How to knit a sweater for beginners

[@NimbleNeedles]

This pattern/tutorial will work for all standard sizes and all genders - as long as you measure & swatch correctly. The fit will closely resemble a standard sweater you can buy at any store which typically does not come with any shaping either. If you have ... a bigger bust, wider hips, broader shoulders, a hump, and/or a big belly, additional shaping is required. These modifications can be added to this pattern and will be the topic for future videos.

[@cool_gamer_23]

I want knitting please.

[@Padraigp]

Thank you I have just figured dout how my fine guage knitting machine works and found a yarn that works well in it and that I am supposed to wash it. Unfortunately I have only 120 needles that work the outer ones are not great. And that will make only a narrow panel not too narrow but close fitting so this jumper is perfect for me because a bigger jumper would not be possible.

[@lexel131]

Norman, it's clear that you put so much time and care into all your videos! I appreciate that you explain the "why" along with the "how" for all the knitting topics you discuss. Thank you for this video and all you do for the knitting community. We are lucky to have creators like you in our community.

[@NimbleNeedles]

very kind of you! glad my efforts are appreciated!

[@komalghadigaonkar178]

Exactly I agree with you. Thanks Normal for wonderful work. Even beginners like me feel confident.

[@shillaschoptime1852]

Oh, how beautiful, Norman, I wish I could do exactly that. Nice to watch you dear

[@originalstitches6125]

This video is absolutely awesome. I’ve been knitting for probably 50 years or so and you had a lot of hints that I had never heard before. You called this a beginner video.- I think it’s good for everyone

[@joshkirven5039]

I second this. It’s a master class in garment design and construction all in one. It’s a great example of everything I love about knitting!!

[@NimbleNeedles]

as with all videos, I try to find a balance between hints for experienced knitters and ofc not excluding the beginners. it's a tough line to walk but I am exceedingly happy it worked

[@randonimity84]

I have to say, the thing I'm most excited about is the length of this video. I devour long-form video essays and to find a knitting tutorial that's this long? I LOVE IT! Super excited to listen to this.

[@NimbleNeedles]

hope you'll enjoy it! It was kinda a nightmare to edit and record ^^

[@CathyCollazo-x2n]

Thank you so much.💋😘🌹🌺🥰🇵🇷🇺🇸🙋🏽‍♀️💕

[@alinegr]

This is a master class in knitting tops in general, not just a sweater. Amazing job on the video, Norman! I'm sure I'll be referring to this video multiple times for as long as knit

[@NimbleNeedles]

I sure hope it will be able to service as a reference

[@eunicehehir6374]

Dearest Norman, This is a great feature. Congratulations. As I've said before, you are a brilliant teacher. I found myself watching the whole tutorial in one sitting. Many thanks.

[@NimbleNeedles]

wow! well, happy to be of help

[@brookelinnlinn8894]

Norman, you are such a master of this craft. This channel is such a resource. So thankful

[@NimbleNeedles]

my pleasure!

[@nainadaya6202]

Dear Norman, I watch all your videos and this one I have saved it so that I can follow as I knit this sweater for my husband.

[@lechatbotte5178]

Your generosity and intelligence have no limits. Thank you so much for sharing them with us ! 🙏

[@NimbleNeedles]

my pleasure. Hope it helps you (and everybody else)!

[@lechatbotte5178]

@@NimbleNeedles I’m watching the video and I don’t quite understand why you add stitches after the ribbing 2X1. I know it’s nice and common but since at the very start you calculate the number of stitches with the positive ease, then do we have to take these added stitches after the ribbing into account, and how many are they? (They look numerous !) I dare asking you and thank you very much, Norman!

[@NimbleNeedles]

@@lechatbotte5178 no, these stitches are entirely optional. Some like the added ease, some don't. I added 8 stitches, and I will work with these 8 additional stitches through the pattern. It's a bit hard to judge from the video here because I actually gained some weight after filming the start, lol!

[@NimbleNeedles]

@@lechatbotte5178 on a sidenote: This is more about experience and less about "science". Like when you bake a cake and add a pinch of salt even tho the recipe doesn't mention it.

[@lechatbotte5178]

@@NimbleNeedles, I see, a mixture of science and experience..😊I love cooking so should be able to do it, no reason why I shouldn’t !😄At least, your video gives us a real « envie », we say in French. In other words, can’t wait to try! You see, like cooking, knitting is a very visual art and having lovely hands teaching us how to knit is SO valuable ! 😇 So nice talking to you, thank you again😀🙏😊🌸🍀👋

[@Enig_Mata]

I've been knitting for a about 5 years and have several sweaters and cardigans under my belt - some patterns that may be even considered advanced. Glad I watched this video because there are so many useful tips. Who knew a fishing line would end up in their knitting bag? One thing I love about your videos is I *always* learn something new.

[@NimbleNeedles]

happy to hear that! I'm always doubting myself if things are too advanced...or not advanced enough >.

