MEL MAKES STUFF Japanese Pattern Miniseries #1: Intarsia and Mohair, How I'm Grading Up To My Size

[@illusion1528]

Pierrot Yarn publishes English and Japanese patterns in the Japanese chart style for free if anyone's interested in trying on a low budget or is intimidated by kanji.

[@melmakesstuff]

Thank you for noting this helpful resource!

[@asmileisspecial]

I have a pierriot pattern but even with a guide on reading Japanese charts I’m still struggling to figure it out (no English version). I love the way the pattern is written so neatly and briefly though, I’m so tired of wordy patterns.

[@KittenBowl1]

Wow, I’m impressed by your enthusiasm and bravery to pick up a Japanese knitting book without knowing much about Japanese knowledge! I’m actually Japanese living in Tokyo Japan. I think I really liked your video on the effect of holding yarns to create different fabrics so I subscribed your channel. My Japanese grandma was a heavy crafter and she knitted everything and made everything herself. She crocheted Kewpie dolls clothes (like 100s of them…), and many handmade items and countless of sweaters. I recall my grandma knitting extremely fast, most of Japanese older people knit in combination style or recently continental style for most modern knitter. Unfortunately my mom from whom I learned to sew as my maternal grandfather was a professional tailor so she’s not much of a knitter so I’m left to my own device. So here I am 😅 haha. But I learned to crochet first from Japanese crochet online classes. I taught myself to knit three years ago and I’ve knitted hats, scarves, mittens, shawls etc., but not yet a sweater. Most Japanese people in Japan actually go to in-person classes and take lessons from professional knitters. They would bring a book or two and knit with an instructor and ask questions there. That’s how most people actually learn to knit in Japan. After you learn some basics you then go for those knitting and crocheting books, so books are catered towards the advanced and experienced knitters generally speaking. So that’s why they only have one size. And that size in knitting books is size 9 (or 38 in European sizing). It’s between size XS and S in US sizing. So yeah it’s pretty small, even for me. As you said as the latter option of resizing, Japanese knitters know from other sweaters they knit in the past and that’s how they resize to their own size. They know how many cast on stitches they need to knit from their own countless sweaters they’ve knitted in the past and incorporate into the design. Those patterns are more of a blueprint and you’re pretty much left to your own device and books assume you know all the knitting symbols, increases decreases and all the jargons and it will only indicate in the summary section of the pattern if it wants you to do something different than standard way. So yeah it’s quite different from western patterns. The books also assume you won’t create exact copy of the pattern on the model. They rather want you to be creative and customize to your liking unless it wants you to do something very specific.

[@anqixue6032]

I am Chinese and I can (partly) read the kanji of the Japanese books. Yet I am super intimidated to knit Japanese patterns as you mentioned they're more like a guideline instead of step by step instructions. They are usually very beautiful though so if one day I get experienced I will try to knit them. Thank you for explaining why they are all made small =D most the Japanese patterns I saw in bookshops would fit me but if I want to knit for my mom or other family members they won't fit so that always remained a mystery to me...

[@ptty44]

I love the jumper you chose from the Japanese Rowan book. It's like a watercolour painting with wool. Love the idea.

[@nadiarogo4511]

I know that people are normally not reading comments on videos after some time but I just gotta get this out there. I have no knitting friends to share my excitement with, soo :D I got the same Japanese Rowan book and am currently knitting the Woods sweater. Just finished the yoke and it is GLORIOUS. What I am doing is my own favorite stitch counts for increases (the ones from Lunenberg, actually) and I am knitting it top-down: reading the colorwork chart in reverse and moving purls one round up does the trick for the comparable overall look. But! The main thing is that I am knitting it completely out of alpaca, the fluffy mohair-ish-ly kind (holst garn Titicaca, held double on 3mm). I wished I could post a photo here but it is chef's kiss, angora vibes. Here is the conversion in case someone else is also playing with the same thought. MC: Pine --> Amazon 11 CC1: Jelly --> Nettle 07 CC2: Eve Green --> Lemon 0001 CC3: Alabaster --> Silver Grey 02 CC4: Phantom --> Havana 42 CC5: Lustre --> Mushroom 40 CC6: Cream --> Ecru 01

[@ruthvanstraten7126]

I adore watching your podcasts. I'm a reasonably new knitter but watching you explain things is fascinating. To see what is possible in knitting is so exciting. Thank you.

