Don’t Make these 7 Mistakes When Knitting Sweaters

[@erinmcnally7764]

I just finished my first basic top down seamless raglan and man, I can’t tell you how excited I was. My only gripe is I wish I had made it 2in longer. I tried it on and just assumed that I would be fine with 2 more rounds and didn’t try it on again. But that’s ok it actually looks really good.I’m extremely proud of myself too because I have been so terrified of messing it up. I’m on my first v-neck and just did my first mattress stitch and at 630am I was ready for a celebratory cocktail (I settled on coffee) but I am so stoked and want to knit all the sweaters now.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Yay, that's wonderful. I'm so glad to hear that. Have fun on your sweater journey! 😍

[@SoMagicalMichele]

Chandi, you are absolutely adorable. I haven't knit a sweater yet but as soon as I finish crocheting my current sweater, that's my next plan.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Awesome! You can totally do it!

[@rosariacarlostella9105]

I love your videos, and how all your knitted projects look so beautiful on you

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Thank you so much!

[@adamagonmei6329]

I come here for the knitting and the wonderful good vibes you exude .❤️

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Oh, thank you! I'm so glad you're here!

[@robinmarks5638]

Wonderful video! And the succulent next you is beautiful!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Thank you so much! 😍

[@BibleWithCoffee]

Working on two cardigans right now (crochet) Both I just have the sleeves to go. They are far from perfect but I feel very accomplished that they even look like a cardigan. Lol. Next I want to try another one using a Tunisian crochet stitch. Possibly the knit one. Found a stretchy cast on and a stretchy bind off I want to use with it.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

That's wonderful! It'll be the best feeling when you bind off those cardigans. 😍

[@yarnmotivated-joyceswensso9744]

Thank you for sharing. At 5'2" I'm all about the cropped sweaters. Your new pattern is a beauty.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

You are so welcome! Glad you like it. 😍

[@vukibog]

It takes me 5-6 weeks to make a sweater, also I always go down a needle size when I knit the waist because it will fit me better this way. I only knit a top-down seamless because I can try the sweater and make adjustments if needed, and not wait to finish the whole thing and then to rip it. I love this pattern and can't wait to knit it :)

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

That's great! Have fun making it!

[@lovemesomeslippers]

Oohhh good tip on the waist sizing! 😮 I’ve never heard this and I need it!

[@TrishGolden]

My first sweater was a short sleeve. By the end of knitting it I technically knit two. I guessed wrong on the size and it was too big. Being a bottom up, I had to rip out and restart. I learned how to adjust a pattern on that first sweater. It was a good first sweater to learn on. I enjoy wearing it. Cheers!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

I'm glad it worked out for you in the end. Sometimes our mistakes result in the best lessons.

[@mardel3]

Hi Chandi, I have not considered knitting or crocheting a sweater . I'm not confident making such a huge project yet. The sweaters you have made and shown us are beautiful so thank you for all the great tips . Have an amazing weekend

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

You can do it! And we'll be here to help as well. Just take it slow and don't give up. 😍

[@Zylophila]

This sweater is stunner!!!! I must make it! And not do what I did to the Creery sweater, whish was washing it in warm water. lt stretched sideways! It fit perfectly after I finished and I knitted short sleeves, it looked so cute with short sleeves. I couldn't try it on as the cable was too short, so I compared it to my favorite sweater. It turned out the same size. I got gauge and I knitted it continental style!!! So happy I can use both hands now!!! How can I shrink it back into shape?????? Oh, yeah, my friend is knitting her first Sincere Sock shocks and she LOVES your yarn, I told that's why I only buy Expression Fiber Arts yarn! The ease of the yarn gliding through your fingers and the colors and everything is "THE BEST"!!!! Love ya!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Hi Gina, I'm sorry that happened to your Creery Sweater. Unfortunately, that's a characteristic of superwash wool. It can stretch easily while blocking so you need to be very careful when doing it. Alternatively, you can use the technique from this tutorial - Dry Blocking - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaTahWB6rcakbtE! I hope this is helpful. Have a nice weekend! 😍