[@danflores9174]

OMG Finally!!! So excited, I've knitted my first 3 sweaters in pieces, this will level up my skill! Norman, I love your scientific approach to your art, it really is a balanced way of doing both!!!

[@NimbleNeedles]

heh! tho i personally blieve that a seamed sweater will always have the better fit!

[@danflores9174]

Wow, my instinct also tells me that seamed is a better way but I would like to experience all of Knitting! I only started a year ago and I’ve scoured KZbin for the best tutorials. Your videos are so amazing because similar to you, I very much value low error bars, consistency, technique and pushing it as close to perfection as possible! Again, thank you so much!!!❤❤❤

[@ThundermansThunder]

Thank you so much, Norman, for providing such informative detailed instruction in an easy to understand format with so much patience and obvious passion for knitting and, especially, for helping others! This balance is very difficult to maintain, which is why it is the hallmark of every great teacher, such as yourself, and you do it so well! I am one of the people that is benefitting the most from your videos, because I am disabled on a very meager income and could not afford lessons otherwise, and even if I could, they would not be as detailed or as effective for me as your instruction. It is reassuring to see that I am not the only one who can easily fumble when counting stitches or forget to place markers, too. I know that this video was a beast for you to make and none of it was lost on me! You are a kind, considerate man and a wonderful teacher!

[@NimbleNeedles]

very happy to hear you appreciate all the effort that went into this video.

[@NimbleNeedles]

This tutorial took me well over a hundred hours to create. If you want to support my work, subscribe to my Patron account: www.patreon.com/nimbleneedlez I will also uploaded the unabridged version to my Patreon account soon. The tech-edited pdf version of this pattern will be available soon. If you are subscribed to my newsletter, you'll get a notification. If you find a mistake or have a question, kindly comment below. For technical reasons, I cannot edit a video once it was uploaded. The pattern/blog post will include all possible errata.

[@j.3069]

Unterstützt es auch etwas dieses Video ganz oft anzuschauen und jedes Mal mit Werbung? Also hast du was davon? Abonnieren und kommentieren bringt glaub ich nur bisschen was, ist ja ziemlich kompliziert wie die das berechnen mit Einnahmen soweit ich weiß. Natürlich empfehle ich deinen Kanal auch überall weiter :)

[@NimbleNeedles]

@@j.3069 an einnahmen bringt daswirklich gar nichts. Das sind pro schauen vielleicht 5 cent für mich oder so. Der Algorithmus schaut aber natürlich darauf, wie lange im durchschnitt das video angeschaut wurde und auch ob ein video sogar vielleicht zwei mal angeschaut wurde. Das sind sogar, um grunde, die wichtigsten signale. Aber am ende des Tages lassen sich solche videos nicht wirklich über YT finanzieren. Da müsste ich unterhaltsamere videos für die Masse drehen. "ich habe meiner 92jährigen oma einen Schal gestrickt und das war ihre reaktion" oder so :P

[@j.3069]

@@NimbleNeedles Ach doof, ich dachte bei höherer Nummer an Abonnenten u vielen aufrufen bekommt man mehr bezahlt oder so. Das Pullivideo hatte ich zb trotz Abonnement nicht im Feed angezeigt bekommen. Ich rufe deinen Kanal selbstständig regelmäßig auf. Werbung magst du nicht reinmachen, oder? Mentour Pilot (komplett anderes Thema) hat Skillshare oder so Kram wie online Therapie, finde ich recht erträglich. Keine Ahnung was die bezahlen. Ich bin leider arm und mit Kind, sonst würde ich das obrige machen. Reaction Videos für Klicks, lol. Ja, man muss schon Bock drauf haben. Die Leidenschaft u Präzision spürt man bei dir u genau das macht deinen Kanal so besonders. Hast du mal drüber nachgedacht Kurse zu geben an schönen Orten? Fruity knitting plant irgend ein retreat aber ich dachte jetzt auch einfach 2 Tage Crashkurs für fortgeschrittene Stricker mit 150€ oder 250€ Teilnahmegebühr, mal 30 könnte sich das ja vielleicht etwas lohnen? Reich wird man davon sicher nicht, dafür ist stricken allgemein nicht bekannt denke ich...

[@abigailrichard4600]

I know how much making this video was asking, and know that so many of us have been requesting it for ages, and I am so grateful that you have taken the time to do this. Thank you for this wonderful, comprehensive video. I'm so glad to watch, and, in future, rewatch it.

[@NimbleNeedles]

yeah, ultimatitely this was what decided I need to do. Now let's hope that the algorithm will pick this video up (usually takes like 2 months for these extensive tutorials) so it will have been worth my while ^^

[@katelinbrady2029]

I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!!!! It helps me have the creativity of designing my own knits but doing so without the frustration of messing up the measurements half way through. Yay! Also I use your sock measurement video every time as well. So excited about this sweater one!

