Loved this video! So appreciative that you are taking the time to create this very informationally-dense videos, and I also enjoy how neutral your language and tone is around body shapes, sizes, and fit. I’m still pretty new to sewing and knitting, but it has quickly become apparent how important considering size in a neutral way is to fit. Love the example you’re setting, and the fit on your sweater is lovely!! Thanks!
I also tell people to choose a size based on your high bust, then do a full bust adjustment. It’s more important for the shoulders and neck to fit, and easier to add short rows for bust fullness as needed.
WOW - I was totally lost most of this video, but it's apparent you really understand garment construction. I love how you modified the neckline with the lacey pattern. I always say I got stuck on God's creation conveyor belt in the hair department (plenty and grows like a bad weed), so I had to be rushed through the "curvy department". So being on the less curvy spectrum can be an issue as well. I agree that you might like your sweater more with another inch in length. Very thorough video. You are a pro!
The full bust measurement thing applies to sewing patterns too. I would always have stuff be too big when I made it. Once I found that out it made a massive difference in how things fit when I made them.
This was really helpful. I'm making a Flax for my daughter-in-law. She's an athlete and has very muscular shoulders and upper arms, but is petite from the above bust down. I decided to start with a medium, and do the full underarm increases, to give a good size to the sleeve top, then do some rapid decreases down to a small size body. Your observations make me think it will be ok. It's a surprise, so I can't get her measurements beforehand, but I have seen her with my son's sweaters on a few times and can see what she fills and doesn't. Wish me luck. 😁
Knowing to choose a size based on upper chest measure was a deal changer for me. I have a size A bust, but large frame and square shoulders. Fitting the shoulder area and then increasing after bust really helped me. I also have to increase the sleeve size. Vertical darts are also the best! Thanks so much for explaining your changes!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for making this video! I actually just finished the flax with some minor adjustments (successfully adding bust darts, inspired by another of your videos!). I originally thought that I needed sleeves from one size and body from another and really struggled with how to merge the two, so it was great to see what you did. I have been hesitating on making other sweaters because I expect that I'll want to modify the body to fit my body so it was great to see the techniques that you used. Thanks again!
Thanks for all of your thoughts behind the modifications. I am in the process of replacing all of my store bought sweaters with handknit ones. I use the old ones as templates with special attention to areas the pattern deviates from the measurements. A slow process but the end results are so worth it!
Good info! I’m just starting my knit garment journey so this discussion and your examples are very useful. Your sweater is beautiful and that color looks great on you!!
I love it! I made a top down circle yoke sweater and graphed out the design. My problem is no pattern ever fits me in the neck. They constantly choke me. My shoulders & arms are long, i have no upper body but just a bit busty. I used scrap yarns and i did short rows everywhere! In the neck ribbkng, in the back shoulders & neck, on the top of shoulders even in the front. I ripped it out over & over until it "set" right when i tried ig on. Absolutely will wear this swester out. Your sweater looks gorgeous on you! I recommend to anyone, get some scrap yarn and plan on ripping it out. Once you get over that fear, the sky is the limit on alterations!
I made a franken flax too. I didn't know how to do the short row neck at the time, though. The pattern incorrectly put those at the bottom of the yolk and pooled fabric on my back. I was near the bottom, so I cut into my sweater to remove the short rows and then grafted it back together. I kept bust short rows and ribbing short rows ( the back of my ribbing has more length so it doesn't rise up when I sit). The yarn shop owner complimented my sweater as the best flex that she seen. I'm proud of it because I jumped in the deep end. It was my first sweater. I need to make another with a neck that I like. Oh, I forgot I replaced the garter with a lace pattern from japanese stitch bible.
I think a little longer would be great! I am still working on my sweater from the GREAT workshop that you have created! Just joined in the round and will wash and try it on. I think it's ok so far.
Thank you for this video. New-ish to knitting and currently knitting the Flax as my first attempt at a sweater. I've been wanting to try knitting tops / sweaters for myself as it can be hard to find ones that fit me right but have then struggled to find resources to learn about shaping so this is great!!!
