Episode 12 - Sweater Math

[@trudy8822]

Your sweater math makes so much sense, thanks so much. I enjoy your podcast

[@littlebigknits]

I'm so glad!

[@scottM-v3u]

This is the best explanation for gauge and sizing I’ve ever heard ! Thank you

[@christinas.317]

Dear Selma, your Sweater math was so clear and really helpful. I also learned about this (old) episode of yours from the knitty stew and knew right away that I had to watch it. I‘ve not been very lucky in my sweater knitting lately - which is so frustrating! So on my next piece I‘ll give your suggestions a try and see how it works. Love your podcasts - have been watching them for a few years - but obviously not for 5 😉 Thank‘s for all you do for this knitting community, love Christina from Austria

[@littlebigknits]

I Hope it helps for future episodes!! Thanks for being here 😊😊😊

[@AnitaNíGhal]

Thank you Selma. This was really helpful, especially as I'm planning a sweater right now!

[@milacarv1]

Always lovely to see you Selma ! I love your sweeatef and it does look perfect ! The length is very flattering on you , just perfect ! Also I like when you fold the sleeves , looks great either way . I’m so glad you had a great time with your Dad :) Sending you a virtual hug x Emilia

[@brittanymorris943]

Thank you for making a sweater so much easier breaking it down like that makes so much sense now

[@JoAnnGoldenberg]

Thank you so much for the explanation about choosing a sweater size! I FINALLY understand!!!

[@suemettee1949]

Thank you for the sweater math - I’ve written it down & will try on my next sweater.

[@sindypierre9141]

Hello Selma, I really enjoyed your podcast again, and the tips on sweater math are very helpful.

[@WoolRevival]

Thank you! Your sweater math ideas will be relevant forever. I look forward to watching this video over and over again while I creatively dig through my beautiful yarns. 😂 Leanne, The Knitty Stew, sent me here. I’m watching from Chicago.

[@littlebigknits]

Hello!! Glad if it made sense!! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@christinekirkman7713]

As always, another exceptional pod cast. Thank you for a truly enjoyable 58 minutes!

[@bogdem9610]

Thank you for the sweater math. A clear and easy method. Love that purple sweater and the skirt.

[@nwilliams6458]

Thanks for the sweater math - good outline & reminder of the knitting approach to sweaters.

[@sallysummerfield9952]

I appreciated your sweater math talk. I will need you playing in my ear as I attempt my first garment.

[@sweetlavenderknits6670]

Thank you so much for sharing the sweater math Selma. That is very helpful and makes total sense...i've knit a few cardigans for myself and sweaters for my kids when they were younger but never a sweater (jumper) for myself. I've just bought the Zweig pattern and will be casting on soon, so this sweater math is going to be put to good use :) I already eye another branches and buds vest on the thumbnail of Episode 13...but that will have to wait till tomorrow night! Love your podcasts...have I told you that?! Lol!

[@littlebigknits]

Sweet Lavender Knits oooh the Zweig is one I am pondering!! Just have to find the right colours! Thank you again for watching! If you have knit cardigans you can do a sweater too!

[@erikawells9394]

Another great podcast. I learnt so much about knitting sweaters and yarn to use. Thank you

[@godylief]

Thank you for the explanation about choosing sweater size. Good idea will definitely try that out on my next project.

[@Sylvia_1002]

Thank you for sharing your sweater math with us! It makes PERFECT sense.

[@littlebigknits]

glad to hear it!!

[@Tricia123B]

Thank you so much for the Sweater Math. Your channel is lovely

[@littlebigknits]

You are most welcome!

[@aknitter5012]

Really enjoying hearing your take on making garments. I'm learning so much plus getting new ideas!

[@hevang8495]

Holy cow! Loved your sweater math. Thank you. I will be using it when I cast on my next sweater!

[@littlebigknits]

Ang Edgington so glad to hear!!

[@terrywynn9767]

I am new to your podcast, 11 was my first. Your math explanation was super. Thanks so much and joy to you and your family in the New Year.

[@newbee7002]

Happy New Year Selma! Thank you for the tips on sweater math. Very helpful.

[@juliadroy1179]

The sweater math is absolutely brilliant.

[@littlebigknits]

Julia Droy glad you liked it!!

[@katrinascreationscrafting]

Your sweater looks gorgeous. I think the length is perfect and the jewel tone color is beautiful.

[@BJKelly]

Thank you for your sweater calculations!