[@zendoc62]

Your teaching skills are absolutely the best, Norman. I’m in awe of the clarity, the way you break a complex set of skills down into perfectly sized bite-size chunks so that anyone can understand - and do - what you’re doing. Such teaching skills are very rare in life. Thank you and greetings from Australia. John

[@NimbleNeedles]

My pleasure 🙏

[@alexandrarebelcrafter9328]

You are so thorough in every way. I will be watching this a few times because there’s so much information. I said, “WHAAAAT” a few times. I plan to download the pattern as well. I’ve been knitting for seven years so I consider myself a beginner because there’s so much to learn. The details and techniques used spell success and you prove that in every video. Thank you.

[@NimbleNeedles]

very happy to hear. This video took aaaaages to record and edit!

[@ILE3]

Thank you for all of your work, this is incredibly extensive and I'm excited to try this very soon. Thank you! It's rare that a tutorial doesn't leave room for confusion!

[@ginette2100]

For the first time I understand how to calculate a perfect fitting sweater, I adjusted your measurements to fit me around waist and bust area. Thank you so much.

[@sallyr.6891]

Norman, just to let you know how much you are appreciated. You really give your all to each of your tutorials and you are an excellent teacher. So many helpful tips in this video and I am only 30 minutes into it, i.e. "the life line." Love your sweater and your choice of yarn. Thank you, thank you, thank you! 😊

[@NimbleNeedles]

Wow, thank you!

[@doobat708]

I don't know why this video doesn't have more likes and comments, truely mystifying! This is so thorough and clear, especially in combination with your written article, that I feel like this would be the first time I feel like I, too, can knit a jumper.

[@NimbleNeedles]

I suppose because it's a long video and many want to watch it when they need it. ALso, my regular channel viewers prefer shorter tips and tricks or technique videos and not pattern. So the algorithm (hopefully) still needs to learn who wants to see this. at least it has been the same with my sock or hat video, which, two years later have hundreds of thousand views.

[@catherinea3118]

By far the best sweater knitting video I have seen thanks so much Norman, I learned so much in this video and hoping I can finally dare to knit a sweater sometime soon😊

[@NimbleNeedles]

I sure hope you will. And remember, you can always come back to this video and comment with your questions.

[@AnimalMe-x8h]

Ohhhh my good I remember in a video you said how u don't like doing big projects like sweater cuz of how difficult it is to shoot doing knitting and I was so sad because I wanted to know how to knit a sweater from u cuz of how manny great advice u have and today I see this and the excitement and happiness I have to use this to knit a sweater so thank u for doing it out of ur comfort zone foe us. Thank u so much and definitely using this during summer after my exams are over can't wait.

[@NimbleNeedles]

yes. This project did bring me to the brink of insanity and I honestly don't think I will be able to physically and mentally record another sweater tutorial in the next two years. At least not with this scope.

[@AnimalMe-x8h]

@@NimbleNeedles thank you so much for the hard work and going out of your comfort zone we all appreciate it but I don't want u to put urself under soo much pressure as it can be very stressful so I do understand if u don't do a big project like this again.

[@lindaarmstrongjackman9788]

Last week I had to alter a sweater for the first time. I made a fair isle sweater for my son and it was way too long and the neck was way too loose. He lives almost four hours away, so I could not size it very well while knitting it. The yarn was DK and the bulk of the sweater pulled the sweater down as well. It was knit from the bottom up. I had to unravel it from the top to the pattern and redid it with a 3.75 mm instead of the 4mm. I had to put in a rescue line at the bottom where it needed to be cut off. That was not easy to get a line around such a big sweater. It was not perfect, but I managed to get it fairly straight and add the new hem. I wish I had known these things before. Thank you Norman.

[@NimbleNeedles]

glad to hear you were able to rescue it!

[@Gwenny89]

Danke für den wahnsinnigen Arbeitsaufwand! Du bereitest damit sehr viel Freude denn nicht jeder kann sich einen persönlichen Kurs und Buch etc leisten

[@NimbleNeedles]

Danke für das Lob! freut mich das es dir weiterhelfen kann

[@katywuste9054]

I have never knitted a sweater top down before but this has given me the confidence to try so thank you so very much

[@NimbleNeedles]

well...this sweater is bottom-up, tho! :P

[@gaynellgallagher4306]

Wow wow wow. What a fantastic tutorial. You make it seem actually possible to knit a sweater!

[@NimbleNeedles]

well..that's the idea. And trust me..the actual knitting IS easy...however, it make take a while longer than a dishcloth :P

[@lucifer-kingoflight5061]

You make your videos detailed and clear.You really are a great teacher.I was really looking forward for you to make a tutorial for knitting a sweater.Thank you so much❤

[@NimbleNeedles]

My pleasure! Glad all the efforts that went into this video are appreciated ❤️

[@dashamanshina]

No matter what your video is about, every time it starts with your face it makes me smile! Have paused after 5 seconds to write this. Will continue now.