I hope you are going to offer more zoom classes in the future. I am already participating in a Lace workshop class until mid April so I cannot sign up for your live class at this time. Please offer more live classes in the future. I do enjoy your vlog.
I do play around with patterns swap and change features. But thats on childrens sizes. Not been brave enough to try on an adults size. I get so annoyed when I have to rip stuff back. I understand now how to do it thanks so much.
Gorgeous! It’s beautiful and I find the length looks bang on. I’m currently working on a striped sweater, I’m seaming the hem on the body. Sadly, because of the stripes I couldn’t figure out how to make room for “the girls” 🫣. I love these informative videos
I made the Flax in the sock weight with all my leftover sock yarn. I didn't understand the short rows being after the yoke on the back. I skipped them. I'm used to the short rows done at the neck. It still turned out beautifully.
I feel like I can never see too many of these alterations video. Yours are really informative. I don’t think I’ll ever need bust darts because my chest is small, but I’m still curious of how you do them. Do you have a video about that. I appreciate you being honest about not loving the sweater yet and that you are got to rip it back to fix that. I have my very first cardigan that I finished over a year ago and I love everything, but the arms (too small). I convinced myself that it’s done now and I’ll have to live with it….but I’m starting to think I might try to re-do them 😬
I don't have a video for short Row bust darts yet.... 😁 I think it's not too late to fix your cardigan - you've spent a lot of time knitting it so it's worth the time to make it fit properly.
Your's turned out beautiful. Love it !! I (FINALLY ) finished mine but so hard to say I did the flax lite if asked which pattern. I struggle with what to say without a description of everything that is different. I went for fabric as well , (super wash yarn ) and took your advice on using upper bust , 5" difference. I assigned more stitches to front , less to back, put it in for a soak, just as I was getting to sleeve separation (love those silicone cords so fast on and off) this gave me my first larger clue (after the washed swatch) to how it would hang. I did rip back bottom , Franken-Flax Lite went through changes around the hips, tried a few things, it now has a long decorative ribbing , but has a split hem and once again, did one last soak to be sure, did I want to cast off ? Are we good ? lol , 3 month project for me. There is more but just want to say, you have been so helpful .
Haha - yes, knitting a sweater and making modifications takes TIME (and ripping back and adjusting). But it's worth it when you have a sweater you love.
Instead of making the hem longer, have you considered just adding an inch of short rows in the back? I think it hits you at just the right spot in the front but I’ve found the my sweaters tend to come up in the back as soon as I move in them. Then I knit a great pattern by Heidi Kirrmaier (“Over the top”) that has short rows in the front AND back and … tada!! No more riding up. 😀 Just a thought…
Learn more about making modifications for your next sweater with this workshop: toniaknits.com/workshop/
This is a masterclass ❤
Loved this video! So appreciative that you are taking the time to create this very informationally-dense videos, and I also enjoy how neutral your language and tone is around body shapes, sizes, and fit. I’m still pretty new to sewing and knitting, but it has quickly become apparent how important considering size in a neutral way is to fit. Love the example you’re setting, and the fit on your sweater is lovely!! Thanks!
Thank you! I'm so glad you found it helpful. ❤
I also tell people to choose a size based on your high bust, then do a full bust adjustment. It’s more important for the shoulders and neck to fit, and easier to add short rows for bust fullness as needed.
Yes, exactly!
WOW - I was totally lost most of this video, but it's apparent you really understand garment construction. I love how you modified the neckline with the lacey pattern. I always say I got stuck on God's creation conveyor belt in the hair department (plenty and grows like a bad weed), so I had to be rushed through the "curvy department". So being on the less curvy spectrum can be an issue as well. I agree that you might like your sweater more with another inch in length. Very thorough video. You are a pro!
Thank you!
Lovely sweater, great fit and colour.
Thank you! 😊
The full bust measurement thing applies to sewing patterns too. I would always have stuff be too big when I made it. Once I found that out it made a massive difference in how things fit when I made them.
That's good to know - I'd like to get into sewing garments for myself so now I'm more prepared- thank you!