[@melmakesstuff]

That really means a lot, thank you ❤️

[@christycampbell1874]

Absolutely 💯 love this deep dive!! It's uper interesting to hear you work through it.

[@valturner2151]

Oh my gosh. Mind blown. I love your sweater. If you hate it, I call dibs!

[@melmakesstuff]

You’re first in line ❤️

[@dianevcalhoun6848]

Wow, I absoluted Loved this episode. Great information and ideas for working with patterns that don't quite fit what we need...

[@anneserdula1329]

Wow. Once again. You’re amazing!!!!!

[@carol-annmatthew5296]

My goodness you are one gutsy lady and I admire your ability to create. Green is my favorite colour so I love your taste. You go girl....I'm sure the end product will be absolutely stunning 😍

[@kata8012]

wow, amazing podcast. Not sure it's so much of a niche subject - the cross cultural conversation between Japanese and Western knitters still has room to grow. A lot of Western knitters want to be able to knit Japanese patterns - so this podcast fills that need. You have found some gorgeous innovative pattterns! I am so in awe of you for taking this on and in such an inspiring and creative way - that helps those of us who have not been able to puzzle out how to knit these patterns. Can't thank you enough for explaining this all!!

[@karenmacdonald33]

I struggle with mohair , wearing and knitting, i prefer written instructions to charts, never tried intarsia, I can’t read Japanese but wow so beautiful. I have ordered this book and another one! Thank you. Super excited to watch your past videos and the ones coming up. Hopefully not all quite as inspiring or I will be broke.

[@barbarascott8276]

I'm sorry to be that person who watches your videos with great pleasure and interest and then leaves a question such as this: what is that gorgeous shade of lipstick you're wearing? I'm extremely fair and the color you're wearing might be just right for me. Thanks for your wonderful episodes!

[@SarcasticShrubbery]

that pattern is ~gorgeous~ and now I have to add it to my wish list... your explanation was really thorough and helpful, thank you!

[@patg2109]

This brings joy to my nerdy soul. Im so motivated now to use excel to grade patterns with design. Ive just added stitches and end up with something to big and puckery across the shoulders. Love this series!

[@edeneres]

I'm so glad I discovered your channel, you are so dang talented and creative. Your channel is so interesting and informative.

[@melmakesstuff]

Thank you so much!

[@Roscoe3100]

Yay .. i do not speak japanese but when i saw this magazine i bought .. just had to have it.. thank you for doing this vlog :)

[@valeriesmith15]

I have got the Rowan book and that pattern is gorgeous. All the patterns are so pretty. I have sized up a pattern using measurements of my cardigan. Thank you for the maths.

[@piccolostitchworks]

I just posted a video and mentioned that I am planning to try to knit the Hypnosis Sweater and a viewer commented that you were working on it too so I had to come watch! I had the exact same experience, I saw it and fell in love and decided to give it a go. I picked a blue toned palette (also at Webs!), I feel like it would be beautiful in a bunch of different color palettes. Your greens are lovely! I'll be back to take more notes on your future updates 😁

[@mrshore12345]

Thanks for sharing this! I love what you said about thinking about it as a puzzle… it really helps to make the design fun to play with, and not a slog!

[@lindarose712]

Always interested in your deep dives and this painterly creation is no exception! Wow!

[@sarahbaud1776]

Amazing podcast! Very interesting! Thanks!

[@evilcutie.]

I never thought about knitting a Japanese pattern, purely because of the language barrier, but you made me realize that I might just be missing out on loads of beautiful designs...! This was very educational and interesting to watch, thank you for sharing! ✨

[@joannemoseley8994]

Mel, I love the way you explain things so clearly and thoughtfully. I’m super excited to see how this comes out. It is.a gorgeous design! The grading wouldn’t intimidate me but I know the intarsia with mohair would drive me nuts. Please do continue with this series!