[@NimbleNeedles]

ha! awesome!

[@MrsKick11]

NORMAN! Are you a mind reader?!?! I have been looking for this exact video for ever, and here you are with it!!! So well done, I always suggest your tutorials to my knitter friends. I'll see you on Patreon because this deserves it!!!

[@NimbleNeedles]

it sure was a lot of work! in the meantime, thank you for spreading the word

[@ginninadances]

Finally got to watch it! So many good things in here. If you record any other long ones, perhaps it could be released in a series. That was a lot of work!

[@NimbleNeedles]

heh. yes. Well I try to keep things in one video because it has worked for me much better in the past. multiple videos typically don't work on yt...but I do keep it in mind

[@luliknits]

Thank you soooo much for this tutorial Norman!! I was planning on knitting a raglan sweater and this video is extremely useful!!

[@NimbleNeedles]

I sure hope it will be! And always remember that you can come back here to ask any questions :)

[@mariannef.9314]

Dear Norman, you have convinced me that I need measurements - quite a few- to get a decent fit. I just wish I could pass that on to the person who got me into knitting with claims like: do not worry about measuring, the stretchiness of knitting takes care of that!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Well...it kinda does...until it doesn't 🤣

[@juliebrierley6631]

Thank you for your instruction.I bought the pattern and made a sweater that I love. It fits so well. I struggled picking up the stitches after the short rows but somehow they worked. It's over 40 years since I've done any knitting but now I'm hooked!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Aww..how awesome. Glad this worked out for you. Be proud!

[@Nana-lk3yv]

Dear Norman, I am impressed!! I think I will need the whole week to watch the video until the end. 😅 Love it already! Thank you so much!

[@NimbleNeedles]

heh. well it is kinda long :P I know ^^

[@baeticat]

I'm watching this for all the nifty advice while finishing up my socks. Thanks Norman! This is a real treasure trove. So much to learn! I will come back to this at some point to make a perfect raglan ❤

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad it was helpful! the video is here to stay :)

[@deeztube1]

I'm looking forward to learning how to avoid increase/decrease holes! I think this will be a transferable skill to knitting socks as well.

[@patp2573]

THANK YOU! So much information all in one place, and easy to follow. I've never had a completely successful sweater and gave up knitting them, but I am ready to try again. Following all your instructions and hints, and starting with a plain pattern, I am confident again.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Wonderful! and feel free to comment any time you are stuck or unsure!

[@VeronicaAlessandrello]

Wow 🤩 Thank you so much for putting this tutorial together. You’re truly a wonderful tutor. Clear, kind, outstandingly neat. Your work is impecable and machine-like quality. Well done! 👏🙏 I learned a lot.

[@NimbleNeedles]

aww..thank you

[@FoxDenStitches]

I haven’t even watched the full video yet but the level of care and expertise you put into everything you do… I know I can knit my first sweater now. Your knowledge of the craft is next level and I’m so grateful you’ve chosen to share it with the world. I’ve never joined patreon before, but I just did! 🎉 You deserve all the support we can give to keep these masterful lessons coming. ❤

[@NimbleNeedles]

oh wow! thank you for your support and see you on the "other side" :P

[@ninjablueflame6]

What a lovely Sunday afternoon for me to be able to watch this entire video. You are the best! Thank you!

[@NimbleNeedles]

you watched it all? wow!

[@bookwyrm84]

I didn't get to knit along to your video, but I loved watching the whole process. Earlier this year I attempted to knit a hooded sweater, but got frustrated at the process. Hearing your detailed description of the process was just what I needed. Thank you for spending your valuable time to make this content.

[@NimbleNeedles]

i hope you will give your sweater (or any sweater) another go. and if you have questions, always know that youc an comment here :)

[@valeriehowden471]

Only 40 minutes in and loving every tip. I've knit 4 sweaters so far this year and aiming for a 5th which will be a cotton summer sweater. Few years ago, I learned the hard way not to trust a manufacturer's knot when my Tunisian crochet wrap burst a knot right in the middle the day after completion. Had to frog the whole project and then reworked it so all joins were at the seams. Back to viewing this master piece tutorial! Thanks, Norman.

[@NimbleNeedles]

oh no! well...some lessons have to be learned the hard way I guess. I too had my fair share of...let's just knit along and ignore the knot disasters :P

[@mariannef.9314]

Thank you Norman, I love your teaching style and I just finished the swatch for my sweater. But I chose to knit it for my baby niece, so much quicker to knit.

