I improvise patterns all the time and my biggest bit of advice would be to be prepared to make mistakes and rip out. You’re right, there’s so much to learn when improvising and like you showed sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. Be adventurous, it’s only knitting and if you’re knitting with good yarn, then lucky you, you get to knit it twice!
Oh my my my Tayler... thank you for this video. Thank you for the inspiration. And most of all, thank you for sharing your knowledge. I really really really do appreciate everything that you do for us. You now have inspired me to knit my own frankensweater... hehehe... I cannot wait for you to show us once you're finished with yours. Have a wonderful rest of your day!
Ann Budd has several books of templates for making sweaters from the top down, bottom up, raglan, saddle shoulder, set-in sleeves and just about any way you want to combine elements. I really enjoy using her books.
all of the sweaters I have knitted and crocheted have been improvised. My biggest advice is that you are going to rip things out, and that is fully okay. Put in lifelines and be excited when you rip it out because you just get to knit that sweater for even longer and that's exciting because we love knitting!
I do improvise to a point, by adding cables or lace to a front, changing gauge, changing the sleeves. I am one of those people that loves the math. I love Fringe Association, I used to read it all the time. She has a lot of sewing content too. I'm so glad she is still blogging. I need to catch up
Suzanne Simpson Bryan, on RUclips, has a sweater recipe called ITAG that shows you how to build a sweater for your individual body. Using your gage. She is very knowledgeable.
I live for this topic! Knitting math is a topic hard to find out here!!! I am a 2XL male, and many things dont fit, it is nice to find a way to make a pattern you love that can fit. Gauge is the key, but I keep searching ways to learn! thanks for sharing your journey! safe travels
My pleasure Phillip! Here's another video I created a couple of months ago that may appeal to you: ruclips.net/video/GBXNJLlrP4A/видео.html I think that being able to modify the sizing of a sweater is not only liberating, it really contributes to more knitting confidence. Enjoy!
I knitted two sweaters that came out kind of ok but not perfect. Then I decided to “make one up.” I’ve always been more of an engineer than a direction-follower (engineer - not artist, alas) and I figured it would be a really great lesson in sweater construction. It was - there are some definitely “funny” things about that sweater, but I learned so much. Occasionally dove into “how to attach arms with no holes underneath” type videos. Once I find a thing I like - for you, it’s the rolled neck, right? - I do tend to incorporate it into other pieces. Love that. I also try to keep notes, but get lazy about writing them so that other people could read them like a pattern. Arithmetic and ratios come into my world, too, and I love that. One of the reasons I love knitting is that it’s mathematical and orderly and makes sense, beautifully symmetrical. Anyway, I loved your Frankinsweater episode and many thanks!
Sometimes I find a pattern I like, but I don't have the same yarn, or I'd like to use a different yarn, or it doesn't come in my size. I've done it more in crochet than knitting, but yes, there is a lot of maths involved, but it's so worth it in the end. Similar to a cooking recipe, I try to do it exactly as it is written, test the final project, then improvise the second, third, etc. times around. Friends + family usually get to benefit from my experimentation. I would love to have a second set of eyes on my garments on needles. Often one can get too close to the work, emotionally speaking, with the time put into it. Most of the time, I put the project down for a few days to cool off, then go back at it with a clear head.
I’m way to intimidated to try but wish I had the confidence in my knitting. I’ve been knitting for well over 45 yrs. and do knit all types of garments and accessories. I will make adjustments to patterns but that’s about it. I admire designers that design beautiful garments, their creativity shines through.💕. Iris
When you are taking little bits and adding them up to be YOUR sweater, it is a new design, designed by you. I would bet that most professional designers do that exact thing at least sometimes. Look at bits of other designers and then put them together into their new and unique design. I am currently trying something like that out myself. It is exciting. I think the one piece that is important is that darn gauge swatch. Then you have a number to do the math with which could make it a bit more predictable. Thanks for another very informative and interesting episode. I love that you shared this with you and it was very clear how you are going about things. Also, I have been in touch with Lovely Valley Wool and she sent me a sample of all 3 yarns. I am trying to destash right now but plan on ordering yarn in the spring. I loved the yarn. Can't wait to see what you are planning. I'm planning an Anna Johanna color work cardigan.
Funny thing is I used to improvise sweaters when I first started knitting a very long time ago, before the internet was a thing. Nowadays there are so many patterns I can't be bothered, I just tweak a pattern to my liking. I do improvise accessories all the time though, especially when I just want a project to keep my hands busy.
So, I recently had to improvise a pieced sweater because I’m a plus-sized gal and the pattern is vintage and didn’t go up to my size. The ‘template’ that I was using, like you, called for a different weight yarn. Making a gauge swatch (which, I too, hate to do) was really key. I could then determine how many stitches I would need and would, therefore, give me a better idea of which size in my template pattern to follow. I have collar and pockets still to do, but the overall fit of my sweater is 👌🏻👌🏻.
As someone who’s bust and waist, and hip measurements all belong to different sizings, I feel like all clothing I knit is improvised 😅 so hearing about this is super helpful!
I love that you are going through this process. As a plus size knitter that was knitting MANY years ago where there weren't that many patterns in plus size, i had to figure out how to create it.
I am inspired to knit more sweaters from different designers this year. I want to learn more about sweater construction and what fits me best. I've knit a few sweaters last year and learned so much from each one. Safe travels and enjoys your family time!
I'm a hard-core improviser with everything. My mother complains I have never followed a recipe (which is true) so everything I make turns out slightly different each time. I just never find things that have EVERYTHING I want and I lose patience trying to track down the perfect pattern so I Frankenstein a lot. I do have a couple of books on sweater making which help quite a bit and i kind of use them as a backstop. The Knitter's Handy Books of Top Down Sweaters (Ann Budd) and The Art of Seamless Knitting which has a lot of information on how to convert flat patterns to seamless. I don't know if it's confidence or stupidity but it usually all works out in the end even if i probably takes twice as long (due to lots of ripping).
Thx Tyler. Your explanation (although it sounded complex) was actually very clear and easy to follow. BTW - love that little journal. I make notes on my patterns all the time. I normally use Ravit/Ravelry or write on the actual pattern but when you are making a Franken-work that can be tricky. 🧶🧶😊
Your first Frankinsweater was gorgeous too! I can’t wait to see your Fishermen’s wool sweater done!!!!! 🧶 My brain did explode a little but you do make it sound easier than I imagined it was to put it together. 😳😍 Have a fabulous week, Tayler. 🌸🌻🌼
Definitely enjoy listening to your process for this Frankensweater! When you embark on piecing things together there will likely be some backtracking, that is totally expected. Back in the day (LOL, pre-internet) there were books...my favorites were Jaqueline Fee's "Sweater Workshop" and Ann Budd's "Handy Book of Patterns" and also "Handy Book of Sweater Patterns". Also, "Knitter's Guide to Sweater Design" by Michelson and Davis. These books are dated but there is so much to learn from them.