[@sucastanedac9039]

great episode Mel!!! thank you

[@soniaboudeau2140]

Merci pour votre présentation👍et beaucoup de conseils. J'ai hâte voir la suite. Portez vous bien🖐️🌹

[@knittysixx5106]

So, I’ve put off watching this video for some time because even the idea of (the complexity of) it made me squirm. But, as usual, you did a great job explaining your method and it makes me want to venture out of my comfort zone.

[@phillipdudas7546]

How fun! I used to live about 20 min from Webs!

[@casuarinagirl8067]

That was so wonderful Mel! The Japanese really do elevate everything to such an art form. Your knit is going to be so beautiful, so ethereal. Your logic made so much sense. I probably would have just repeated stitch columns in places that fit my body, so maybe two under the sleeve two along the shoulder and four across the chest for example. I would’ve put a mark on those columns I just knit them twice. I am a bit of an Excel freak myself so I can appreciate the amount of work you did to hack the size you needed! Can’t wait to see this finished. The textural difference between the single thread and the double thread along with all the colour combinations….. it’s just going to be amazing. Very inspirational. Thanks for sharing 🥰

[@melmakesstuff]

Thanks so much Karen ❤️! Your approach of just repeating a couple of columns is genius, that would have made my life a LOT easier, lol. The chart for the front is way more complicated, so I think I might do what you suggested there and save myself the headache!

[@casuarinagirl8067]

@@melmakesstuff I’m the master of shortcuts 🤭 not afraid of the work but if I can avoid it 💪🏻 my son said always employ a lazy person they will find the easier way through something 😬🤣🤣 happy knitting

[@cmschartner]

I always love watching your videos and seeing your process.

[@madisonmelin1327]

I don't know that I would ever be brave enough to try my hand at one of these types patterns... but you could make a video about literally anything and I would watch it lol

[@melmakesstuff]

Awww thanks 🥰

[@lizlikestoknit]

Your videos are always interesting, but I don't know if I've every audibly laughed while watching one before. I absolutely snorted at "frickin LOVE algebra".

[@melmakesstuff]

😂😂😂

[@deniseengel1451]

Thanks Mel! Looking forward to this series.

[@dorteeis8764]

Lovely - Yet another very good episode of your very inspiring knitting life. I adore you creative mind and your interest in techniques and construction. Interesting to have a look into the Japanese patterns. That must be put on my to try out list.

[@alysonrodrigues122]

My heart skipped a beat when you introduced the Rowan magazine. I too saw it on Etsy but resisted purchasing because I'm intimidated by having a go at Japanese patterns. Sooooo excited to see what you create. Looking forward to your next episode. 🎉

[@sarahwilliams6488]

Great project, quite a challenge, but as always interesting to hear you talk through your thought processes and the different considerations to bear in mind.

[@heartofwool]

Thank you so much for this video, Mel! I am obsessed with so many Japanese designs and have purchased a couple of books, and you have made the whole process very approachable and explained some things I hadn't considered. Can't wait to see your finished object. 💚

[@woolgatheringfran]

I bought a few Japanese pattern books the last time I travelled home to Hong Kong but have been too intimidated to start working on them, so this miniseries really couldn't have come at a better time. Really appreciate your insights and advice on grading Japanese patterns, and I look forward to seeing more of your Japanese knits! Also, I can listen to you hardcore nerd out about knitting techniques for days, so you certainly won't get any complaints from me for long episodes!

[@alysonrodrigues122]

Ditto!

[@melmakesstuff]

Thank you so much! I definitely spent a few months just looking through a bunch of patterns before I felt comfortable diving in, so I totally understand the intimidation factor 😊

[@YarnJourneysMelanie]

Super super helpful! I really look forward to seeing how this sweater works out. I’m planning a trip to Japan this Spring and am super psyched to get to yarn shops and the knitting scene. This is super helpful background.