[@NimbleNeedles]

heh. yeah baby sweaters are much faster. Be careful, tho. This is an adult sweater. A baby needs help to get dressed. Good news is - raglan sweaters are lovely for that. However, you might want to keep a lot more space underneath the arms and the wrists shouldn't be that tight either. So a lot more negative ease overall :)

[@mrnmrstran]

I'm watching right now and I already know that it's a masterpiece! Thank you so much, Norman ❤ This is a tutorial for life

[@NimbleNeedles]

ha! well, I do hope the rest of the tutorial will be able to live up to the masterpiece expectations! ;-)

[@katywuste9054]

Definitely a keeper

[@FoxandFrost]

Thank you, Norman! Learning from you gave me the confidence to try sweaters already, and I’m working on my third one! I’ve pointed people to your tutorials before and am glad to have a sweater one now.

[@NimbleNeedles]

how awesome! well, I hope there are some tips and tricks included in this video. and who knows, maybe there will be an advanced sweater tips and tricks video somewhen in the future :)

[@lebensblume6015]

Wirklich sehr ausführlich erklärt. Man könnte fast meinen, daß Du auch ein Schneider bist. Danke für Deine Mühe.

[@NimbleNeedles]

heh. Naaaajaaaaa ich komme aus einer schneider familie ;-)

[@luzsarmiento5920]

Thank you for your patience and time again.

[@NimbleNeedles]

My pleasure 🙏

[@MHeidenRN]

I’m going to have to watch it again as I am watching while working right now. But I love the detail and explanation of every step. I’m very much math oriented and this makes me very happy. To echo what others have said, I love your content and have learned a lot from watching. I am a 20+ year, self taught, mediocre knitter who comes from a family of quilters and crocheters. As far as I know, I’m one of only maybe 2 or 3 knitters. You have certainly helped my knowledge grow throughout this journey. Thank you for all you do!

[@NimbleNeedles]

you are very welcome. But please, do me a favor, consider not thinking of yourself as "mediocre". Think of yourself as an intermediate knitter. Or a knitter on it's journey to expert knitting.

[@sarahlaidlaw6588]

This is a sensational video Norman. I had started a jumper on another pattern but this has really helped me understand what I need to change for my body shape. Thank you for all the hours you have invested into this video.

[@NimbleNeedles]

It's my pleasure. Glad all that effort was worth it!

[@estephanieliendo7319]

Dear gentleman, Thanks so much for this amazing, detailed, and well-structured video. Im so happy you did this one for a sweater. From here, I feel more confident to be more creative for furthe projects knowing the core principles of how properly make this sweater. Cannot thank you and congratulate you enough. Tons of love to you ❤

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bethk1402]

Wow! Thank you so much for making this video. I will be coming back to it time and again. I am currently knitting my second sweater ever. The first one was a bottom-up Lopi sweater that a friend helped me with when I was on an exchange program to Germany in 1986. Fast forward to now and since my friend lives in Hamburg and can't help me with this, I am so thankful to have found you and your videos! My current attempt is a top-down sweater, but there are several things in this video that will help me a lot. First I am going to go back and carefully rewatch the part about calculating the raglan for sizing. Somehow I have way, way, way too much fabric on the front and back panels and the armpit is getting ever lower without seeming like it is going to fit. Got to love the learning by doing! And then I will see about making a bottom-up sweater according to your pattern - something to look forward to for sure!

[@NimbleNeedles]

yes, definitely. I mean the difference in the calculaitons between top down and bottom up is literally zero. You only exchange the word decrease for increase and the rest is the same. The only difference is that you will need to knit a much larger initial swatch and block it veeery diligently.

[@olgatruntaeva898]

Gosh I absolutely love this awesome person!!!! Norman you are incredible. You rescued me from the disappointment of myself 😢. You give me hope to knit the sweater with right size. I am so tired to do it again and again in wrong size. God please really bless him. Love you Norman❤

[@SuperRedhead50]

I haven’t finished viewing the video but have already noted it is very well done! I just finished a top down Icelandic sweater and it is a success, and now want to try bottom up. Your video will give me the tools and confidence to boldly attempt it. Thanks again!!

[@NimbleNeedles]

awesome. then you already know the basics so this will probably be a breeze for you!

[@elainebex]

Thank you Norman! I learned to knit in high school (have been crocheting since I was 10) and I have just recently started crocheting garments and wanted to relearn knitting. All your videos have been so informative and clear that jumping back into knitting was so easy! And this video is perfect timing for me to move into knitting clothing. Thank you for taking the time to film and share. ❤

[@NimbleNeedles]

you are very welcome :) and never hestitate to comment if you have a question, right? :)

[@Bethabara9]

You should change the video name to read how to knit raglan sweater for everyone, nit just beginners! I always learn so much when watching you. I wish you would write a knitting math pdf! So much wonderful ideas and helpful hints! Thankyou so much for your time!

[@NimbleNeedles]

heh. glad it was helpful. Maybe you are right...then again, for me, this is a simple beginner sweater :P so i dunno, lol! :P

[@salome5476]

this is perfect!!! im a beginner knitter and i was planning to make a raglan sweater but i couldn't find a very detailed tutorial until you posted this, thank you so much! i will definitely make my sweater with this tutorial

[@NimbleNeedles]

have fun! and always remember, you can comment anytime if you have any questions.

