17 EASY PATTERN IDEAS FOR KNITTING YOUR FIRST SWEATER

[@jessethewestie22]

One more pointer, for any plus-size wearers - make sure the pattern you choose has plenty of sizes! Ones that only list a few sizes aren’t typically graded properly. Notes about optional short rows or bust darts are even better! 🖤

[@suewaldeck8198]

Some great options for starter sweaters! I knit accessories for years [so, so many accessories] because I didn't understand gauge so when I made sweaters they didn't fit. Plus I was told by an experienced sweater knitter on Ravelry [so they must have been right] that someone my size needed a fitted sweater that was no heavier than a DK weight because it would make me look fat. Maybe because the knitting world is a bit more open minded now or maybe because I'm older and no longer care so much what people think, I now love wearing my sweaters, oversized, fitted, worsted, aran, floofy, whatever I want. Oversized is a great way to have a product you'll wear without the worry of it not fitting perfectly and they're so comfy! Oh and the necklines - if it's not meant to fold over it's a mock neck. Thanks Kristen - fun as always!

[@ibjessd]

The first sweater I knit was a Flax for my now 6 month old daughter. It was such a well written pattern that I didn’t have any issues and the infant sizing helped me learn the process very quickly. Knitting my first adult sized sweater right now!

[@Voolenvine]

YESSS!!! Tincanknits' patterns really are fool-proof. Happy sweater knitting!! 😄

[@northwestknitting5993]

So smart to start with a baby sweater.

[@beepbopboop3221]

Same. My first sweater was a baby flax sweater for a neice. My first on for me was a flax in which I replaced the garter with a lace pattern from japanese stitch dictionary and I cast on a size smaller than bust and increased then decreased a little fir waist shape and increased to the next size for hips since I wanted it long. I attempted the "neck" shirt rows, but Flax had them at the bottom of the yolk so it didn't raise the neck. It did fit my bust better there, so I flipped it around and then cut in and remover the bust short rows that were now baggy on the back. Hey, I saw that on Fruity knitting. I started with socks so grafting didn't freak me out. People are shocked when they found out that I knit this sweater. Oh, I replaced the M1 on the raglan with yo for some eyelets. It's not cold here, so I wanted a little breathing room. I would say avoid secret summer crop if your new. I can not mKe heads or tails of that one. Maybe her paid patterns are better but I'm hesitant to buy one now.

[@jessethewestie22]

Ditto!

[@kathydent2116]

I want to say that I think knitting bottom up could be a better place to start for some knitters. If you begin with a sleeve, you don't lose so much time if you have to rip back, you can check your gauge as you go and if you make some mistakes they'll be in a place that's not so visible. It grows quickly and you get comfortable with your yarn and needles before you get to the yoke, which is the most complicated and VISIBLE part of the sweater. Also, I find that knitting sleeves off an already completed yoke and body is such a tedious process because you have to keep turning and turning the whole of the garment as you work and that's a right pain. I have only one top down sweater and I don't wear it much because it just reminds me of how much I hated knitting it. The most exciting part about bottom up is that, when you're doing the yoke, you're decreasing the number of stitches as you go and so the feeling is that you're speeding up to a sprint as you see the finishing line. I'm addicted to colourwork yokes and the bottom up method definitely works best for me.

[@jean-jn3nq]

Thank you for taking the time to recognize and inspire us adventurous beginners - really appreciate it ♥️♥️♥️

[@emmagudge6052]

I brought the Elizabeth Zimmermann book after you had suggested it in another podcast. It’s such a great book. It’s almost a trip down social history lane. I am using her sweater construction to make a sweater for my husband. Only 2 inches in but loving how straight forward it is. And that I can use the yarn I want with the needles I want. The pattern fits my needs and not me having to fit into the pattern needs. Win win for me. Thank you for the recommendation. 😊

[@Voolenvine]

Yay! So glad you're enjoying it!! 🤗

[@ahill2239]

Great sweater suggestions - thanks! The second thing I made after learning to knit was "Brick" by Clare Lee. A free pattern on Ravelry for a really easy top down raglan sweater for worsted weight yarn. I've made four and highly recommend the pattern.

