Books On Board
author Reading Order

Alanna Okun Books in Order

2 Books
2018 – 2020 Published
Jump to reading order
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Reading order
01
The Curse of the Boyfriend Sweater
The Curse of the Boyfriend Sweater
2018
Amazon
02
Knit a Hat
Knit a Hat
2020
Amazon

Where to Start with Alanna Okun

Alanna Okun's books are a warm invitation into the world of textile arts, using crafting as a lens to examine mental health, love, relationships, and identity. Because her books are non-fiction, there is no strict narrative order. However, the best starting point is her debut collection of essays, The Curse of the Boyfriend Sweater: Essays on Crafting. This book establishes her relatable, conversational voice and explores the emotional weight behind making things by hand.

Once you have connected with her storytelling style, you can transition to her practical instructional guide, Knit a Hat: A Beginner's Guide to Knitting, which channels that same encouraging tone into helping you pick up the needles and create your first project.

Alanna Okun Books in Publication Order

If you prefer to read her works in the order they were released, follow this publication timeline:

  • The Curse of the Boyfriend Sweater: Essays on Crafting (Flatiron Books, 2018) – A collection of personal essays exploring anxiety, grief, and self-acceptance through the acts of knitting, crocheting, and crafting.
  • Knit a Hat: A Beginner's Guide to Knitting (Abrams Books, 2020) – An accessible, illustrated instructional book designed to take the intimidation out of learning how to knit.

What to Know Before You Start

Before diving into Okun's writing, it helps to understand her unique approach to both crafting and storytelling. You do not need to be an expert knitter—or even know how to hold a needle—to enjoy The Curse of the Boyfriend Sweater. The essays use crafting primarily as a metaphor for resilience and the human experience. Meanwhile, Knit a Hat is a highly practical companion work designed specifically for novices, prioritizing simple techniques and a friendly, stress-free learning environment.

Okun's professional background as a digital journalist and editor (including her work for BuzzFeed, Racked, and Vox's Even Better vertical) heavily influences her writing style, which is direct, witty, and grounded in service to the reader.

Frequently Asked

QIn what order should I read Alanna Okun's books?

You can read them in any order since they are standalone non-fiction titles. However, starting with The Curse of the Boyfriend Sweater (2018) is recommended to get to know her voice before reading her instructional guide, Knit a Hat (2020).

QDo I need to know how to knit to read The Curse of the Boyfriend Sweater?

No. While the essays are structured around knitting and crafting, the core themes of the book focus on universal human experiences like anxiety, grief, love, and self-discovery.

QIs Knit a Hat suitable for absolute beginners?

Yes, Knit a Hat is explicitly written for novices. It uses clear instructions and a supportive, non-judgmental tone to make learning to knit as simple and accessible as possible.

QWhat is the 'boyfriend sweater curse'?

It is a famous knitting superstition that claims if you knit a sweater for a romantic partner, the relationship will end before the sweater is finished. Okun uses this myth as a thematic anchor to explore commitment and relationships.

QWhere else has Alanna Okun been published?

In addition to her books, Okun has written essays and articles for outlets such as The New York Times, The New Yorker, and NPR, and has worked extensively as an editor for BuzzFeed, Racked, and Vox.