[@teravolt3261]

Thank you thank you thank you! Once again you’ve knocked it out of the park with this video, can’t wait to make a sweater now!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Yay! Thank you!

[@kristencarico9804]

Thank you for such a thorough and detailed tutorial! You do such an amazing job at explaining and teaching all the processes.

[@NimbleNeedles]

You are so welcome!

[@natalierobillard8741]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

[@Cthecool]

I love how you explain the how & why of your videos! I also love how thorough you are with all details. I’d love to knit a sweater but in a v-neck because I’ve rods & pins in my neck and round collars really irritate when against my neck.

[@NimbleNeedles]

well the base of the sweater will remain the same. However, for a v neck you typically will have to bind off stitches rather than putting them on hold and knitting short rows. Later on, you'd have to pick them up again and knit the collar. Might in fact be easier, lol :)

[@prettypanda]

This is such a useful resource! I've been knitting for about a year and my experience with patterns has been either 1) I end up making a sweater that I do like but its definitely the drop shoulder oversize fit which is great but not the only kind of sweater I want to wear for eternity or 2) I trusted a designer who assumed I should know more than I do so when I tried following exactly what they said I found that their math was straight up wrong for my size, which of course it was cuz my size is not the designer's size, and I just gave up in frustration. As a result the one raglan sweater I attempted got frogged and I haven't tried since.

[@NimbleNeedles]

I would definitely give it another try. As a rule of thumb: when I knit a sweater I totally discard ALL the calculations of the designer and just follow their design but not their sizing.

[@Agirlisnoone13]

AWESOME!!!! As a recent beginner to knitting I really want to knit a sweater but feel very intimidated. This tutorial alleviates all my fears and makes me feel confident I can succeed on the first try. Thank you Norman :)

[@NimbleNeedles]

You are so welcome! happy knitting!

[@Helen.G.]

Cannot thank you enough for this video!!! Bless you!! So much work and heart into it, so much care and thought. Thank you so so so much!!!

[@NimbleNeedles]

My pleasure 🙏

[@salome5476]

thank you so much for spending so much time making this tutorial for us begginers, i really appreciate all the work you put in your tutorials, you're my savior!! ❤❤❤

[@NimbleNeedles]

You're very welcome! I really hope it pays off :)

[@jennifersapp1649]

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your talents - you are brilliant! I truly appreciate your insights, techniques, and tips. Thanks to you my knitting has improved.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Happy to hear that. You are so welcome!

[@nblmqst1167]

Thank you for your wonderful, complete, and clear tutorial. Very, very much appreciated.

[@NimbleNeedles]

You're very welcome!

[@willbaren]

Norman, thank you so much for this. I have been dreaming about knitting a sweater and your detailed instructions make me confident I could do it. Thank you so much. Cheers.

[@NimbleNeedles]

i sure hope they do! happy knitting

[@willbaren]

@@NimbleNeedles thank you

[@SilverBrumby165]

I've always wanted to knit a sweater, but I have expensive tastes in yarn and normally knit socks, so it seems like it would be very expensive and take an awful long time if I ended up with something that doesn't fit. This tutorial is great and gives me the confidence to try it out. Thank you for the clear, detailed instructions.

[@NimbleNeedles]

I would still recommend using a more affordable yarn for your first sweater. There is a lot to learn and a lot can go wrong.

[@AmeliaMignonetteThermopolis]

I’m a new knitter with just a few months under my belt and only a giant 6’ cabled blanket to boast. I was hoping to knit my first ever sweater for me and my husband, in that order so I make all the rookie mistakes with mine and not his lol. A hundred patterns and a thousand questions later (what are short rows, how do I know when to use them, and how do I add them to a pattern that doesn’t have any? how do I know at what point I should increase/decrease to get some waist shaping? how do I pick the right yarn and calculate for growth once I wash the sweater? can I reuse the yarn of my swatch? what do I do if the pattern sizing doesn’t end up fitting well?? etc), I still don’t know what exactly I was looking for… until this. This video is everything and a whole lot more. The knowledge and tips you share here are things I would not have learned at all in my lifetime by just following patterns, and yet you give it to us for free. Thank you so, so, so much. You are a gem to this world, I hope you know that! I will be sure to support you on Patreon soon. Much love from the Philippines!

[@NimbleNeedles]

very happy to hear my tutorial was able to deliver on its promise. It took a lot of work and time to create it!

[@kathyd7284]

May be my next project! Thanks for taking the time to teach us all!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Have fun!

[@christenagervais7303]

Thank you so much for your generosity of time and knowledge, Norman. I am very grateful ❤

[@NimbleNeedles]

Welcome!

