Hi all! I’ve got the urge to knit a cardigan, but I’m not finding a pattern I really like. I’d like it to be a top-down raglan, but it seems that so many have necklines that are much more wide-open than I care for. I like them to actually come to the base of my neck at the back and sides–it keeps the sweater from slipping around.
Would it be possible to start with a smaller size, to get a closer neckline, and then increase until it matches the early rows of my correct size? This seems like it should work in my head, but if anyone has experience of this IRL, that would give me more confidence to move on.
I don’t like a wide neck either on pullovers or cardigans. I haven’t gone to a smaller size but I have started top-downs with fewer sts or started the front neck sooner than the pattern called for. By that I mean there are patterns that have sts cast on, work short rows at the back neck then some shoulder sts then cast on on each end for the front neck. I start those front neck cast ons on earlier rows.
Begin with fewer stitches than your pattern calls for the neck circumference that fits you best. To catch up to the correct size, you’ll need to increase more frequently in the early rows. If you need to shape the neckline at the back, consider using short rows. Manage Indigo card This allows you to add height to the back of the neck without affecting the front. Make sure to check your gauge to ensure that your adjustments will result in the desired size.