Yes, I am very interested in improvising my own sweaters. I have attempted it a couple of time with disappointing results. Now that I am wiser, I realize that I didn't consider (1) the yarn I was using (rarely the correct yarn for the gauge stated on the pattern since I was determined to use the yarn I loved from my stash), and (2) not taking into account the number of stitches in the motif I was trying to incorporate into the garment (like eyelets, bubbles, and cables). Basically, I went into the process with blind enthusiasm. Since, I got the Vogue Knitting book and that has been enlightening!
When I was a kid my mom used to speak about knitting like it was this magical power; about women who could pull out a ball of yarn and a pair of needles and just start knitting out sweaters. I did my first improvised vest for my son this year and I really want to do something like your sweater for myself at some point (I'm still taking in all the techniques I can learn from all the beautiful patterns out there). Your sweater is looking beautiful, thank you for all the wonderful tips!
Improvising Is what I do all the time (you can check my Ravelry projects). But I do make a swatch first. And often there's some frogging involved too ...
It was such a breakthrough for me when I figured out that I can knit different sizes on the same garment. i.e. size large for width and small or medium for length. Fit changer for sure! Love your chats.
I need to knit a pullover. I have knit a long sweater jacket and a baby cardigan, but never a pullover. So many projects, so little time! I'll get there, I promise. Love your sweater--you have the coolest yarn pairings! Have fun in Dallas!
I had translated the no frills into a worsted pattern starting with a gauge swatch with yarn I liked. I used the % method you mentioned to scale the stitch counts for the whole sweater to be the exact same measurements and learned so many pattern translating techniques you mentioned here. This video has inspired me to take those skills and use it to mash up sweater pattern pieces I like into a custom me sweater! Thanks !
Kaylyn that sounds amazing! Way to go and thank you so much for your kind words. It means a lot to know that this video has been a source of that inspiration. ❤️
Thanks for sharing- just today I was checking out one of my ‘very’ old German knitting magazines- there was a sweater I thought I may use as some guidance- funny how the whole print is no bigger than the size of my I phone - even with pattern cut lol - and of course bottom up - my preference still - I have a hard time with top down- but I worked a simple one from a RUclips tut - just to use up some 30 year old German wool yarn (label still said 2.38 German Mark 😊) miss my old German yarn stores 🧶 I’m currently trying to design a piece and going through the process- sketching- finding cable patterns etc - it’s an adventure- just for the fun of it Always enjoy your content 👍happy knitting
I have knitted a single raglan sweater. It it came out great and fit perfectly. I didn't do a gauge swatch at all. I would like to do one with short rows on the back and that's what is holding me up to really make different sweaters.
First, thanks for this video! Highly instructive, I will definitely check the website you talked about. I do improvise sweater a lot. I often use free pattern from Drops Design to guide me and take bit and piece from sweater with the same yarn weight or with some elements that I like in them. I will surely try to challenge my self with a top down sweater since I only improvise sweater 'in pieces' so far!
I really like the idea of personalizing pieces. I'm also interested in trying kidsilk with other yarns. I know you've mentioned before that you have an informational video on the subject. I can't find it and have two items that I'm considering trying kidsilk with and would like to know more about any gauge change, things to look for, and any other pointers on what to expect. I'm excited to use yarn pairing on two items 1) Fisherman's wool for a cabled cardigan (to soften the fabric) [I want to improvise to match a Ganni inspired shorter cable sweater..totally confident, after hearing your ramble!] 2) 100% Merino Superwash - I hear it stretches and would benefit from a pairing with kidsilk. btw, I am also very excited to cast on Firepit Mitts (wool arrived today!)
This is so generous of you to share your sweater journey with us. Glad to hear that you received insightful advice and approached it with such grace😉. So exciting to follow along. Fringe Assoc. was and still remains a wonderful source and insight for improv sweaters! Safe travels! 🤗🇨🇦
From the beginning, I loved your neck construction. I had already bought the magnolia sweater and the Felix sweater patterns because you had mentioned them. I am getting back into knitting after 30 years of being away. I enjoy your podcasts.
I’m really looking forward to improvising a sweater this year. One of my knitting goals for 2023 is to get more comfortable with creating my own patterns, not for selling or anything, but to improve my knitting skills and knowledge. Your knitting project notebook is inspiring me to create a digital notebook for my knitting project that has my measurements along with some handy information like what makes yarn chunky vs aran among some other things that I always forget and have to look up. I have to say, I absolutely adore watching your videos. I love your confidence and the fun you have with knitting! Thanks for putting out fun content to knit along to :)
I loved rthis episode. I improvised several patterns and made a Frankenstein dress. Is it perfect, probably not. But I own the ideas and the courage. And that is enough for me! Knit on ❤
Before Christmas I mentioned I was making my first ever sweater and it's a cardigan. What I didn't mention was that it is also a frankensweater. In the 1980's I got a beautiful boucle coat sweater that I still wear several times a week, but it's getting old. I saw a completely inappropriate yarn that I loved the colors of and decided to recreate my sweater using that yarn. Only, the original sweater is made from fingering weight and I've only ever used worsted weight and the new yarn is DK weight. So I took measurements of the original sweater and figured out the stitches needed and rows needed to get the right shape, then I doubled the DK weight strands to equal the worsted weight I'm used to using and did a test swatch to make sure my guage wasn't too far off. But instead of a boucle type stitch, I'm doing straight stockinette because that's what my skillset can handle right now.
I haven’t knit a sweater in years but you have inspired me I’ve never knit a top down sweater, but I like the thought of being able to try it on to check the fit. Thank you for all the great info!