This was really helpful. I'm making a Flax for my daughter-in-law. She's an athlete and has very muscular shoulders and upper arms, but is petite from the above bust down. I decided to start with a medium, and do the full underarm increases, to give a good size to the sleeve top, then do some rapid decreases down to a small size body. Your observations make me think it will be ok. It's a surprise, so I can't get her measurements beforehand, but I have seen her with my son's sweaters on a few times and can see what she fills and doesn't. Wish me luck. 😁
It sounds like you have a good plan! 🤞
Knowing to choose a size based on upper chest measure was a deal changer for me. I have a size A bust, but large frame and square shoulders. Fitting the shoulder area and then increasing after bust really helped me. I also have to increase the sleeve size. Vertical darts are also the best! Thanks so much for explaining your changes!
Yes! Getting a good fit through the shoulders is so important!
Lovely sweater. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
You’re welcome 😊
I love how your sweater turned out. Lovely fit, style and color. It's much more flattering than the original pattern.
Thank you so much!
Loved this video! Beautiful sweater!
Thank you!! 😊
Thank you, thank you, thank you for making this video! I actually just finished the flax with some minor adjustments (successfully adding bust darts, inspired by another of your videos!). I originally thought that I needed sleeves from one size and body from another and really struggled with how to merge the two, so it was great to see what you did. I have been hesitating on making other sweaters because I expect that I'll want to modify the body to fit my body so it was great to see the techniques that you used. Thanks again!
I'm so glad you found it helpful!
Thanks for all of your thoughts behind the modifications. I am in the process of replacing all of my store bought sweaters with handknit ones. I use the old ones as templates with special attention to areas the pattern deviates from the measurements. A slow process but the end results are so worth it!
Yes! A closet full of clothes that are custom fit to your body is such a great goal.
This is such a help, thank you!
Good info! I’m just starting my knit garment journey so this discussion and your examples are very useful. Your sweater is beautiful and that color looks great on you!!
Glad it was helpful!
Lots of helpful info. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
I love it! I made a top down circle yoke sweater and graphed out the design. My problem is no pattern ever fits me in the neck. They constantly choke me. My shoulders & arms are long, i have no upper body but just a bit busty. I used scrap yarns and i did short rows everywhere! In the neck ribbkng, in the back shoulders & neck, on the top of shoulders even in the front. I ripped it out over & over until it "set" right when i tried ig on. Absolutely will wear this swester out. Your sweater looks gorgeous on you! I recommend to anyone, get some scrap yarn and plan on ripping it out. Once you get over that fear, the sky is the limit on alterations!
Yes! If you want to do alterations then you definitely have to get used to ripping things out!
I made a franken flax too. I didn't know how to do the short row neck at the time, though. The pattern incorrectly put those at the bottom of the yolk and pooled fabric on my back. I was near the bottom, so I cut into my sweater to remove the short rows and then grafted it back together. I kept bust short rows and ribbing short rows ( the back of my ribbing has more length so it doesn't rise up when I sit). The yarn shop owner complimented my sweater as the best flex that she seen. I'm proud of it because I jumped in the deep end. It was my first sweater. I need to make another with a neck that I like. Oh, I forgot I replaced the garter with a lace pattern from japanese stitch bible.
That sounds like a lovely sweater! And really brave to cut out the short rows and graft! 👏
@NerdyKnitting It didn't feel brave to me. I have knit socks for a while. As long as I have my kitchner cheatsheet, I'm good to go.
I’m busty and broad shouldered. So I’m better off with with the full bust measurement. Or even larger! Good thing I like boxy sweaters.
I think a little longer would be great! I am still working on my sweater from the GREAT workshop that you have created! Just joined in the round and will wash and try it on. I think it's ok so far.
I'm glad you enjoyed the workshop! It sounds like you're past the most difficult part - when it fits well through the shoulders the rest is so easy!
Thank you for this video. New-ish to knitting and currently knitting the Flax as my first attempt at a sweater. I've been wanting to try knitting tops / sweaters for myself as it can be hard to find ones that fit me right but have then struggled to find resources to learn about shaping so this is great!!!