[@LottaSocks]

Agree with E Zimmermann!! Pre-internet/Ravelry (wow, really??) I learned to knit from books & magazines. Definitely NOT for a true beginner. Love all of your selections! Love a top down - broad shoulders + long arms… Not sure about circular yokes (heard incs should happen at a faster rate to fit best). A. Mowry, Joji, Petite Knit are sweaters I want !! Working on Felix Cardi, mathing: different yarn/gauge, still fun! Thanks for MORE ideas …. I think 😊

[@kristin.and.the.butterfly]

The first sweater I knit for myself was the Cozy Classic Raglan by Jessie Maed Designs. It’s great, it had really great instructions for doing a tubular cast-on and bind-off. It also had 3 different options for waist shaping: none, one decrease round before ribbing, or gradual decreases. I still refer back to parts of the pattern. 😊 As I’m watching this, I’m wearing my DRK Everyday Sweater, which is great.

[@Lisa_Flowers]

I'm really glad you had fingering weight yarn sweater suggestions, because despite being a beginner I love working with fingering weight yarn, and I live in a country that rarely gets super cold. So all the worsted and up beginner patterns I was finding were frustrating - yes, they would work up quicker which helps for newbies, but I would literally never wear them, or only wear them like 1 month out of the year! Knitting is already hard enough when you live in a place where it's basically always hot, so I'll take the thinnest of yarns please!

[@Voolenvine]

Great point! Some knitters prefer thicker yarns, while others thinner yarns. Like you, I prefer working with fingering weight yarn mostly because knitting on larger needles hurts my hands after a while. There's something for everyone in this video! 😄

[@Emily.knits2]

Thank you for all the inspiration!! I've knit a few sweaters but never really feel like they are good enough. Might have had something to do with my yarn choices. I'm currently knitting the Anker sweater and finally purchased some really nice yarn.

[@lilmsindependence]

I appreciate your suggestions. Thanks for stepping outside your usual format to share these patterns with us.

[@annes105]

Thank you Kristin. Really Appreciate your valuable input. I wish I had stumbled on your video earlier it would have saved me 2 days of searching for a beginner pattern.!!

[@bernbee1679]

All great choices! Yes Caidree has awesome designs I’m surprised you haven’t heard of her previously. 😊

[@naomihynes1413]

I've knitted the Stripes pullover and yes! It was a totally addictive. But I must point out that it is not a fingering weight sweater. It is actually a sport weight sweater.

[@moknits3074]

I learnt to knit socks thanks to you. I don't know why, after watching so many videos and reading endless instructions, it clicked only with you. Thank you a ton!! My family is wearing hand knit socks this season. I am sure if you do a video on short rows I will learn how to do them. I understand their role, I cannot understand what is the difference having them immediately after the ribbing at the neck, or down after separating for sleeves. I always end up with a hole or an ugly thingie when knitting the last double stitch when continuing working in the round.

[@PinkyJapan]

You must be psychic because I’ve been struggling with what pattern I should try for my first sweater pattern for weeks!! Bless you for this!!

[@JodiYeager]

Thank you so much for the collection. I'm super inspired to make my first sweater. I do want to finish the cowl I'm working on (in the round) and do a cable pillow, then I'll feel confident enough to start a sweater. The cowl is my 5th knit project so I am still learning.

[@shethasimon3441]

Thank you sooo much 😘, that is exactly what I was looking for, when I started I thought the free patterns are the easiest to knit, I was very wrong, my first proper sweater was the beetle magic by Katy Green, which I really loved but I loved soooo much the ranunculus which was super fast knit. Thank you soooo much again ⚘️

[@harbourcolour]

Thank you for this great list of pattern ideas. I just put a hold on Elizabeth's book at my local library. I have knit a few sweaters (mostly children's) but still consider myself a beginner. One of my favourite free and basic sweater patterns is called Southwood by House of Galt. I've made a couple of them for my grandkids and I have made them with acrylic worsted if anyone is looking for a first sweater to try without spending a fortune on yarn 😉.