[@LottaSocks]

Wow! Definitely an Epic! I’m half way thru but had to chime in. (Saving to fave vids btw!) I’m in the top down camp because…long arms, sleeve length, raglan depth etc etc. BUT… I can still take the info for upper body/sleeve to adjust inc/dec numbers. I had always wondered the “how” and “when” to change those numbers. THANK YOU for that alone! Broader shoulders for me, now I Finally found a reference that explains where to keep the incs/decs every other row and where to change those numbers. I’ve always liked to math (and analyze ad nauseum) but apparently only in 2-D. Forget figuring out 3-D. I can visualize, but can’t draw or calculate that out. Maybe when I’m 164 years old, I’ll have everything figured out…bah I love learning from you !! Lunch break, then returning for the rest…more info & calculations, yay! Thank you!!

[@NimbleNeedles]

well, the math will be the exact same - no matter if you knit top down or bottom up. you just exchange inc for dec and vice versa :) the difference will be that you will have to base your raglan lines on a swatch (and not your WIP) and that is notoriously unreliable..you will only know if you were right when you are almost finished with your sweater (when you start knitting the lower torso). So, I personally would say that those who have a not so standard raglan sweater, benefit from knitting bottom up imensely as it's much more reliable to try on your WIP. Top down is easy for..i dunno..standard fit women with round shoulders and size...say S and M.

[@jamiet7038]

Thank you! I love your detailed explanations. I appreciate all the work and time you put into this video.

[@NimbleNeedles]

You're very welcome!

[@notdd]

you are a brilliant teacher thank you so much for your videos 🥺🫶

[@padawanmaedchen]

Oh yessss, I've been dreaming of you putting out a video like this one day, but didn't think it would actually happen! Thank you Norman, that makes me very happy! Your channel was able to teach me knitting and above all to understand it. You give me a real safe space for knitting! Thank you for your patience and really incredibly valuable work! I hope that one day I will have the opportunity to appreciate your work financially, because you more than deserve it! (So this is the call to all who are financially stable to do it haha) I am usually very shy to write comments, but for you "springe ich über meinen Schatten" (I don't know if "I jump over my shadow" makes sense in English :D) I wish you only the best and a lot of success with what you do.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Du kannst auch gerne immer auf Deutsch kommentieren. :)

[@TSUNAMI-MAMI]

Omg amazing! My favorite tutorial channel because you’re such a great teacher. Would love to see one of these in the future for like a summer tank top using summer fibers!

[@NimbleNeedles]

heh. I am not sure that is going to happen. Mostly because I dunno..i don't wear tank tops at all, lol

[@Stitchers_Whimsy]

Saving this for all the tips!! Thanks Norman

[@NimbleNeedles]

the video is here to stay

[@jgfreer8322]

@@NimbleNeedles Thank you for your kindness - you are irresistible! I have always been hesitatant to try and knit a sweater - but your clear, patient guidance encourages me to try at last! 💐 💐

[@mirjanasvilar258]

Thanks for the video, It will be very helpful. I will try to follow the instructions. I noticed an icon in the background, it's beautiful.

[@NimbleNeedles]

yap...it's an old late medieval russian icon :)

[@mirjanasvilar258]

@@NimbleNeedles I know, I am ortodox. I saw another one of your videos. I wish you much success and a big greeting from Serbia. :-)

[@_Quack_Wack_]

Great tips, the walk through on the math is fantastic also ❤️

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad it was helpful! I was a bit hestitant at first because it was a loooot!

[@margaretmclaren4685]

Looks like I'll have to cast on another project so I can really absorb all the info from this wonderful resource. There are worse problems to have. 😊

[@NimbleNeedles]

haha! indeed #firstworldproblems That being said, feel free to comment anytime you run into a problem :)

[@renka7165]

Great tutorial, I will definitely use it. Thank you for your work.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad it was helpful!

[@LDaw_96]

Thank !!! This is exactly what i needed. Doing a nice sweat is very high on my bucket list.

[@NimbleNeedles]

well, hope this video gives you all you need to get started :)

[@Iagreewithyoubearhug]

Thanks for making this video becasue it motivated me to do one for my son this year:)

[@NimbleNeedles]

That is awesome! have fun! and feel free to come back if you have any questions

[@PeaceLoveAndRico]

Really great walk-through and all the info I needed, thank you so much.🎉❤😊

[@NimbleNeedles]

You are so welcome!

[@cidermermaid]

I don’t understand why people say they like top down sweaters better cause they can try them on. You can try on bottom up sweaters too! And you demonstrated this several times here. I’ve never made a sweater but I feel like bottom up makes more sense.

[@NimbleNeedles]

i never understood that part either. Like how on earth is this even logical? Every portion of your WIP needs to fit your body - no matter if you start at the sleeves, the collar or the hem. And then they will say that they can knit their sweater as long a they like...well THAT IS true...however you will only know for sure after blocking. So it's a very limited pro. I feel there are quite a couple of pros for knitting top down. yes, but the trying on is just..i dunno where it came from :)

[@cidermermaid]

@@NimbleNeedles I completely agree. I am a seamstress, and strongly believe it is important to try on any garment you are making as often as you can. No matter how the garment is constructed (knit, sewn...)

