First Published in 1983 in The Sweater Workshop.

This is one of the main reasons for getting this book! The sampler teaches you all about ribbings, increases, decreases and neat little tricks for making sweaters from the bottom-up in the round. Yarn, needle size, and gauge do not matter, as it is a sampler of techniques

Yarn: “Use a light color 4-ply knitting worsted-weight yarn - the common, ordinary garden variety. Dark shades obscure technique, which is a blessing sometimes, but not advantageous in the Sampler. One 4-ounce skein is ample, or as so many have shrunk to 3.5 ounces, that amount will just do it. Ply is more important than price, so whether it is 100% virgin Orlon, or 100% virgin wool, be sure the four strands are twisted together tightly, else you will spend too much time dealing with split stitches. You will also need about an ounce of yarn in a contrasting color; those new-found scraps are fine as long as they are approximately the diameter of the base yarn.”

Needles: “The Sampler is worked on a 16” circular needle, metal, if you can possibly find one, in size #6, or #7, or #8 - whichever is most comfortable for you with your yarn. This one-piece tool may seem awkward if you and it are strangers. As you get better acquainted, your hands will adjust to its mold and you will wonder how you ever managed without its convenience for sleeves, hats, scarves, baby garments, and other small knittings. Also find a set of double-pointed needles in about the same size, one fine double-pointed needle, two stray buttons, the few items listed in Miscellany (p. 81), and that’s it. You’re ready to start.”

The pattern may be found on pages 14-73 of The Sweater Workshop.