[@sophieviaene6557]

Thanks

[@MarshaNovak]

Felix is the best. I have knit two and wear a ton.

[@marilynburke7609]

This was a great idea. I saw many sweaters I would like to knit. It’s been years since I knit one so something simple is ideal. Thank you. Love all your posts. 😊❤️

[@BzerkBnny]

I bought this eliabeth zimmerman book because of you and I'm really happy about it! I'm having so much fun just reading it. She's so witty, I love her and I wish I could sit and chat with her in person :)

[@Indorm]

If there's one exception to going only for paid patterns, it's the free Kudzu cardigan by Marie Amelie Designs on Ravelry. Everything you said about paid patterns applies - it's probably tech edited, because it's very well written and includes videos to help you with new techniques. It's where I learned German short rows for the first time. I changed to a smaller needle size, and that was the only change I made. I love, love my cardigan. I can't understand why more people don't make use of it.

[@charlenecrochetcorner789]

I so enjoyed this topic & you were all over my toes. I have been putting off doing my first sweater and I know I can fo I just need to find some yarn support. Or see if I can find some affordable bulky yarn help..I will be shopping. Have a $1.6million hospital bill and have been in hospital bed since 2008.and on Oct 26,2022 I had a rod from hip to ankle which now I don't walk. I use to be a nurse and care for people daily- long hours and now there is not many who want to help me. But one day I will get my big break and make a sweater just for me! With good yarn that is warm and soft not scratchy at all. Thank you a lot for the pattern review. Charlene

[@hollyknits9494]

Hi Kristin. I love all your ideas. And I love all the sweaters you've made! Joji's Basic Raglan is actually a DK weight sweater, not fingering weight. And Lore is a DK weight yarn. We used to carry it in our shop and it's lovely, and quite rustic. The Love Note is excellent - I've made 4 (so far! Haha!)! Two for granddaughters, without the lace. 😁 And the Felix is next on my to knit list. I have, unfortunately, paid a lot for a poorly written pattern before, which is a bummer when that happens. I managed to figure it out, but I agree to stick with well known designers when first starting out. Great content! Thanks!

[@jayleendelrio2075]

Thank you so much Kristen! My first sweater was the Love Note, very fun and fast knit! 2nd sweater was the Ranunculus which I highly recommend. I’m working on a simple top down sweater by Jessica McDonald called Woodsmoke, very well written.

[@samiraamysperryfaldet8969]

Thank-you dear, so much. This means a lot. Love love the new background! I have those William Morris tulips tattooed on my back! lol It looks exquisite with your gorgeous decor and storage!

[@rockstarkate78]

I'm knitting my first sweater now and I chose the Flax. I'm using Lion Brand Fisherman's wool so as not to break the bank on this initial experiment lol! I have almost finished the first sleeve and assuming it's not a disaster I can see I will be able to finish the sweater in a few more weeks.

[@mistyblue5312]

Great Episode Kristen. Getting close to celebrating 50K! 🎉😮😊

[@melissabrown2474]

No Frills was my first sweater pattern! It was a tough lesson for me on "next to skin" yarn... turns out I do not like mohair touching my skin! Still a great first sweater pattern :D

[@YehowahDaughter]

Hi Kristin, Can you please do a tutorial on The Classic sweater please?

[@annmariebusu9924]

I can attest the Felix pullover was quick and easy.

[@Knitsta]

Great suggestions Kristin! I’ve knit the flax sweater at least 5 times for grands and gifts for my friends grands. It is the perfect top down raglan to learn from. Sometimes it’s nice to have a simple sweater in your wardrobe that you can throw on and machine wash without worrying about the time and expense you invested in your project.

[@shirleycoonce8726]

Thank you for the pattern ideas. It's great. Mock turtle neck....

