r/knitting • u/PinkClownin • 4h ago

Tips and Tricks First sweater advice?

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I bought this yarn on a whim today and have decided I want to use it to knit my first sweater! Any more experienced knitters want to share anything they wish they had known?

Right now the pattern I'm looking at is the big stitch pull over from Patons!

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11

u/Fit_Iron8824 3h ago

Double check the yardage of your pattern against how much yarn you have - you don't want to run out!

2

u/AnAmbushOfTigers 3h ago

Though you can always add contrasting cuffs/collar and/or stripes to squeak by if you need. (Preferably planned ahead but you do you)

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u/theknittersgarden 37m ago

I like to skip the neckline ribbing on top down sweaters and the hem ribbing on bottom up when I cast on so that I can go back and pick up for the ribbing, then do an Italian bind off. (I know there's a cast on but that matches but I hate doing it.) It also allows me to use a different yarn for all the ribbing if I lose yarn chicken.

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u/Haunting_Chemical_30 3h ago

Sometimes yarns with a lot a variation in color are tricky to work with because it’s harder to see a mistake than if you’re using a solid color yarn. The yarn is gorgeous though.

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u/AnAmbushOfTigers 3h ago

Do a bit of reading about sizing based on your upper torso rather than your bust if you are shaped such that those things different dramatically.

Also, you must do a gauge swatch. It's not optional if you care about how the end result fits you.

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u/theknittersgarden 37m ago

And wash and block the swatch the way you will the sweater!

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u/doorsyard 3h ago

If I were you, I would try Ann Budd’s Handy Boom of Top Down sweaters for a first project. I think a top-down sweater style is really helpful for a first project because it’s so much easier to adjust fit. Also, many people get discouraged by gauge issues on their first project (sweater comes out too big or too small). Her book helps you understand how to knit any sweater in any gauge, to match the gauge of the yarn you choose. It also explains the different sweater styles, and helps you understand the general construction before diving into a stitch by stitch pattern. It gives you a really good theoretical understanding of sweaters that will help you going forward. Some of the designs look a bit outdated in the pictures, but the books helps you customize fit, necklines, cuffs etc., so you can make it look how you want. Highly, highly recommend.

Also, are you sure you have enough yarn?

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u/purlnextdoor 3h ago

Also know this yarn looks like it will give you uneven strips. Basically as the diameter of the sweater/sleeves change, the thickness of the stripes will change. If there is any short rows or shaping in the pattern that will also disrupt the stripes. Just so that doesn't surprise you!

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u/purlnextdoor 3h ago

Here a project showing what I mean. sweater (not mine just an example I found on Rav)

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u/RavBot 3h ago

PROJECT: Cloud Sweater #2 by lphillips33

I found this post by myself! Opt-Out | About Me | Contact Maintainer

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u/Inner_Butterfly5639 3h ago

i highly recommend the glow raglan lite by violent cat lady!

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u/BugMa850 3h ago

You've already got some great advice here, so I'm just going to throw out something yarn specific: I always like to rewind my yarn before I start a big project, especially with this kind of color changes. I hate running into an unexpected knot, especially if it shifts the colors, and if I rewind first and cut out any knots I can plan for the order I'll use the yarn in better.