Sue McCain

Shop Designer Store

Designer of Vermont Fiber Designs and Basix Knitting patterns.

Like many knitters, I learned how to knit from my mother at an early age, then promptly forgot about it as life got in the way. I returned to it for a short time as a student in Paris when a friend convinced me to try it again. The third time was the charm—my mother retaught me while I was in grad school. I was tired of trying to find sweaters with long enough sleeves to fit my 6′ frame, so I decided I’d just make my own. I fell madly in love with knitting, and eventually slipped into designing for myself when I began reworking existing patterns with elements that I liked better. And, of course, adjusting the sleeve and body lengths.

Today, I offer well over 100 sweater patterns. They fit a broad range of sizes, from XXS or XS to 5X, 6X, or 7X. Most of the patterns are worked from the bottom up, but I have a few dozen top-down patterns as well.

keywords: stockinette, cables, lace, mosaic, fair isle, top-down, bottom-up, plus size, sideways, sweater, pullover, cardigan, tank top, hat, scarf, wrap, mitts, blanket, cowl, intermediate, advanced, easy