[@chococat178]

Thank you so much for this! I have been knitting and crocheting for over 10 years and STILL have not knit my first sweater😳 Lots of socks🙃 That will change this year. One of these sweaters is definitely in my future 🥳

[@cathynewkirk6807]

Wave of Change was my first sweater. I highly recommend it! The pattern is well-written, with lots of helpful tips.

[@SharonCullenArt]

I never saw this video 9 months ago but one thing I will say is that when I learned to knit it was before youtube and knitting channels were born. I struggled through some of the simplest things. And I couldn’t crochet because I was left handed and everything was done for right handers. Also patterns for garments were not size inclusive and when I put on weight I gave up knitting. Then I lost the weight and come back and everything was so easy. Anything I needed was right at my fingertips to look up here. I found a gazillion knitting channels, and it was over for me. 😂Now I can’t knot fast enough. But back then I didn’t understand formulas to get a sweater to fit my gauge instead of vice versa. Now I knit with no fear of things not fitting me. And that book by EZ I think I have but was too overwhelmed in those days to read it. I will have to go to my knitting loft and get that book out. Thanks. Great video.

[@lieslnew8247]

Great suggestions Kristin. I have saved these on my Ravit app and also plan on buying EZ’s book.

[@suen6410]

Thanks so much for your suggestions, I want to make a sweater and I have been watching what to start with. All of your suggestions were on my radar. So nice of you to give us newbies a direction.😊👍👍

[@Voolenvine]

So glad you found it helpful!

[@lisabrandi5324]

I'm ordering yarn for Turtle Dove today! Thank you for your inspiring, beautiful, and thoughtful content. Blessings!

[@jas2627]

This episode is perfect! My goal this year is to knit my first sweater. I have been eyeing The Flax since there are video tutorials. I can’t wait to cast on!

[@catherinegage5597]

I have the Felix cardigan and sweater also in my cue. I’ve made the Sunset Highway (my first knitted sweater),Love Note and the Ranunculus. Love the sweater you are wearing too!! Have a great week

[@StitchesandPrayersVlog-cast]

Hello everyone!!! Love dreaming about all the sweaters that I want to make!

[@kaloriebear3044]

Thanks Kristin. Will definitely try one or two of those patterns. I have knitted about 10 Boxy sweaters in fingering weight by Joji Locatelli. It all started during lockdown where one led to two led to three etc. Can knit it with my eyes closed and no pattern. 😀😀 A bit surprised you didn’t mention that one. 😊 Used one colour … and two colours … and stripes … and different textured yarns … split hem … deep rib … shorter rib. 😊

[@nokesbob2256]

Thank you for bringing up the subject of good vs. bad patterns. I've had both. If you get it free, a lot of the time they've never been tested and I will notice that the author of the pattern just assumes you know what comes next, or you know what technique they are talking about. I would opt for pattens from the knitting community that we know have tested patterns and lot's of people have made them. Then go read their thoughts on the pattern. The other thing that drives me crazy is the patterns that have ONLY THE CHARTS! I want the pattern fully written out so I can understand it. I don't like charts, so I avoid all patterns that are just charted, which is a loss for me and them. How hard is it to add the actual written pattern with the charts!

[@Voolenvine]

I agree. It's great when patterns include both written directions and charts. People learn/absorb information differently, and it's helpful to have options. While I prefer knitting from charts, sometimes it's helpful to have written instructions to refer to.

[@jhuntsman17]

Thanks Kristin. Love your wallpaper and also all the sweater suggestions. I absolutely love the one you are wearing

[@Voolenvine]

Thank you so much, Julie!

[@jaynew04]

So helpful!!!! I'm trying to come up with some options for a beginning sweater knitting class. These ideas were wonderful...for the class and for me! The Love Note and the striped Summer Sweater will be great for a second sweater Springtime knit class!

[@rickiobrien4223]

Wow! So encouraging. BTW…maybe called a mock turtle neck? Love your wallpaper, too!