[@LDSVenus]

I absolutely love your sweater!! I love the length for both the sleeves and the body but you are the one that needs to be happy with them. I'm sure your son will love the hat :)

[@tara281]

Your sweater chat was super helpful!! Thank you :)

[@susancutt5726]

I think your sweater looks very nice on you. I agree on the longer length but I'm old and I like everything long. I love your simple turtleneck. Did I miss what yarn you used? Thanks for the sweater math. You hit that right out of the park! Enjoy your late Christmas celebration and Happy New Year! I have also never watched Physco and I never will!! LOL

[@littlebigknits]

Susan Cutt thanks for your comments! For the sweater I used one strand of mohair and one strand of sandnes garn mini alpakka. It’s on my project page on Ravelry as well. Hope that helps

[@ramonafirehorse]

Thanks Selma! That was great. I'm looking at that poncho now as well as I need a "go over" garment in my wardrobe. Just not sure if stash yarns I have would be "drapey"

[@littlebigknits]

ramonafirehorse thanks for the idea Ramona!!! Yes those types of garments are so handy that I want a few more!!

[@HawthornCottageCraft]

The Sweater Whisperer!! You really do own that name😁 I think your sweater looks fabulous....another job well done 👍

[@littlebigknits]

you are too kind my friend!!

[@sobat7402]

Hello Selma, have good new year too. The sweater you are wearing looks great on you. The length of the sweater gives you also more length in the upper part of your body. Do not doubt, it looks good on you!

[@littlebigknits]

That is what I think too. When it was shorter it seemed to emphasize the bust too much and make me look even more short and stalky!

[@dukeofpurl]

Length is just right! You show it off very well! Great colour! But what the hey -- this is an Alberta ranch-land perspective! 👍

[@littlebigknits]

dukeofpurl lol!! That’s a great perspective too!!

[@littlebigknits]

dukeofpurl and thank you!!

[@dukeofpurl]

Not at all ... 🍷

[@carolrabich9567]

Thank you or the sweater math, it was very helpful. See you soon.

[@LeslieChis]

Selma! Thank you a thousand times for sharing your sweater math!! I have always struggled with sizes and getting something that fits the way I want....I have knit a few sweaters and out of about 5 knits I only have 1 I like the way it fits. The rest were huge fails. But I do have one question... when you are substituting with a yarn that is a smaller gauge than the pattern calls for, do you, in addition to going up a size or two, do you also adjust the needle size to what the pattern says or what the yarn you are using says? I would think you would use what the yarn says but I am not 100% sure on that. Thank you SO much for your podcast and this last one with the sweater talk was so very helpful for me.....maybe now I will dare to try a sweater again!

[@littlebigknits]

Leslie Chisholm hi there! Yes you would use the needle that Best suits the yarn and with which you like the fabric you get. And then you do the math from the gauge you get. Hope that helps!!!

[@MT-ig8kr]

thank you for the sweater math, it was clear and helpful!

[@littlebigknits]

glad to hear it! thank you!

[@Tensytheneedlesmith]

The Janus sweater is on my to-do list. Your sweater turned out great. I agree about the longer length. I also have a larger bust and I feel that it needs to be balanced with a bit of a longer length, but I also think that fitted sweaters look better than oversized ones because those make me look more fat. I have a slim waist, so why not show it off, so I add a bit of length but create waist shaping.

[@marlaleclerc9491]

Can you post how to order some of these yarns or the info to look them up? I love some of the yarn you picked up! Wonderful video, this is my first time viewing and really enjoyed it.

[@littlebigknits]

Marla Leclerc I usually put the name on the video while I am talking about then and a link in the show notes on Ravelry although I may occasionally may forget. Let me know if there was one in particular that you didn’t get information about. Hope that helps!

[@cindyknoll1781]

Hi Selma- I wanted to let you know I started my first sweater due to your encouraging words- thanks so very much!!!

[@littlebigknits]

Cindy Knoll that is wonderful Cindy!!!

[@osos3574]

I loooove watching your each and every episode.... Very Happpppy New Year Selma.....

[@littlebigknits]

OS OS oh my goodness!! Thank you so much! 🙏🏻

[@mariapapagiannidi5331]

Nice podcast :) I'm curious to see which sweater you decide to make. Personally, I think that the Batwing, with the high neckline and the pattern being so high up, leaving all that plain space will not flatter a larger bust because it will make it look very low. Having a large bust myself, I know how challenging it can be!

[@littlebigknits]

Maria Papagiannidi that is a very interesting point! I will have to check Ravelry projects to see what types of people have made it . Thank you for your thoughts on this. I really appreciate it!!

[@annmoore6562]

Great advice, Selma. Thanks so much.

[@reginahobbs7627]

The sweater looks perfect length and shoulders both. It's very flattering.

[@cornwallcrafter8410]

Thank you so much for all the info on sweater maths! As for your sock conundrum, Jesse of the Knit up and Dye podcast had a similar issue when making socks for her husband, she went into details about her methodology so that might be helpful to you?