Lovin’ your newsletter Tayler! Thank you for taking the time and energy to gift us that - much appreciated. Your franken-sweater is so awesome😊. I love taking a simple stockinette pattern and making it my own with lace, different neckline or hem etc. like you are doing. It’s great fun - can’t wait to see how you proceed!
thx for the KT info--i have 'improvised' and tinkered w/ patterns using Ann Budd's terrific top-down swtr book, but i found useful stuff with KT, esp abt 'basted seams.' and i love the 'Frankensweater' term! 🙂
I am definitely interested in making a sweater similar to that one! It looks completely cosy and seems to have the style elements I will love as well.❤️
I've made 2 sweaters that needed major tailoring. Thanks to my LYS I was able to get my sweater to fit. I'm not doing a test using a cowl pattern to get my gauge and formalize my design. So exciting. I try it on frequently and don't be afraid to go back to fix things
Hi Tayler love your channel 🧶🥰 I don’t always comment but I do enjoy your channel. I hope to learn more about knitting so I can knit myself wearables. Love listening to your process in making your sweater. I love the way it looks now. The yarn 🧶 is beautiful together. What a great person to contact you and let you know about the stitch count!👍🏻👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thank you so much for watching (and for commenting) Debbie. This means a lot to me, truly. ❤️ And I agree. The person who got in touch really saved me a lot of time and trouble. Bless their kindness. ❤️
I like how you are sharing your improv journey with us. I have a fantasy-self that is going to design a top inspired by a combo of retail photos. (I’ve done countless modifications to any project I have embarked on whether sewing, knitting, or crocheting)
I almost always improvise a pattern because I don't like the yarn used, never can locally find the yarn used, won't pay the price of shipping, and really love searching through my stash and skein squeezing. Oh - and frogging for someone in their 70's is - well - just life.
I’m a chaotic self taught knitter so I improvise all the time 😂 I saw one video on how to knit a top down raglan sweater and I’ve made 3 sweaters just by trusting my own math and being willing to unravel when I get in the weeds. I’m hoping to become better at reading patterns. I get annoyed when I can’t follow patterns properly so I just wing it on my own.
I did this with an impromtu Christmas Sweater for my son. Which he requested on about the 10th December! Round yoke (l increased ten times then 4 rows without increases, then increased ten times again, and so on) and l think the sleeves are rather tight but it is cheap, rough, acrylic so it will stretch out, l hope. I really consider it a 'fancy dress item' but even so, it was fun and l have learned a lot. Just making a santa hat in the leftover yarns and then it can go in the Christmas boxes (it's 15th Jan) and l can go back to my lovely soft squishy yarn projects!
My very first sweater isn't what you'd call a Frankenstein sweater but it was definitely a lesson in gauge swatching (or at least, reading/measuring...). I followed directions to a T but failed to realize that the yarn I was using (fingering) wasn't going to translate into a similar sized sweater with the pattern I used (bulky XD). We'll just say that it was much tinier than expected. The following sweater I made, I used similar weight yarn but neglected to learn about built in ease so that one was a little bit of a nice merino burlap sack. I did learn a lot from those two seater mistakes and have gotten to be much more confident about what I'm doing. The most intimidating thing for sure was the mathing involved but once I realized that it was just a few ratios/percentages, I felt like I could reasonably tackle any pattern and modify it to my liking. My most recent modification was taking the Ghost Horses pattern by Caitlin Hunter and using fingering weight rather than sport. I did a fast and dirty colorwork swatch of the horse part and measured and then used those numbers to make sure that the size I chose to knit (smallest size) would give me something that fit my preteen. That project is probably my proudest modified sweater. I'm currently modifying a men's hoodie pattern I found to fit my child as well so we'll see how it goes!
Hello to you! I am in the same process right now. I think you do well so far... For my part, I find improvising a sweater is challenging (it is not my first time) and it is a brain exercise that's worht it... Once you will be done, you will be proud of your work! I can't wait to see the finished garment!
I love what you’ve done so far and I admire your design. For the timid here in the comments I’d like to suggest The Knitter's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns by Ann Budd. It’s a great reference for the beginner. The book include stitch counts for various yarn gauges.
This sweater is 🔥!! I’m super excited for my projects this year ❤ I just bought my yarn for the Slow Down sweater you mentioned in your previous video. I fell in love 😍 and had to add it to my queue for this year. I fell in love with fiber through crochet so I’m goal this year is to make a garment in knit, crochet and Tunisian crochet 🧶
I appreciate your transparency! I'm currently meshing 2 patterns, taking one for construction with cables (from a vneck cardigan that I adore) and the other for counts from a vest. I definitely should have gauge swatched!! Especially when adding cables with how they might affect overall fit and drape of a garment
I am a new subscriber! I have knitted (I also crochet) for many years but I rarely finish a whole sweater. I have trouble putting them together and getting the size right. I am surprised how many times the directions just weren't correct, but often it is Me that is the problem--gage and stuff. I am enjoying all of your own experience and all you are learning. I understood your directions (but I had to listen twice!). I have many projects started but not finished. I think I am afraid to try to finish them because they won't come out right! I am not afraid to rip out and redo, however. But I am loving to hear about your own experiments, and I love the patterns you choose! I am signed up for Ravelry, but I don't know how exactly to use it. Could you devote a video to learning to use Ravelry? Or maybe only a few minutes would be needed! Thanks!
Love all your episodes, Taylor. I finished a pair of dk/worsted stripey socks last week and decided to use all the leftover for a pair of your Fire Pit Mitts...I can't wait to have them finished. I think they will be so amazing with this yarn. Safe travels!
Really interesting Tayler. I was just thinking about doing something similar. I usually find collars too wide, so I have been wanting to try a sweater with a narrow neck so that it would be closer to my neck. I also find sweaters to be too oversized, so I make them smaller, and longer. So I am looking to find my favorite sizing and style and from there will be able to make sweaters using that recipe 🤗
I love improvising sweaters! It helps you make adjustments to your body shape, too. My favorite technique as I go is laying out a sweater that fits me well and checking the improv sweater measurements against that. Right now my best template is a Gudrun Sjoden *did I spell that right?* cardigan in size medium, which gives me perfect ease and armhole placement. I'm very much a visual/spatial knitter and love to see the shape happening as I go.
My first two sweaters are on the needles now - first one I inherited and found a rough pattern to match the yarn and needles it was on when my deceased friend started it. Second one, a ombre yarn eater by westknits - ripped out the neck before I got to the ribbing - not sure how I'm going to finish that but I'm already learning a lot about how sweater knitting works.
Wow what an adventure to embark on, and quite an emotional one as well. Your friend would be proud. And this process is really a masterclass in sweater knitting and construction. Best of luck, and I'm sorry for your loss. ❤️
Oh my, there was so much packed into this one. Really enjoying this walk through the Frankensweater and thinking about how I might combine different patterns someday when my skills are better. And the blog recommendation for Karen Templer! I didn't know that was there; thank you. Also, I have a vague idea that you have previously talked about that olive green bag behind your right shoulder, and I wasn't paying close enough attention at the time. Could you please just tell me who made that bag so I can go look for one (or similar)?