[@davidhensley76]

You've inspired me to make myself a Faux Isle cardigan, which will have to be steeked.

[@QueensYarnBoutique]

Excellent pattern suggestions Kristin! I already have most of these in my Rav Library but I did pick up some new ones. Thanks for explaining short rows. I just finished my Novice Cardigan and the Felix Cardigan will be my next cardigan.

[@Voolenvine]

So glad you enjoyed it and found new patterns for your queue! 💖

[@lindacornelius3451]

Love all of these. Thank you so much

[@Voolenvine]

Yay! I'm so glad, Linda. I hope it helps with your comments from my latest video 😄 Also, maybe I ought to make a first sweater knitting tutorial! 🙊

[@louloustreasuretrove2122]

Hi. My first time here. Great meeting you today. Love your sweater ❤

[@Voolenvine]

Welcome to my channel, Lou Lou! 🤗

[@PaulaSimoes67]

❤❤❤❤❤you are top!!!!❤❤❤❤❤

[@crystalemmerson1334]

Sadly not all patterns that are paid are well written. It is appreciated when designers take the time to have the pattern tech edited and tested.

[@Voolenvine]

I agree! Regardless of whether the pattern is free or paid, it's always helpful to read reviews when available and/or use a pattern from a reputable designer/company.

[@Denny4753]

Thank yo,u Kristen.. enjoy your podcasts. This one was inspirational & your words encourarging. Excited to knit my first sweater this year. It’s either going to be The Weekender or Flax. Personally like the boat neck style but those patterns hard to find. Again, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and suggestion, Denise

[@MikiCrespo]

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, really helpful 💕

[@abbie-annsteele540]

June 2023 Using your video knitting a woman’s sock. How do I cast on untwisted first row’s 2nd half stitches? Cast onto 2nd circular needle. Easy peasy. Wish all casting shown in video. Video is helping me.

[@Sophia-zk3tw]

I was looking for a video to make my first sweater but wanted it to be crew neck set in sleeves long sleeve any suggestions?

[@charlotteumali1506]

Thanks…I need to knit my first sweater.😅

[@autumnfoxandrabbitcrafts]

Thank you soooooo much for this video, I've been excitedly waiting for this video since you mentioned it!! I'm going to something called Yarndale in Yorkshire in September......so taking inspriation from knitters who knit a Rhinebeck sweater, I'm going to knit my first jumper for Yarndale in the UK!! 😊 thanks again for this video!!! Ps I'd really like to have a go at the Branches & Buds pullover, but should start simple me thinks as a beginner, lol!!xx

[@lisasundin1]

Got a sudden urge to make a stripes sweater now❣️ a note on Lovenote. It does start with a provisional cast-on😬

[@Voolenvine]

Ah! I completely forgot Love Note had a provisional cast on. Thanks for letting us know! Hopefully an adventurous beginner will appreciate the challenge 😄

[@LusiaX]

So true about the first sweater not the best. It was for me so.

[@craftingkirsty]

Fab video as always 😊 I am currently attempting my first sleeveless sweater with plans to graduate to a full sweater this autumn , will definitely look into these suggestions, thank you .

[@sandrarhule5354]

My first sweater? The Owl sweater Kate Davies.

[@sunsoar]

Yay! Thank you for this video!

[@jvallas]

Really helpful. Thanks!

[@elvanp.d.8581]

It was very helpful. thank you 🌻

[@janelleroads6011]

Would you recommend knitting socks first or sweater? I'm pretty good at crochet, but new to knitting. Thanks for this video.

[@theneonknitter472]

A couple of other patterns: Southwood by Galt House Of Yarn Westknits Go To Raglan by Stephen West

[@corteofs]

For nay patterns please take the time to look at other projects and comments on Ravelry or else. A friend is now at his third bad experience with badly written pattern ( from 2 different designers 2 of them well known )

[@WendyAchatz]

Your new wallpaper looks great! I’m knitting my first sweater right now. (Knitting with tears) Thanks for the video, I’ll try one of these for my second sweater.