[@littlebigknits]

Cornwall Crafter thank you! I will check it out

[@catherinesp6378]

I really enjoy your podcast Selma! Thank you for putting the time into it. I notice that you knit with alpaca for sweaters and hats. Do you find they stretch and loose their shape at all? I am always fearful unless it is a blend. Thanks

[@deborahlee7975]

That was really helpful information about sizing a sweater - thanks for sharing that! I've only knit baby sweaters so far, but one day ~~ who knows, I may knit a 'real' sweater!! ;) (PS: what a cute kitty cat you have!)

[@lesliea5957]

Thank you for the sweater math. It makes sense and gives me some confidence to experiment with patterns. I need to try knitting with alpaca again - I have made a hat with 100% alpaca, but it stretched out of shape and got too big and kept slipping over my eyes! Going down a needle size seems to work well for you?

[@littlebigknits]

let's see what happens with my son's hat but so far the grey vest has not changes shape or stretched at all. I suspect that gauge has something to do with it for sure, a tighter one helping to keep the shape.

[@Serenity-fu8xz]

That was awesome. Thank you.❤

[@corinnefitzpatrick2619]

Hi Selma, brilliant explanation on the sweaters, thank you. I am not ready for jumpers yet but I'm getting there slowly. Been knitting a few scarves for Christmas trying different knitting styles, English and continental, to see if I can even out the tension difference between my knits and purls. I love your purple pullover, gorgeous. I have a couple of questions if I may? Do you wear your woolly jumpers straight onto your skin and if so are they not itchy if you get hot? Also when knitting magic loop on circs, I am struggling a little bit with the joint where I don't have a ladder as such but those stitches are definitely looser than the rest on the same row. I am tugging but it doesn't seem to make a difference. Any tip would be appreciated! Thank you. Enjoy your Christmas with the family this weekend, I bet you can't wait to have them back! xx

[@littlebigknits]

corinne fitzpatrick thank you for your lovely comments! I think I have a rather high tolerance for the itchiness of wool and because I tend to be a little bit cold on a regular basis I generally don’t find them itchy. But it certainly is very common defined well difficult to wear! With regards to magic loop yes the only thing I can say is to pull it tight along the sides. I don’t think I have any more advice than that I’m afraid. I think I pull it tight but then keep it tight that makes any sense. I think that’s about it really. I’m sorry I can’t be of any more assistance

[@nadinestapler3881]

That poncho is beautiful.

[@emmabutcher]

Selma perhaps you could change to a 2mm needle after the heel on toe up socks for your friend with the skinny ankles. Just an idea. Thanks for the sweater math section. Simple enough for me to try. Emma x

[@littlebigknits]

Emma Butcher that is a great idea which someone else also mentioned. Once I have done the heel I will see how it is looking and I may just give that a try! Thank you!!!

[@jennifermckenzie2968]

This is suuuper delayed lol ( I'm watching past episodes) but I have skinny ankles and have struggled to make socks that aren't baggy in that place. My best fitting ones, thus far, are ones that I used a 2mm for the heel and ankle (about 1" to 1.5" past the heel on toe up socks) then went back to my 2.25mm. When I make top down socks, I use 2.25mm and use a true eye of partridge heel flap and gusset which fits fairly good.

[@lindac6922]

I really enjoyed your talk about sweater math. It was really informative for me. I have yet to knit a sweater but at least I understand more about it. Lmecoll on Rav

[@littlebigknits]

that is great to hear!! thank you!

[@sewspinknit793]

I think we have all the heat here in Australia ... we are melting down here, not the best knitting weather :-P

[@carolynh3473]

Can't help notice the lovely piano. Do you play? I miss my piano very much.

[@littlebigknits]

I bought the piano because I was taking lessons and then my daughter also started. Now only she takes lessons.... I have been thinking bout it a lot so let's see if I return to it.

[@carolynh3473]

As a piano teacher for over 30 years, I would encourage you to take it up again, remembering that practice really does wonders!

[@littlebigknits]

Carolyn H it really does require a lot of practice. Hopefully I will get there!!

[@marilyn1228]

Selma, re. the slender ankles.....could you use a smaller gauge needle for the ankle area then go back to the regular sized needle for the leg....or put some ribbing up the back just above the heel for an inch or so.

[@littlebigknits]

interesting idea! I like the idea of a smaller needle. already using a ribbed pattern but if it is at a tighter gauge that would help. thank you!!

[@sonyataylor2436]

Loved hearing Yoda

[@diannariley8430]

I’m just so frustrated! I’ve knitted shawls, hats & scarves and as everyone knows that you don’t need to know exact measurements for those items. I’m new at sweater knitting and I’m pretty good at math, all with the exception of sweater math! Is there a demonstration anywhere on KZbin that explains how to get the correct cast on numbers?

[@littlebigknits]

I am not aware of any. What tends to happen for you when you knit a sweater?