I'm not reading other comments so this may have already been said, but you can figure out all the math pretty easily from the Knitting Without Tears book by Elizabeth Zimmerman. It's pretty much the same thing as your method but everything is all in one place. Also Karen Templar's posts on improvising a top-down sweater convinced me to make my sleeves flat on my current make and my main takeaway is that I would be done now if I'd knit them in the round... ugh. Currently the sleeves are blocking so I can seam them.
@@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS of course I made this comment moments before I realized my own mash-up of a sweater was not working through the raglan increases because of faulty row gauge, my number one nemesis!
the only place I can find the fisherman wool is Joann and it seem like it's 20 dollars a skein? I am confused if I have a wrong idea of what a budget yarn is or if the price is hiked up because I'm not in the US?
Hi! Gosh I love your podcast!! Fun and informative! Am a wee bit addicted! I am very curious to know,when you cobbled together your ideas for an improvised sweater, why did you choose the yoke of the Felix vs. the No Frills ? I love the chunky doubled collar!
I am a very loose knitter and have trouble matching any gauge in any pattern because of the way I hold my needles and yarn. (I have disabilities that limit my dexterity.) So I’ve always had a fear of doing fitted garments of any kind. If I ever did do a sweater it would probably be an improvised one of some sort, maybe with help from Elizabeth Zimmermann and Tin Can Knits. I love the idea of using the Fisherman’s Wool. I’d also like to put a cable in mine somewhere; I’m kind of thinking just below the neckline in the yoke area? I dunno. I’m just thinking out loud at this moment. But before I do anything I have to get brave enough first.
I have the same problem! I am a loose knitter struggling with disabilities! I cheer you on - it can be a hard slog especially when others don’t understand the unique struggles of disabled knitting. Good luck!
I am working on a sweater right now and did not realize that the body, which is almost complete, is too wide ! Now, I need to frog it 😫 so I can adjust it to my body. It’s so frustrating that I get so obsessed 😵💫🧶!!!
I've seen the sweater before, but I don't think you've mentioned before what fibers surrey IS, so I appreciate that, since I'm more used to working with acrylic yarn. I actually typed in a few days ago "surry wool" and couldn't find anything. So, that makes sense why. Also, is it spelled surry, surrey, or surri, or some other way? 😄
Great question. It’s hard to say at this point, but I think I really like a circular yoke for my shoulders. I have broadish shoulders and I think it’s a nice fit. ❤️
Thank you for influencing me to use LB Fishermen's Wool. I have knitted the Grate pattern sweater on Ravelry. My name there is katmrina. Right now I am finishing the #saturdayshrug by Jackie Cody Jax
I'm reintroducing myself to knitting after a 40+ year break and have really been enjoying your channel. Thank you for sharing. I'm curious though, at what point does a Frankensweater become your own design?
I look forward to seeing your FO. I have made a couple sweaters that were total “Frankenstein” and I did learn a Ton. I have a question for you, how do you do your folded collar? I’ve been wanting to do this an don’t know if you sew it down or provisional cast on. Thanks for another great podcast.
Hi Carrie! Thank you for watching! And for the rolled collar, Stephen West has a great tutorial for it (and it's the way I do it): ruclips.net/video/kJLwSJIBRJQ/видео.html
Ive recently encountered your channel and really enjoy your content. I'm happy to follow a pattern but love to improvise. I'm going to suggest another RUclips channel called Aurora Yarns. Irit, the channel creator has something called a half and half sweater. I'm preparing to make my second one. Yes, it is crochet, however she knits and suggests you can also knit this. Check her out if you get a chance
So the long tail cast-on works well for almost all instances, but just be sure the provisional cast-on doesn't have a good reason for being provisional (which it usually does). Whenever there are instructions for a provisional cast on, there are usually things being done later in the pattern with those live stitches that you wouldn't have if you did a long tail cast on instead. 👍
Literally every sweater I've ever knit has been frankensteined or from a recipe or self drafted. My grandmother and mother taught me how to knit and they never used patterns and now I find them too restrictive. I do have a bin full of stitch pattern swatches as a result though. Not to mention a few ugly sweaters lol.
The next time you do a raglan instead of a kfb on both sides of the raglan shaping try this KBF on the first side. Puts the little Purl like bump on the right side of the stitch instead of the left. Your increases will be mirrored. ruclips.net/video/69M6RBxX-3o/видео.html
I teach at a community college and once received training on constructive criticism. We call it a 'love sandwich'. Point out something good, gently provide the recommendation, end with a positive. For example, "The sweater is beautiful, and it's amazing to think this is fishermen's wool! I also love making sweaters, and I wonder if you may have too many underarm stitches and that's why it has that shape. Something to think about. Looking forward to grabbing some fishermen's wool and giving a frankensweater a whirl!" 😁
I improvise patterns all the time and my biggest bit of advice would be to be prepared to make mistakes and rip out. You’re right, there’s so much to learn when improvising and like you showed sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. Be adventurous, it’s only knitting and if you’re knitting with good yarn, then lucky you, you get to knit it twice!
100% agree!!! ❤ It’s such a great way to customize and get the fit you want but you have to accept that ripping back is part of the process!
Oh my my my Tayler... thank you for this video. Thank you for the inspiration. And most of all, thank you for sharing your knowledge. I really really really do appreciate everything that you do for us. You now have inspired me to knit my own frankensweater... hehehe... I cannot wait for you to show us once you're finished with yours. Have a wonderful rest of your day!
Ann Budd has several books of templates for making sweaters from the top down, bottom up, raglan, saddle shoulder, set-in sleeves and just about any way you want to combine elements. I really enjoy using her books.
all of the sweaters I have knitted and crocheted have been improvised. My biggest advice is that you are going to rip things out, and that is fully okay. Put in lifelines and be excited when you rip it out because you just get to knit that sweater for even longer and that's exciting because we love knitting!
I do improvise to a point, by adding cables or lace to a front, changing gauge, changing the sleeves. I am one of those people that loves the math. I love Fringe Association, I used to read it all the time. She has a lot of sewing content too. I'm so glad she is still blogging. I need to catch up
Suzanne Simpson Bryan, on RUclips, has a sweater recipe called ITAG that shows you how to build a sweater for your individual body. Using your gage. She is very knowledgeable.