[@millieo.5325]

Another beautiful pattern; let's see when I'll get good enough to knit this sweater...😉 Thank you Chandi...🤗

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

You can do it anytime! Learning by doing. 😍

[@millieo.5325]

@@ExpressionFiberArts Thank you Chandi...🤗🥰

[@rosaprice6222]

I love knitting sweaters! It takes about a week or two to make one, but I always have more than one project going at a time. I made 8 last year, including the fabulous Sweetgum cardigan, and have worn every one so far this winter except the one currently on the blocking mats. All your tips are spot on and I encourage everyone to give it a try. You can always frog it if it doesn't work! Yeah, it happens! 😊🧶❤

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

That is awesome!

[@tinahairston6383]

Great tips, Chandi!!! It surprises me that there are some crafters who don't think of any of these tips when their making something since as you said we're all different sizes and shapes. They are the "this is what the pattern calls for and I'm not going to deviate from size or yarn because I'm not the designer and the designer know what he/she is doing more than I do" sticklers, lol. Even thinking you've picked the right size can lead to disaster because the designer is still guessing an approximate size that COULD work but not necessarily will work for the maker. I learned the obvious "try it on as you go" when I made my first crocheted hat. I quickly figured out that what the designer said should fit a 22"-24" inch head was too tight on mine. I wonder if they even consider how much hair a person has to tuck into that hat as well, lol. Standard increases up to 60 stiches was not going to work so I would do one more increase. I've kept that in mind ever since and never take any pattern at face value. My first pair of knitted socks came out perfectly as a result. Any fingerless gloves and top down hats I make that fit me will ultimately fit anyone I make them for and I just adjust for lengths as needed.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Thanks for sharing, Tina! great advice and experiences to learn from. Have a lovely weekend. 😍

[@sandywiniecki7803]

Back in Dec I ordered Mouse King crema sock yarn (4 Skeins) with out a clue as to what it was going to be. I just found the project it was meant to become. May take me many many hot minutes to complete since I have never knit a sweater prior to this but it truly is all about the journey. Thank you for all your free patterns, fantastic yarn that some how keeps showing up in my mailbox. Just love squishy mail!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

You're so welcome! Have fun making Giselle. 😍

[@tammyjames4809]

I’m about halfway through Creery. It’s my first sweater so I’m learning on it but your videos on it has made me confident enough to try.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

I'm so happy they are helpful! 🥰

[@kimnealous6972]

Thank you for your wonderful tips & reminders!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Any time! 😍

[@josecorrea175]

My daughter loved your Falling Stars sweater, I took me about a week to finish it, however I was highly motivated lol.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Wow, that's amazing! Well done. 😍

[@kjctubestuff]

Wow 🙉 I love the bell sleaved version - oooh, those borders! I can't wait to give this one a try. 💜

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Wonderful, enjoy! 😍

[@marionbowler5440]

Been there, done that, sucks. Thank you for sharing ❤ 🇨🇦🍁

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

😉

[@sonyarichards9596]

Thanks for the information. I appreciate you and your tutorials.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

You're so welcome! Glad you like them!

[@promanioo]

Learn how to knit is on my bucket list 😉 what a beautiful sweater ❤️

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Thank you and you can do it! 😍

[@crochetuber]

I love sweaters, especially top-down seamless sweaters. I don't think I would make a type of sweater I wouldn't be able to try on during the making process because I don't like boxy sweaters, that's just my preference. That design is beautiful! I wish I could knit, I think that would be one of my New year's resolutions. Thank you, Chandi!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

You're very welcome!

[@Xx_Lara2323_xX]

Just go for it! ❤️❤️❤️ I did and I have no regrets!

[@Xx_Lara2323_xX]

No time like the present! We aren’t guaranteed a tomorrow!

[@crochetuber]

@@Xx_Lara2323_xX Thank you for your kind words! I feel more motivated now!