Glad it was helpful!
Beautiful! You look stunning in that color! Thanks for this tutorial. 💜
Thank you so much!
I hope you are going to offer more zoom classes in the future. I am already participating in a Lace workshop class until mid April so I cannot sign up for your live class at this time. Please offer more live classes in the future. I do enjoy your vlog.
I plan to!
So many helpful tips
Glad it was helpful!
Very nice. Beautiful custom fit sweater in the end and that's what matters.
So true! Thank you!
Thank you for sharing. Although I’ve been knitting and altering for decades, you still gave me many things to think about
That's great - there's always more to learn!
I do play around with patterns swap and change features. But thats on childrens sizes. Not been brave enough to try on an adults size. I get so annoyed when I have to rip stuff back. I understand now how to do it thanks so much.
Absolutely gorgeous sweater (both color and fit!). I will definitely keep these tips in mind for my next sweater.
Thanks for all the ideas to consider.
You are welcome!
Nice color on you! Great job!
Thank you!
Very nice.
Gorgeous! It’s beautiful and I find the length looks bang on. I’m currently working on a striped sweater, I’m seaming the hem on the body. Sadly, because of the stripes I couldn’t figure out how to make room for “the girls” 🫣. I love these informative videos
Stripes are tricky with short row bust darts!
I made the Flax in the sock weight with all my leftover sock yarn. I didn't understand the short rows being after the yoke on the back. I skipped them. I'm used to the short rows done at the neck. It still turned out beautifully.
A sock yarn sweater sounds really fun!
I feel like I can never see too many of these alterations video. Yours are really informative. I don’t think I’ll ever need bust darts because my chest is small, but I’m still curious of how you do them. Do you have a video about that. I appreciate you being honest about not loving the sweater yet and that you are got to rip it back to fix that. I have my very first cardigan that I finished over a year ago and I love everything, but the arms (too small). I convinced myself that it’s done now and I’ll have to live with it….but I’m starting to think I might try to re-do them 😬
I don't have a video for short Row bust darts yet.... 😁 I think it's not too late to fix your cardigan - you've spent a lot of time knitting it so it's worth the time to make it fit properly.
Your's turned out beautiful. Love it !! I (FINALLY ) finished mine but so hard to say I did the flax lite if asked which pattern. I struggle with what to say without a description of everything that is different. I went for fabric as well , (super wash yarn ) and took your advice on using upper bust , 5" difference. I assigned more stitches to front , less to back, put it in for a soak, just as I was getting to sleeve separation (love those silicone cords so fast on and off) this gave me my first larger clue (after the washed swatch) to how it would hang. I did rip back bottom , Franken-Flax Lite went through changes around the hips, tried a few things, it now has a long decorative ribbing , but has a split hem and once again, did one last soak to be sure, did I want to cast off ? Are we good ? lol , 3 month project for me.
There is more but just want to say, you have been so helpful .
Haha - yes, knitting a sweater and making modifications takes TIME (and ripping back and adjusting). But it's worth it when you have a sweater you love.
That lace ribbing is really cool! In the stitch dictionary, is it a ribbing, or did you adapt it to make it one?
It was already a ribbing - I didn't have to adapt it at all (I think - it's been a few months so I may be misremembering!).
Instead of making the hem longer, have you considered just adding an inch of short rows in the back? I think it hits you at just the right spot in the front but I’ve found the my sweaters tend to come up in the back as soon as I move in them. Then I knit a great pattern by Heidi Kirrmaier (“Over the top”) that has short rows in the front AND back and … tada!! No more riding up. 😀
Just a thought…
That's a great idea!
Good episode! another tip…foundation garment! if you wear a bra, try on your sweater with the bra!
Yes! Thank you! I should have mentioned that in the video!
Perhaps this sweater isn't for me after all. I am pear shaped, not good at math and made one, poor seamed sweater.
You would just need to make different modifications- choose a size to fit your shoulders then add increases for the body.