colourwork skills. It might take a while though so perhaps save it for next year! Download the pattern for £4 from knitrowan.com