[@Renrate171]

What an wonderfull swetter thank you so mutch for this pattern🧡greetings from norway 😊

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

You’re welcome 😊

[@theastewart6721]

Hi Chandi. Stunning sweater! Beautiful designs! Thank you for all the great tips! Have a wonderful weekend!🌸🌺

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Thank you and my pleasure! 😍

[@yarn_dragon]

Beautiful sweater pattern with lovely details. Sweaters are definitely a long-term project for me…I’m just not a “monogamous knitter”! 😂

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

So glad you like it!

[@adrianawilliams9633]

Thanks you for the gift you are amazing and talented woman I learned from you ❤ and yours yarns it's so beautiful I have my collection and I love and recommend ❤ Thanks again

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Thank you so much! And you're welcome! It's truly our pleasure.

[@goodday1209]

Thanks for this! Always a blessing! 😊❤

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

You are so welcome!

[@katibere1966]

Thank you!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

You're welcome!

[@ingridnieuwkerk1580]

I'm pretty new at knitting, I just do the basic top down Ragland. I would love to learn how to do all the beautiful lace tops.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

You can do it! Just keep practicing, and take it one stitch at a time.

[@valerieehrman3720]

You are delightful!😊

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Oh, thank you!

[@kadairh]

Seconded! Gorgeous sweater too! ❤

[@dhanaazm7897]

Thank you. Love you. 🌹💖

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

🤗🤗🤗

[@AmoCultumAlo]

Thank you for all the tips! I'm currently working on my third sweater, and the first two were definitely learning experiences! The third one is, too, since I am grading up a vintage pattern. I'm using your alpaca silk lace yarn, and it's a dream! For maintaining and checking gauge as you go, do you recommend converting blocked gauge to unblocked? There can be quite a difference depending on the yarn, I find, but obviously, I can't track my blocked gauge throughout. Any thoughts on the best way to go about it? Thanks! Oh, and today's patterns are gorgeous as usual!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Glad you're liking our new pattern, Giselle. 💕 Regarding your question about maintaining gauge. I'd record not just your blocked gauge but also the unblocked gauge (which leads to your desired gauge). This way you can measure throughout knitting/crocheting your piece and have a reference to compare to since you might not be able to block in the middle of your project. I hope this makes sense. Have a wonderful weekend! 😍

[@AmoCultumAlo]

@@ExpressionFiberArts That helps heaps! Thank you so much! Have a wonderful weekend, too! 💕

[@carol-annmatthew5296]

Gorgeous sweater 😍

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Thank you! 😊

[@barbheggen7434]

I stared a sweater 2 years a go 😅 . I like to start one again, but it looks like I do not have the patience for that. Your sweater’s are so beautiful.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Thank you! 😊

[@pattigolden1]

I absolutely love the clips of Christopher Walken knitting!!! I think sometimes I get that look when I'm frustrated with my knitting!! 🤣🤣😂🤣😂 I've only knit toddler sweaters, I don't know why I haven't done a full size adult one. 🤷

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

You should, you'll feel so accomplished! 😍

[@01ttingey]

Awesome tips!! Thx!! ❤❤❤❤

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Glad you like them! 😍

[@Zylophila]

It took off and on knitting of the Creery 3 weeks.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Awesome! 😍

[@Bellanewmoon21]

I have always wanted to do a sweater, just haven't gotten around to doing one and I need a lot of yarn.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

I hope you're able to make one soon! It's so satisfying to finish one!

[@rhondaSC]

wow, it takes me like two solid weeks with knitting almost only...for a sweater! maybe one day...20 hrs

[@donnajg7]

This is a gorgeous sweater! Can you please make a video of how to do the version one hem? Thank you!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Glad you like it. I will add you wish to our suggestion list. 😍

[@donnajg7]

@@ExpressionFiberArts Thank you so much for considering it! ❤️

[@deanephillips7568]

Having trouble with the no stitch on chart could you do a tutorial. I’d much appreciate it 👩‍💻

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Hi Deane, thank you for your message. If there is a "no stitch" symbol in your chart, you can just ignore it in the row you're at. It is included because your work is wider (has more columns/ stitches) in some of the rows compared to others. So when you come to a row that has less stitches designers like to include a no stitch symbol in its place. I hope that makes sense. Here is the tutorial of the Crystal Roads pattern (kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJOqd4SZj7uijZo) which also includes "No Stitch" symbols and I hope seeing how Chandi works the rows will make it clear. Have a lovely day! 🥰