I live for this topic! Knitting math is a topic hard to find out here!!! I am a 2XL male, and many things dont fit, it is nice to find a way to make a pattern you love that can fit. Gauge is the key, but I keep searching ways to learn! thanks for sharing your journey! safe travels
My pleasure Phillip! Here's another video I created a couple of months ago that may appeal to you:
ruclips.net/video/GBXNJLlrP4A/видео.html
I think that being able to modify the sizing of a sweater is not only liberating, it really contributes to more knitting confidence.
Enjoy!
I knitted two sweaters that came out kind of ok but not perfect. Then I decided to “make one up.” I’ve always been more of an engineer than a direction-follower (engineer - not artist, alas) and I figured it would be a really great lesson in sweater construction. It was - there are some definitely “funny” things about that sweater, but I learned so much. Occasionally dove into “how to attach arms with no holes underneath” type videos.
Once I find a thing I like - for you, it’s the rolled neck, right? - I do tend to incorporate it into other pieces. Love that. I also try to keep notes, but get lazy about writing them so that other people could read them like a pattern. Arithmetic and ratios come into my world, too, and I love that. One of the reasons I love knitting is that it’s mathematical and orderly and makes sense, beautifully symmetrical.
Anyway, I loved your Frankinsweater episode and many thanks!
Sometimes I find a pattern I like, but I don't have the same yarn, or I'd like to use a different yarn, or it doesn't come in my size. I've done it more in crochet than knitting, but yes, there is a lot of maths involved, but it's so worth it in the end.
Similar to a cooking recipe, I try to do it exactly as it is written, test the final project, then improvise the second, third, etc. times around. Friends + family usually get to benefit from my experimentation.
I would love to have a second set of eyes on my garments on needles. Often one can get too close to the work, emotionally speaking, with the time put into it. Most of the time, I put the project down for a few days to cool off, then go back at it with a clear head.
I am so invested in this sweater and your podcast and I’m a crocheter 😂 I’m trying to learn how to knit though.
I’m way to intimidated to try but wish I had the confidence in my knitting. I’ve been knitting for well over 45 yrs. and do knit all types of garments and accessories. I will make adjustments to patterns but that’s about it. I admire designers that design beautiful garments, their creativity shines through.💕. Iris
When you are taking little bits and adding them up to be YOUR sweater, it is a new design, designed by you. I would bet that most professional designers do that exact thing at least sometimes. Look at bits of other designers and then put them together into their new and unique design. I am currently trying something like that out myself. It is exciting. I think the one piece that is important is that darn gauge swatch. Then you have a number to do the math with which could make it a bit more predictable.
Thanks for another very informative and interesting episode. I love that you shared this with you and it was very clear how you are going about things.
Also, I have been in touch with Lovely Valley Wool and she sent me a sample of all 3 yarns. I am trying to destash right now but plan on ordering yarn in the spring. I loved the yarn. Can't wait to see what you are planning. I'm planning an Anna Johanna color work cardigan.
love the hole improvised idea, it gives me confidence to experiment as well
Funny thing is I used to improvise sweaters when I first started knitting a very long time ago, before the internet was a thing. Nowadays there are so many patterns I can't be bothered, I just tweak a pattern to my liking. I do improvise accessories all the time though, especially when I just want a project to keep my hands busy.
So, I recently had to improvise a pieced sweater because I’m a plus-sized gal and the pattern is vintage and didn’t go up to my size. The ‘template’ that I was using, like you, called for a different weight yarn. Making a gauge swatch (which, I too, hate to do) was really key. I could then determine how many stitches I would need and would, therefore, give me a better idea of which size in my template pattern to follow. I have collar and pockets still to do, but the overall fit of my sweater is 👌🏻👌🏻.
As someone who’s bust and waist, and hip measurements all belong to different sizings, I feel like all clothing I knit is improvised 😅 so hearing about this is super helpful!
I love that you are going through this process. As a plus size knitter that was knitting MANY years ago where there weren't that many patterns in plus size, i had to figure out how to create it.
😊 Thank you. Safe travels
I love the idea of improvising. I’ve done small stuff like changing a neck or hem style. I don’t know how to do the math to go any deeper than that.
I am inspired to knit more sweaters from different designers this year. I want to learn more about sweater construction and what fits me best. I've knit a few sweaters last year and learned so much from each one. Safe travels and enjoys your family time!
I'm a hard-core improviser with everything. My mother complains I have never followed a recipe (which is true) so everything I make turns out slightly different each time. I just never find things that have EVERYTHING I want and I lose patience trying to track down the perfect pattern so I Frankenstein a lot. I do have a couple of books on sweater making which help quite a bit and i kind of use them as a backstop. The Knitter's Handy Books of Top Down Sweaters (Ann Budd) and The Art of Seamless Knitting which has a lot of information on how to convert flat patterns to seamless. I don't know if it's confidence or stupidity but it usually all works out in the end even if i probably takes twice as long (due to lots of ripping).
Thx Tyler. Your explanation (although it sounded complex) was actually very clear and easy to follow. BTW - love that little journal. I make notes on my patterns all the time. I normally use Ravit/Ravelry or write on the actual pattern but when you are making a Franken-work that can be tricky. 🧶🧶😊
Your first Frankinsweater was gorgeous too! I can’t wait to see your Fishermen’s wool sweater done!!!!! 🧶 My brain did explode a little but you do make it sound easier than I imagined it was to put it together. 😳😍 Have a fabulous week, Tayler. 🌸🌻🌼
I am officially caught up on all your podcasts!
Definitely enjoy listening to your process for this Frankensweater! When you embark on piecing things together there will likely be some backtracking, that is totally expected. Back in the day (LOL, pre-internet) there were books...my favorites were Jaqueline Fee's "Sweater Workshop" and Ann Budd's "Handy Book of Patterns" and also "Handy Book of Sweater Patterns". Also, "Knitter's Guide to Sweater Design" by Michelson and Davis. These books are dated but there is so much to learn from them.
I “Frankenstein-ed” a sweater for my nephew. I think I ended up knitting it about 4 times by the time I had it to my liking 😂
Yes, I am very interested in improvising my own sweaters. I have attempted it a couple of time with disappointing results. Now that I am wiser, I realize that I didn't consider (1) the yarn I was using (rarely the correct yarn for the gauge stated on the pattern since I was determined to use the yarn I loved from my stash), and (2) not taking into account the number of stitches in the motif I was trying to incorporate into the garment (like eyelets, bubbles, and cables). Basically, I went into the process with blind enthusiasm. Since, I got the Vogue Knitting book and that has been enlightening!