[@kellynickles2178]

Absolutely Lovely Video! ❤️🧶👵🧶❤️ Thank you, Norman!

[@NimbleNeedles]

You are very welcome, Kelly :)

[@catherinecarter8987]

Wow, thank you Norman. I will be looking at this later on this evening ❤ X

[@NimbleNeedles]

my pleasure and have fun watching it

[@teishafarrer8419]

I joined your patreon account for this video. It is amazing!! Thank you for your time and guidance

[@NimbleNeedles]

Wow, thank you. Welcome on board

[@TheArualex]

¡Gracias Norman! Clarísima explicación y excelente calidad tu video. Muy generoso.

[@NimbleNeedles]

My pleasure 🙏

[@juliebeans7323]

This is brilliant, and kind of how i was going to approach a sweater for myself....i am all the wrong shape, so regular patterns just won't fit (nor are they inclusive enough). I've saved the video in my crafting list, and will definitely come back to it. Currently paused at the point just before joining the sleeves.

[@NimbleNeedles]

be aware that this is a basic construction. There are ways to adjust for bigger busts/belly...bigger hips....smaller waist...whatever..broad shoulders. So, if you do have a question, comment! :) Originally I wanted to include some of it into the video but then the video would have been 5 hours long. And very confusion jumping from one point to the other :P

[@kellyboyneoconnor3709]

This video came out at the perfect time for me. I've made myself a couple of sweaters and noticed that when I raise my arms, it would raise the hem up too far, and lengthening the body didn't help. I realized most patterns have armholes that are too long for me, and after some discussing with my knitting group, it was decided I'd need to alter the raglan decreases/increases different than patterns called for. It was mentioned that "it is a lot of math" but that math wasn't laid out for me. You did an excellent job of that! Thank you SO much!! I will definitely come back to this video for help with shaping my raglans. Any tips on fitting a large bust on a raglan design? I'm thinking chest short rows? But afraid that would look a bit like a wierd sock.

[@NimbleNeedles]

you would have to incorporate bust darts. So, in this case you'd havvev to calculate your sweater through with your underbust circumference and then do a separate short row shaping for the busts. The video was long enough as it is so I didn'T incorporate it (since most commercial sweaters don't do it either). Maybe I'll do a future video on bust darts - even tho I am not the leading authority on the topiic (for somewhat obvious reasons :P)

[@MinoChanTT]

Thank you so so much for the tutorial! Amazing work! Hopefully I will come back here when I finally will be ready for such a big project, I'm still too newbie to knitting.

[@NimbleNeedles]

the video is here to stay! But don't forget to challenge yourself once every while :)

[@robooto6476]

This is such an amazing video! Thank you for your hard work!!

[@NimbleNeedles]

My pleasure 🙏 glad you enjoyed this video

[@KateBaumer]

I’ve been looking for a video exactly like this!

[@NimbleNeedles]

awesome. And always know that you can ask your questions here in the comment section :)

[@adrianawilliams9633]

Thanks you for this tutorial it's very helpful for beginners 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@NimbleNeedles]

happy to hear you think so

[@gabbicat9388]

Thank you so much for such a well thought out, thorough tutorial. My first raglan sweater, I didn't block my swatch and my tension was all over the place and my calculations were questionable (to say the least!) So I ended up with a sweater which was so big, it fits my 6'6", 180kg partner (I'm 5 feet tall and considerably less than half his weight- but trying on as you go is for wimps, right? 😂) I'm predominantly a crocheter, and never found knitting easy but I've been trying to improve on my skills. This video has inspired me to try again, and do it properly this time. So again, thank you. ❤️

[@NimbleNeedles]

oh me oh my. I always try to ...well..admonish people to try on their WIPS as frequently as possible. I'Ve heard such stories soooo often :( but glad you found a willing recipient!

[@maxx6050]

Thank you, Norman. Good podcast 👍🏽

[@NimbleNeedles]

My pleasure!

[@Dollectable_Dreams]

I've never knitted, but I crochet, and I've practised for the last month how to do stockinette stitch back and forward. I get a decent fabric. Other than watching your video about increases and decreases, is there something else I should watch to help me with this jumper? I watched many of your videos but never tried anything with knitting. I love when you show the anatomy of the stitches by making them with your fingers. Thank you for making such detailed videos!

[@NimbleNeedles]

I mean, I kinda would start with an easier project. Like a hat and before that a scarf. A sweater might not be the best place to start

[@Dollectable_Dreams]

@NimbleNeedles Thank you Norman! I appreciate your answer!!! You crazy German (Austrian?) answering to anyone!!! 🤗

[@JustPersonalSongs]

Amazing video, thank you Norman!