[@dm2836]

I just finished my first cardigan and it’s fine but longer than I intended. I’m so tired of working on it now tho.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

I'm so sorry this happened. Just put it on timeout and once you had a break long enough you might be ready to pick it up again and fix it! ;) 💕

[@JennzOrs]

I fold my sweaters in half then hang them over a hanger at the sleeve seem. It's hard to explain, but they get to lay sideways but flat a I can easily grab it without disturbing a pile of garments

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

As long as they don't stretch you're all good! 🥰

[@cherylvelker4248]

I knit my first sweater in Ohio during the pandemic. It was 100% wool - then moved to Georgia where I’ll not have much chance to wear it!!😮 I’m currently crocheting Caitri with your Luster sport yarn. It’s beautiful to work with. This sweater is gorgeous and tempting!

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Oh no, I'm so sorry you don't get many opportunities to wearing your handmade sweater. But I'm happy to hear that you found a pattern you like and will work in the new climate. Enjoy working on Caitri! 😍

[@lucypumkinjack2984]

You are so crazy and sweet. You remind me of my niece. I love your channel and your videos 😍

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

😊 thank you

[@lisaanderson135]

I love knitting top down sweaters and recently started to slow down and enjoy the process. I am not sure if this tip useful… my husband built me a cedar closet. Cedar is a natural bug repellent. Before I had my built in’s, I would store them in a drawer. I bought cedar balls off of Etsy, along with FRAGRANCED sandalwood. The reason I emphasized fragranced is because I made the mistake and bought plain sandalwood. Don’t quote me on this, but it might be because it’s used as a decorative wood and not for the smell. Anyway, I just wanted to share my ideas if anyone finds them helpful. I still use the cedar balls when storing my heavy winter sweaters in airtight containers. I made the mistake of not storing them I was so upset to find moth eaten holes! After all the time and effort that went into them.😱

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Those are great tips!

[@jenniferbachman5034]

I have been trying to knit my first top down roll collar sweater, but for some reason the collar is way to big, but the rest of the sweater fits fine. If anyone has any suggestions of why this is happening and how to fix it, I would love to hear your suggestions. Thank you in advance for your help.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Hi Jennifer, unfortunately, I don't know what pattern you're working on but there could be several reasons why this is happening. 1. The needles used was too big; usually you want to work your collar in 1 or 2 needles sizes smaller. 2. Your gauge might be off at least for the collar section. 3. The collar is intended to be wide. But without knowing the pattern it's hard to tell what exactly went wrong and give you the best solution how to fix it. If it's one of our patterns please reach out via the contact form, www.expressionfiberarts.com/contact-us/ and we'll try out best to help you with that! Have a nice day! 🥰

[@BosomFemme]

Did I gauge swatch my recent sweater? No. Did I choose chaos? Yes. 😂

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Hehe 😉

[@gittegrankvist3336]

🙏🏻❤️

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Thanks!

[@Stacey.B]

I haven't knit a sweater yet 😕 I'm afraid of taking all the time and money to make it and getting frustrated with it. Knitting 2 of anything and having them match is my hurdle. My knit socks never match. And ripping out all that work is a big deflation on your self or ego 🤔. Especially if it was for your child 🥺😭😫

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Don't be afraid of sweater knitting. Just find a simple pattern, and jump in. It's also much easier if it's a top-down design, since you can try it on as you go to ensure it fits.

[@vicentacastillo363]

🥰😍🧶❤️👍👏👏👏😘

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Glad you like the tutorial! 🥰

[@MichiaMakes]

Knitting a sweater? I’m sure you’ve seen the stitch (see what I did there?), “one eternity later…” 😂😂

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

😊

[@sirens8260]

Tiny yarned sweaters aren't my favorite to knit. I'm also a non-monogamous knitter with the attention span of a squirrel.

[@ExpressionFiberArts]

Hehe, that's totally ok. 😉