When I was a kid my mom used to speak about knitting like it was this magical power; about women who could pull out a ball of yarn and a pair of needles and just start knitting out sweaters. I did my first improvised vest for my son this year and I really want to do something like your sweater for myself at some point (I'm still taking in all the techniques I can learn from all the beautiful patterns out there). Your sweater is looking beautiful, thank you for all the wonderful tips!
Improvising Is what I do all the time (you can check my Ravelry projects). But I do make a swatch first. And often there's some frogging involved too ...
I completely love your podcast and I don’t even knit…….yet. 😊😊😊 Thank you.
Thank you so much Christine. That means way more than you know. ❤️
It was such a breakthrough for me when I figured out that I can knit different sizes on the same garment. i.e. size large for width and small or medium for length. Fit changer for sure! Love your chats.
I need to knit a pullover. I have knit a long sweater jacket and a baby cardigan, but never a pullover. So many projects, so little time! I'll get there, I promise. Love your sweater--you have the coolest yarn pairings! Have fun in Dallas!
I had translated the no frills into a worsted pattern starting with a gauge swatch with yarn I liked. I used the % method you mentioned to scale the stitch counts for the whole sweater to be the exact same measurements and learned so many pattern translating techniques you mentioned here. This video has inspired me to take those skills and use it to mash up sweater pattern pieces I like into a custom me sweater! Thanks !
Kaylyn that sounds amazing! Way to go and thank you so much for your kind words. It means a lot to know that this video has been a source of that inspiration. ❤️
I bought the Strange Brew pattern. It is 37 pages. It is more of a sweater knitting guideline than a patterm
Thanks for all the great tips - looks great so far!!
Thanks for sharing- just today I was checking out one of my ‘very’ old German knitting magazines- there was a sweater I thought I may use as some guidance- funny how the whole print is no bigger than the size of my I phone - even with pattern cut lol - and of course bottom up - my preference still - I have a hard time with top down- but I worked a simple one from a RUclips tut - just to use up some 30 year old German wool yarn (label still said 2.38 German Mark 😊) miss my old German yarn stores 🧶 I’m currently trying to design a piece and going through the process- sketching- finding cable patterns etc - it’s an adventure- just for the fun of it
Always enjoy your content 👍happy knitting
I have knitted a single raglan sweater. It it came out great and fit perfectly. I didn't do a gauge swatch at all. I would like to do one with short rows on the back and that's what is holding me up to really make different sweaters.
First, thanks for this video! Highly instructive, I will definitely check the website you talked about. I do improvise sweater a lot. I often use free pattern from Drops Design to guide me and take bit and piece from sweater with the same yarn weight or with some elements that I like in them. I will surely try to challenge my self with a top down sweater since I only improvise sweater 'in pieces' so far!
I really like the idea of personalizing pieces. I'm also interested in trying kidsilk with other yarns. I know you've mentioned before that you have an informational video on the subject. I can't find it and have two items that I'm considering trying kidsilk with and would like to know more about any gauge change, things to look for, and any other pointers on what to expect. I'm excited to use yarn pairing on two items 1) Fisherman's wool for a cabled cardigan (to soften the fabric) [I want to improvise to match a Ganni inspired shorter cable sweater..totally confident, after hearing your ramble!] 2) 100% Merino Superwash - I hear it stretches and would benefit from a pairing with kidsilk. btw, I am also very excited to cast on Firepit Mitts (wool arrived today!)
This is so generous of you to share your sweater journey with us. Glad to hear that you received insightful advice and approached it with such grace😉. So exciting to follow along. Fringe Assoc. was and still remains a wonderful source and insight for improv sweaters! Safe travels! 🤗🇨🇦
From the beginning, I loved your neck construction. I had already bought the magnolia sweater and the Felix sweater patterns because you had mentioned them. I am getting back into knitting after 30 years of being away. I enjoy your podcasts.
I’m really looking forward to improvising a sweater this year. One of my knitting goals for 2023 is to get more comfortable with creating my own patterns, not for selling or anything, but to improve my knitting skills and knowledge. Your knitting project notebook is inspiring me to create a digital notebook for my knitting project that has my measurements along with some handy information like what makes yarn chunky vs aran among some other things that I always forget and have to look up. I have to say, I absolutely adore watching your videos. I love your confidence and the fun you have with knitting! Thanks for putting out fun content to knit along to :)
I loved rthis episode. I improvised several patterns and made a Frankenstein dress. Is it perfect, probably not. But I own the ideas and the courage. And that is enough for me! Knit on ❤
Before Christmas I mentioned I was making my first ever sweater and it's a cardigan. What I didn't mention was that it is also a frankensweater. In the 1980's I got a beautiful boucle coat sweater that I still wear several times a week, but it's getting old. I saw a completely inappropriate yarn that I loved the colors of and decided to recreate my sweater using that yarn. Only, the original sweater is made from fingering weight and I've only ever used worsted weight and the new yarn is DK weight. So I took measurements of the original sweater and figured out the stitches needed and rows needed to get the right shape, then I doubled the DK weight strands to equal the worsted weight I'm used to using and did a test swatch to make sure my guage wasn't too far off. But instead of a boucle type stitch, I'm doing straight stockinette because that's what my skillset can handle right now.
This is amazing! Good for you. It's a liberating and extremely satisfying experience and experiment in design. Let me know how it comes together!
Missus Earl: "In today's rather short episode..."
Me: (looks at time for the video, sees 22 minutes) 😄
I know! Lol I mean, it’s about 6 minutes shorter… 😂
@@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS 🤣
I haven’t knit a sweater in years but you have inspired me I’ve never knit a top down sweater, but I like the thought of being able to try it on to check the fit. Thank you for all the great info!
Lovin’ your newsletter Tayler! Thank you for taking the time and energy to gift us that - much appreciated. Your franken-sweater is so awesome😊. I love taking a simple stockinette pattern and making it my own with lace, different neckline or hem etc. like you are doing. It’s great fun - can’t wait to see how you proceed!
thx for the KT info--i have 'improvised' and tinkered w/ patterns using Ann Budd's terrific top-down swtr book, but i found useful stuff with KT, esp abt 'basted seams.' and i love the 'Frankensweater' term! 🙂
I am definitely interested in making a sweater similar to that one! It looks completely cosy and seems to have the style elements I will love as well.❤️
Great podcast! You've inspired me. Thank you.