[@jennylarking1936]

The maths info was very useful and easy to understand. DON’T watch Psycho - that’s my advice. I saw it when it first came out and couldn’t go in a shower for many, many years. I thought I would watch it for a second time when I was older but it was worse so I will never watch it again. Very, very scary - especially as you said you are a bit nervous after watching murder films. I am envious of your trip to Edinburgh and will be going back to last year’s podcast to see what you got up to. I would also love to go to Shetland week but at least I can work with the lovely J and S wool. I have fond memories of Ottawa as I lived there from 1970-74 and worked at the NAC when it was very new. It’s so nice to follow someone from Ottawa and I would love to see pictures. I also follow another Ottawa girl (woman) who writes very eloquently about her sewing and knitting and general life.

[@littlebigknits]

Jenny Larking I will gladly follow your advice re Psycho!! Thank you! I know my father had a hard time with showers for years so not sure why he wants me to be tortured too!!! I will do my best to share a bit about Ottawa! People seem to be asking for this!! Edinburgh was truly wonderful!! I wish I could go again!!

[@alwayshappyfeet5278]

Selma, I like the sweater on you very much >it does look very nice and flattering on you ...If you like that kind of construction > staring with the back , picking up the shoulder separately , knitting the front , shaping the shoulder with short rows and so on...> check out the summer top > Heart of Glass by Mary Annarella> it does have the some construction ...I was a bit irritated by reading through the pattern... but you had no problem with it ??....that will be my next garment to knit > here on the Canary Island the right Top for year around.... great podcast as always ...💙🇨🇦🌴🐾🌻🏝 love love the skirt

[@littlebigknits]

always-happy-feet tessellate was ok but I didn’t follow it to a tee as I am a bit rebellious that way 😉 I think that is the key! You can’t get irritated that way! I have to be in the right mood to really read through every details. Oh to be in a warm place!!

[@alwayshappyfeet5278]

I know , our kids just went back to Canada > Kingston < and yes >they are freezing after the nice warm weather here on the Island> but we still are thinking very warmly of Canada > spend 25 years there ...

[@lisakinoo6615]

always-happy-feet H’

[@marlenewhiteside6905]

I think it looks good great with the skirt

[@GrandmaP85]

Great job on the math,

[@jeaninegunn4118]

Selma, how about filming bits as you swatch and figure out your next sweater re size etc. and as you knit it along then put it together as one big example - many beginner sweater knitters I think would appreciate. I figure out size much the same way you do. Used to live in and knit in Ottawa but don't miss the extreme cold.

[@littlebigknits]

ooooh you are giving me a good challenge!! I like the idea! let's see if I am ready for that. I am not th e most technologically savvy person I am afraid and am slowly learning but this would be an interesting challenge. thank you for the idea!

[@Karanodom]

i have negotiated web site and some ravelry for heidi and anna pickles. i cannot find a sweater called the simple turtleneck or a sweater as lovely as yours. please let me know how i can find the pattern. thanks

[@littlebigknits]

Karan Odom try this: www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/light-turtleneck-sweater---lett-hyhalsagenser Good luck!

[@kimberlypenney7216]

Cascade always grows on me. I figured it was because I am tall so my garments are heavier. I most likely won’t use it any more except for children garments.

[@littlebigknits]

I have only had that experience with Cascade 220 superwash. That one I will never work with again for sure, but their regular one has always worked for me. This is the only time that has happened so I wonder if they have changed something or it could also be that my gauge loosened in the round and a smaller needle would have helped have a tighter fabric. Not sure but I still quite like it as a base.

[@kimberlypenney7216]

I left out it was the super wash that grew. I’ve used superwash Patons in a sweater and it also grew.

[@littlebigknits]

yes, the cascade superwash was not impressive at all. I think it might be ok if the gauge were tighter.

[@bonniewilliams5467]

I love the skirt and would like to knit one,(I have never knit a skirt) ,but I cannot find this one on your project page.

[@ritahelm5411]

Liebe Grüße aus Deutschland.Ich schaue jedes Video von Dir.LG Rita

[@littlebigknits]

Danke schon!!

[@kickerknit]

What is your work!

[@marjolein2644]

I love your skirt and the sweater you made earlyer this year very much! Hope to make such a garment for myself someday. Are you always making swatch ? I never do but now I understand it could be beter to make a garment fit. Happy knitting and happy newyear ! Marjolein IG handwerkplezier

[@littlebigknits]

I always swatch!! I don't necessarily wet and block the swatch unless I am worried about how the yarn will change after. In those cases I will block the swatch to see what happens. I only swatch for garments though, not for accessories.

[@valeriejohnson1043]

Batwing!!!

[@littlebigknits]

Valerie Johnson lol!! It is really beautiful, isn’t i? Let’s see what I end up in the mood for!