[@Voolenvine]

Yay!! So glad my suggestions were helpful, Wendy! 🤗

[@WendyAchatz]

@@Voolenvine I should write a Beginners Guide called “Knitting With Tears-and how to keep going”

[@ashikissick7825]

Thank you for this! ❤❤

[@Enitsirk70]

Yeah I don't knit sweaters.... I knit jumpers!!! lol

[@vrisaydaboggess9269]

Wow, you have a lot to share. Thank you so very much. You do spreak rather fast for me. Is there a way on KZbin to slow it down just a bite? Do enjoy your podcast.

[@Voolenvine]

So glad you enjoyed it! And yes ... if you hover your mouse to the lower right of the video, a menu will pop up. Click on "Settings" (the Gear symbol) ⚙ and then click "Playback Speed". You Should be able to slow down my speech from there. Hope this helps! 😉

[@OliverRainKnits]

So many great sweater suggestions. I just can't keep my eyes off the wallpaper in the back ground

[@debbietodd8547]

I have to ask....that lovely sweater you are wearing? Do you switch to a larger needle size when you are doing the color work yoke? I am having a struggle with my tension changing/puckering and am so frustrated with color work but I find lace knitting a joy! Go figure?! Would appreciate any suggestions

[@Voolenvine]

I don't believe I switched to larger needles for the colorwork on that sweater. But I will say that my tension has changed over time, and now find that I need to go up a needle size for knitting colorwork. While I'm a self-professed anti-swatcher, it never hurts to knit a swatch to see what works best for you. I hope that helps! 😄

[@chefwannabe1]

What yarn did you use for petite knit sweater?

[@jvallas]

I realize the percentage of paid vs free is more likely to be more professional, but paid is by no means a guarantee of that. Anyone can slap a price on a pattern. Whether it sells much may be a different matter, but a price doesn't tell me a lot. I do tend to look in Ravelry for all the projects associated with the pattern when it's available there. It usually tells me a whole lot about what others thought about the pattern, and how it most often turned out.

[@Voolenvine]

Very true! Ravelry reviews can be very helpful for that.

[@ColorPopKnits]

I’m working on the Gallant Sweater and I’m not super happy with the pattern as a beginner. There are a few confusing moments in it, so be careful while working on it

[@janetshepherd9062]

Love the baskets in your shelves in the background. Where did you get them if you don’t mind sharing.

[@Voolenvine]

Thank you. IKEA! 😄

[@karendewillers5190]

Are raglan necklines good for plus sized women,?

[@Voolenvine]

Absolutely! Many of the patterns I mentioned are size-inclusive ranging from XS - 5 or 6XL😊

[@debsample326]

How can I get the pattern?

[@manelknits]

First, hi kristin

[@annmariebusu9924]

Me second 😏

[@saraw8503]

My first sweater was navelli. What was I thinking….bottom up, fingering. But it turned out to be a wearable garment. I have done some duds since.

[@Voolenvine]

But you did it!! That's amazing. We all knit duds here and there 😄

[@PamKnitsToo]

I’ve knit several sweaters for my grandchildren but never considered them real sweaters. I’ve tried 2 sweaters for myself but they didn’t fit properly. The fit is my biggest hurdle.

[@lisaporch8922]

Wait wait when did you cast on that turtle neck 😉 did I miss that lol

[@Voolenvine]

I think in my sleep, sometime during the holidays 😂 Forgot to mention it!

[@catofthecastle1681]

I love your content, I’ve been subscribed for years, but I would have sworn you would know how to pronounce Novice! Maybe you thought it was in another language…. But overall, great beginner choices!

[@megumim6795]

for the beginner, I wouldn't recommend a pattern that doesn't include a diagram. A diagram really helps the beginner to understand the construction.

[@Voolenvine]

I totally agree! Even for advanced knitters, schematics can really help visualize how a project will knit up.

[@NancyLiedel]

I suspect you don't gauge search, because you were born knitting a sweater. Lol