Hey Y’all! I got a new part time desk job which gives me a ton of sitting around time so I thought it was time to dust off the needles and knit my first sweater. I bought this pattern:
and the same yarn used in the pattern and I also managed to get gauge with the size needles recommended. It’s shocking since I am a tight knitter and never seem to be able to get gauge.
I have never knit a sweater before. The instructions say the the finished size is based on 2x the width of the back. Do I measure my own back or a similar sweater that fits me? There are pretty detailed measurements listed as well, Do I just measure myself for all of that or a sweater? It also says it’s intended to fit with 0 to +5cm of ease…is that how loose it is? So if I plan on wearing a t shirt under this do I need to take that into consideration?
Also, I did a large swatch and washed and blocked it to make sure the gauge was correct. Most of the places I measured I got 22sts per 4" but there were one or two times I measured where I got 23sts/4". Is that a huge deal? Do I need to retry my swatch?
Thanks!
Sounds like a perfect occasion to knit and a very elegant cardigan to work on.
The finished size does not take the front overlap into account. The finished size around the bust is 2x the back. You can work it with some amount of positive ease or looseness by comparing your bust size to the finished measurements given. So if your bust size is 34 1/4 and you knit the 34 1/4 size there would be 0 ease. If you want it a bit looser, knit a larger size.
OH! I’m so glad I asked. I was thinking all wrong about the measurement.
Thank you so much! I’m sorry to say that I’m sure I’ll be back. This sweater will be a lot of firsts so I’ll have many questions. I love knowing that you all are here and are always so helpful. I appreciate this forum very very much!
Excited to get started!
Thanks again!
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@salmonmac…I have a followup question.
I’m kind of between sizes. My bust measurement says the M2 size but it’s right on…so I was going to go up to the L1 because I don’t want it tight over the shoulders. My arms are always a problem because they are larger, in proportion, than the rest of me. The upper arm circumference says 35cm for the L1 size and I measure 33cm. Is that enough room to get a t-shirt underneath?
Thanks!
That’s probably enough ease. For myself, I add enough sts for an extra inch or half inch in the upper arm. I don’t like tight sleeves. Of course, you have to play around with armholes or sleeve shaping but it usually works out.
This is good reading! I’m getting ready to start a sweater that has some similar puzzles and issues. The sleeves appear to be very snug, so I’m debating making a modification there. Fortunately the pattern has very detailed schematics, so assuming my gauge works right (and I’ve already gone up a size in my needles . . . ). I can probably determine from that whether I need to make armhole/sleeve adjustments. It sure helps to have another opinion on this topic, though. You may see me back later asking for specific suggestions as I get into this pattern. It’s quite complex (cables . . . ), and I won’t actually plunge into it until after all the holiday work is done. Thanks for your comments!
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