I've made 2 sweaters that needed major tailoring. Thanks to my LYS I was able to get my sweater to fit. I'm not doing a test using a cowl pattern to get my gauge and formalize my design. So exciting. I try it on frequently and don't be afraid to go back to fix things
Hi Tayler love your channel 🧶🥰 I don’t always comment but I do enjoy your channel. I hope to learn more about knitting so I can knit myself wearables. Love listening to your process in making your sweater. I love the way it looks now. The yarn 🧶 is beautiful together. What a great person to contact you and let you know about the stitch count!👍🏻👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thank you so much for watching (and for commenting) Debbie. This means a lot to me, truly. ❤️
And I agree. The person who got in touch really saved me a lot of time and trouble. Bless their kindness. ❤️
I like how you are sharing your improv journey with us. I have a fantasy-self that is going to design a top inspired by a combo of retail photos. (I’ve done countless modifications to any project I have embarked on whether sewing, knitting, or crocheting)
Keep calling it Frankenstein sweater ❤
I love everything about this sweater project!
I almost always improvise a pattern because I don't like the yarn used, never can locally find the yarn used, won't pay the price of shipping, and really love searching through my stash and skein squeezing. Oh - and frogging for someone in their 70's is - well - just life.
This is an inspiration! Thanks!
I’m a chaotic self taught knitter so I improvise all the time 😂 I saw one video on how to knit a top down raglan sweater and I’ve made 3 sweaters just by trusting my own math and being willing to unravel when I get in the weeds. I’m hoping to become better at reading patterns. I get annoyed when I can’t follow patterns properly so I just wing it on my own.
Love your podcast!
Thanks so much for this content and I hope your trip is safe and wonderful!
Thank you! This was great video.
Thank you! I am totally excited about putting together a sweater. I have done a lot of Franken-socks and am more than ready to stretch my skills.
I did this with an impromtu Christmas Sweater for my son. Which he requested on about the 10th December!
Round yoke (l increased ten times then 4 rows without increases, then increased ten times again, and so on) and l think the sleeves are rather tight but it is cheap, rough, acrylic so it will stretch out, l hope.
I really consider it a 'fancy dress item' but even so, it was fun and l have learned a lot. Just making a santa hat in the leftover yarns and then it can go in the Christmas boxes (it's 15th Jan) and l can go back to my lovely soft squishy yarn projects!
My very first sweater isn't what you'd call a Frankenstein sweater but it was definitely a lesson in gauge swatching (or at least, reading/measuring...). I followed directions to a T but failed to realize that the yarn I was using (fingering) wasn't going to translate into a similar sized sweater with the pattern I used (bulky XD). We'll just say that it was much tinier than expected. The following sweater I made, I used similar weight yarn but neglected to learn about built in ease so that one was a little bit of a nice merino burlap sack. I did learn a lot from those two seater mistakes and have gotten to be much more confident about what I'm doing. The most intimidating thing for sure was the mathing involved but once I realized that it was just a few ratios/percentages, I felt like I could reasonably tackle any pattern and modify it to my liking. My most recent modification was taking the Ghost Horses pattern by Caitlin Hunter and using fingering weight rather than sport. I did a fast and dirty colorwork swatch of the horse part and measured and then used those numbers to make sure that the size I chose to knit (smallest size) would give me something that fit my preteen. That project is probably my proudest modified sweater. I'm currently modifying a men's hoodie pattern I found to fit my child as well so we'll see how it goes!
Hello to you! I am in the same process right now. I think you do well so far... For my part, I find improvising a sweater is challenging (it is not my first time) and it is a brain exercise that's worht it... Once you will be done, you will be proud of your work! I can't wait to see the finished garment!
I love what you’ve done so far and I admire your design. For the timid here in the comments I’d like to suggest The Knitter's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns by Ann Budd. It’s a great reference for the beginner. The book include stitch counts for various yarn gauges.
This sweater is 🔥!! I’m super excited for my projects this year ❤ I just bought my yarn for the Slow Down sweater you mentioned in your previous video. I fell in love 😍 and had to add it to my queue for this year. I fell in love with fiber through crochet so I’m goal this year is to make a garment in knit, crochet and Tunisian crochet 🧶
I appreciate your transparency! I'm currently meshing 2 patterns, taking one for construction with cables (from a vneck cardigan that I adore) and the other for counts from a vest. I definitely should have gauge swatched!! Especially when adding cables with how they might affect overall fit and drape of a garment
I improvise all the time! And if possible I try stuff on as I go ❤ Great video!
I am a new subscriber! I have knitted (I also crochet) for many years but I rarely finish a whole sweater. I have trouble putting them together and getting the size right. I am surprised how many times the directions just weren't correct, but often it is Me that is the problem--gage and stuff. I am enjoying all of your own experience and all you are learning. I understood your directions (but I had to listen twice!). I have many projects started but not finished. I think I am afraid to try to finish them because they won't come out right! I am not afraid to rip out and redo, however. But I am loving to hear about your own experiments, and I love the patterns you choose! I am signed up for Ravelry, but I don't know how exactly to use it. Could you devote a video to learning to use Ravelry? Or maybe only a few minutes would be needed! Thanks!
Love all your episodes, Taylor. I finished a pair of dk/worsted stripey socks last week and decided to use all the leftover for a pair of your Fire Pit Mitts...I can't wait to have them finished. I think they will be so amazing with this yarn. Safe travels!
Really interesting Tayler. I was just thinking about doing something similar. I usually find collars too wide, so I have been wanting to try a sweater with a narrow neck so that it would be closer to my neck. I also find sweaters to be too oversized, so I make them smaller, and longer. So I am looking to find my favorite sizing and style and from there will be able to make sweaters using that recipe 🤗
Your sweater is looking so yummy!!
I love improvising sweaters! It helps you make adjustments to your body shape, too. My favorite technique as I go is laying out a sweater that fits me well and checking the improv sweater measurements against that. Right now my best template is a Gudrun Sjoden *did I spell that right?* cardigan in size medium, which gives me perfect ease and armhole placement. I'm very much a visual/spatial knitter and love to see the shape happening as I go.
My first two sweaters are on the needles now - first one I inherited and found a rough pattern to match the yarn and needles it was on when my deceased friend started it. Second one, a ombre yarn eater by westknits - ripped out the neck before I got to the ribbing - not sure how I'm going to finish that but I'm already learning a lot about how sweater knitting works.
