Stretching Cotton / Acrylic?

[Circsam]

So I knit the Yarnspirations Beginner’s Luck sweater and let me say…luck was not on my side. I’m knitting it for my cousin’s Christmas present but my problem is that my head doesn’t come close to fitting through the collar hole. I don’t feel confident enough in my skills to be able to take it apart enough to make the collar hold wider. I already feel like I was doing astrophysics getting the collar and I’m amazed that tit turned out as well as it did.

The yarn I used is Caron Blossom Cakes, which is 61% cotton and 49% acrylic. Could I realistically steam this and stretch the neck? Would that be crazy?

I attached a picture of the victim.

[salmonmac]

It’s a beautifully knit sweater but you need to rescue the neck opening. It’s probably not as difficult as you think.
I don’t think steaming will work unless the neckband is just a tiny bit to small. If it’s too small by a large amount, you’ll need to re-knit the neckline. I know this is disappointing but it’s so nicely done otherwise that it’s too bad not to make it fit.

You would need to take out the neckband and open the seams at the shoulders. The back can stay as is but the front neck shaping should be started earlier. Take out the front stitches until you get down to where the left front shaping begins. Take all the sts out until you think you’re at a point where the neck will be big enough, maybe 5 rows. Then begin the directions for the left neck shaping and follow on with the directions. The total front length needs to be as long as the back to the shoulders.

[Creations]

Hello
It think you forgot to put the neck shaping in the front?

I have been in the position of not liking neckbands so many times that I now just accept I’ll probably make the neck 3 times - and it is always, always, worth it. The difference of a good fitting, comfortable neckband is enormous.
For me I have decided the best option is to either put a life line in on the live neck stitches and not remove it until the top is totally finished (that way I can rip out the neck knowing the life line will save the stitches) or instead to bind off any stitches which should be left live so that when I rip out the neckband all the rest of the top is safe and I can focus just on getting the neck band right.

What was it about knitting the neck which made it like you were doing astrophysics? It doesn’t sound like an enjoyable process, unless you’re an astrophysicist! Did you knit the neckband in the round? Was it a fight with the needles?
I notice on the pattern it calls for the neckband to be knit flat, one seam is closed, the other open, and seamed afterwards - I much prefer to make necks this way . I’ve tried necks in the round and it’s just not an enjoyable experience for me, at all, like I would be ready to give up knitting for good if I had to do that again (although I am aware many people love knitting in the round). Now when a pattern calls for a neckband in the round I alter the pattern so I can make it flat and seam it.

Having a deadline, like Xmas, to work to is added pressure too. Is it possible to delay? Create an IOU by wrapping a chocolate bar with one of the yarn bands with a message on it, “IOU one sweater, hand made with love”.

It’s a lovely top and will be well worth getting the neck right.

[ColoCro]

Your knitting looks nice and even–good job! However, I see the pattern calls for a super-bulky, but yours is worsted weight, which could totally change the result. Does your gauge match that of the pattern? You need to have 11 stitches in 4".

How wide is your sweater, measuring across? The smallest size given should be about 21" from edge to edge. Comparing your photo to my keyboard, I’m afraid the whole thing may be too small. I hope I’m wrong.

[NayPo]

Don’t know if this helps but I’d agree with ColoCro here. This is my knit done with a super bulky and the same size needles as your pattern. Put a tape measure on there seeing as I realised keyboards aren’t actually standard measuring device.

Mine was a large I think, 67 stitches cast on for the body.

Good news is that if it’s the yarn weight that’s the problem then you’re knitting is fine!

[NayPo]

*your.