Wow what an adventure to embark on, and quite an emotional one as well. Your friend would be proud. And this process is really a masterclass in sweater knitting and construction. Best of luck, and I'm sorry for your loss. ❤️
Oh my, there was so much packed into this one. Really enjoying this walk through the Frankensweater and thinking about how I might combine different patterns someday when my skills are better. And the blog recommendation for Karen Templer! I didn't know that was there; thank you. Also, I have a vague idea that you have previously talked about that olive green bag behind your right shoulder, and I wasn't paying close enough attention at the time. Could you please just tell me who made that bag so I can go look for one (or similar)?
I'm not reading other comments so this may have already been said, but you can figure out all the math pretty easily from the Knitting Without Tears book by Elizabeth Zimmerman. It's pretty much the same thing as your method but everything is all in one place. Also Karen Templar's posts on improvising a top-down sweater convinced me to make my sleeves flat on my current make and my main takeaway is that I would be done now if I'd knit them in the round... ugh. Currently the sleeves are blocking so I can seam them.
Rule of thumb on casting on underarm stitches - max 2” in width, if you are working in the round.
Great tip! Thank you Gina. ❤️
@@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS of course I made this comment moments before I realized my own mash-up of a sweater was not working through the raglan increases because of faulty row gauge, my number one nemesis!
the only place I can find the fisherman wool is Joann and it seem like it's 20 dollars a skein? I am confused if I have a wrong idea of what a budget yarn is or if the price is hiked up because I'm not in the US?
Hi! Gosh I love your podcast!! Fun and informative! Am a wee bit addicted! I am very curious to know,when you cobbled together your ideas for an improvised sweater, why did you choose the yoke of the Felix vs. the No Frills ? I love the chunky doubled collar!
I am a very loose knitter and have trouble matching any gauge in any pattern because of the way I hold my needles and yarn. (I have disabilities that limit my dexterity.) So I’ve always had a fear of doing fitted garments of any kind. If I ever did do a sweater it would probably be an improvised one of some sort, maybe with help from Elizabeth Zimmermann and Tin Can Knits. I love the idea of using the Fisherman’s Wool. I’d also like to put a cable in mine somewhere; I’m kind of thinking just below the neckline in the yoke area? I dunno. I’m just thinking out loud at this moment. But before I do anything I have to get brave enough first.
I have the same problem! I am a loose knitter struggling with disabilities! I cheer you on - it can be a hard slog especially when others don’t understand the unique struggles of disabled knitting. Good luck!
Did you also add short row shaping on your back to lift the collar?
I did Sherrie! I used the short row instructions from the Felix Pullover. ❤️
@@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS Excellent!
I am working on a sweater right now and did not realize that the body, which is almost complete, is too wide ! Now, I need to frog it 😫 so I can adjust it to my body. It’s so frustrating that I get so obsessed 😵💫🧶!!!
I absolutely understand that frustration. ❤️
I've seen the sweater before, but I don't think you've mentioned before what fibers surrey IS, so I appreciate that, since I'm more used to working with acrylic yarn.
I actually typed in a few days ago "surry wool" and couldn't find anything. So, that makes sense why. Also, is it spelled surry, surrey, or surri, or some other way? 😄
Which do you find more comfortable to wear, raglan or circular yoke sweater?
Great question. It’s hard to say at this point, but I think I really like a circular yoke for my shoulders. I have broadish shoulders and I think it’s a nice fit. ❤️
Thank you for influencing me to use LB Fishermen's Wool. I have knitted the Grate pattern sweater on Ravelry. My name there is katmrina. Right now I am finishing the #saturdayshrug by Jackie Cody Jax
I'm reintroducing myself to knitting after a 40+ year break and have really been enjoying your channel. Thank you for sharing. I'm curious though, at what point does a Frankensweater become your own design?
Thank you so much for watching Laura! And honestly, I’ve asked myself the same question a lot since working on this sweater. ❤️
I look forward to seeing your FO. I have made a couple sweaters that were total “Frankenstein” and I did learn a Ton. I have a question for you, how do you do your folded collar? I’ve been wanting to do this an don’t know if you sew it down or provisional cast on. Thanks for another great podcast.
Hi Carrie! Thank you for watching! And for the rolled collar, Stephen West has a great tutorial for it (and it's the way I do it):
ruclips.net/video/kJLwSJIBRJQ/видео.html
I’m improvising a free top down sweater pattern to suit me by adding shaping. My first attempt at top down knitting. Going in needle first 🧶💕🙋🏻♀️🏔️
Ive recently encountered your channel and really enjoy your content. I'm happy to follow a pattern but love to improvise. I'm going to suggest another RUclips channel called Aurora Yarns. Irit, the channel creator has something called a half and half sweater. I'm preparing to make my second one. Yes, it is crochet, however she knits and suggests you can also knit this. Check her out if you get a chance
How did you do the turtleneck? Love it.
Hi Kristy! So this is actually a rolled collar. Here's a great tutorial for executing it:
ruclips.net/video/kJLwSJIBRJQ/видео.html
What's your favorite cast on for doing a thick folded over ribbed collar?
Hi Teresa! So I almost always use the long tail cast on-this collar included. And it works very well. 👍
@@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS that is very reassuring, I'll go with that instead of provisional when they call for it.😉
So the long tail cast-on works well for almost all instances, but just be sure the provisional cast-on doesn't have a good reason for being provisional (which it usually does). Whenever there are instructions for a provisional cast on, there are usually things being done later in the pattern with those live stitches that you wouldn't have if you did a long tail cast on instead. 👍
I love you
is it possible to get a pattern?
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🧶🧶🧶🧶
Literally every sweater I've ever knit has been frankensteined or from a recipe or self drafted. My grandmother and mother taught me how to knit and they never used patterns and now I find them too restrictive. I do have a bin full of stitch pattern swatches as a result though. Not to mention a few ugly sweaters lol.
That made me laugh 😁
The next time you do a raglan instead of a kfb on both sides of the raglan shaping try this KBF on the first side. Puts the little Purl like bump on the right side of the stitch instead of the left. Your increases will be mirrored.
ruclips.net/video/69M6RBxX-3o/видео.html
I teach at a community college and once received training on constructive criticism. We call it a 'love sandwich'. Point out something good, gently provide the recommendation, end with a positive. For example, "The sweater is beautiful, and it's amazing to think this is fishermen's wool! I also love making sweaters, and I wonder if you may have too many underarm stitches and that's why it has that shape. Something to think about. Looking forward to grabbing some fishermen's wool and giving a frankensweater a whirl!" 😁