[@michellsaunders970]

Fantastic Mel, enjoying the deep dive into Japanese patterns. I have much to learn. Looking forward to the next instalment.♥️

[@mairead5891]

I can see why you were so drawn to this pattern! It's very reminiscent of those stunning Nani Iro fabrics isn't it? It's going to be gorgeous and worth all the time and effort you've put into making it.

[@NancyMarchioro]

I'm really excited for this series! Love your podcast by principle: you are so experienced and knowledgeable and the podcast is always packed with useful information. Love hearing about your creative process and the planning that goes into making your incredible projects. I think the lesson that comes strongest to me is that we should always enjoy the WHOLE process...planning, gauge swatching, frogging, fixing, troubleshooting... all these steps that people might think are annoying are part of the investigative undertaking of achieving the perfect knit! Sorry for the bla bla bla... in summary: I always wait anxiously for the next episode. LOVE 'em all!!!

[@robynreid3027]

Such an interesting video, such exquisite Rowan patterns. I had no idea that I needed to know about Japanese patterns! Loved your maths and clear explanations, they will stay with me. Thank you so much.

[@Elianaalfonso7703]

Wow, Mel, this is so interesting! Can’t wait to see the progress on the jumper you are making. And please talk as long as you like! More is better ☺️

[@melmakesstuff]

❤️❤️❤️

[@msjennable]

I'm yelling green before you said it!❤🎉 Love it!

[@cindyfrye3026]

WOW! What a lot of fabulous patterns in that book. I am interested in following how this project works out.

[@yuhecong]

You mentioned this on one of your old podcasts and I have been hoping you would make a video!! Excited to learn from you.

[@adrienne14151]

Fantastic episode. Really enjoyed the logical breakdown of the Japanese pattern to make it feel more accessible Love your work..

[@sandramagar1565]

Great content. You are a favorite of mine because you kindly explain so many details involved in successfully knitting a garment. I always smile when I see you have a new video out!!!

[@LesTricotsdeMarie]

This Hypnosis sweater is so beautiful! Looking forward to seeing how it turns out!

[@miric6224]

Nice to meet another fanatic knitter. Thank you for posting and looking forward to your sharing.

[@KnittingWithCatHair]

I find this all so intriguing! I'm not sure when I'll be jumping into my first Japanese pattern (although I do have the Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible and may start there one day) but thank-you for sharing your adventures with us and articulating the process and your suggestions so beautifully. Your mohair intarsia sweater is absolutely a work of art 😍

[@joanforgione]

I think this is a fantastic idea for a series. Liked the first episode a lot.

[@kathleencapson5838]

Such a great video! I find your videos so interesting, so much of what you knit I don’t think I ever will, but there have been moments where I’m knitting something and I realize I have an issue and I think back to something you said or did and I already have a solution because of you. I so appreciate all your content and the light you shed on less discussed designers and patterns

[@helenajeret]

I want to be like Mel when I grow up (ok, I just turned 37😅). I could listen to your knit nerding all day long because I learn something every time. At the same time, I don't want you to feel pressured to produce content. It's important that you enjoy sharing (buy I admit feeling impatiient when waiting for your next video🫠). Anyway, this sweater will be gorgeous. Somehow this pattern reminds me of something... I think mystepmom might have knitted something in the spirit of this pattern... but she pretty much self-drafted everything. It seems like this magazine will be difficult to obtain, so I guess my best chance is to take inspiration from it and use a different pattern for the construction. I remember my stepmom creating intarsia patterns on the squared paper where each square was 1x1mm. I guess doing something like that to figure ouy proportions + coloring in with watercolors might work for hashing it out...

[@knitwise24.7]

It's interesting to hear about how you interpret Japanese knitting style and patterns. Can't wait to see how your sweater will turn out!

[@asmileisspecial]

I hate stranded colourwork- though maybe I’ll like intarsia?- but I’m in love with that jumper and I might have to buy the book if I can find it. It’s beautiful and my brain jumped to thinking about the sky when it’s pink and now I need it.

[@atsukorichards1675]

Well done! This helps a lot in many ways. (My case is the exactly other way round, for I am a Japanese who tackled with knitting charts in English.)

[@LadyOfLaMancha19]

Great thoughts, Mel. The original pink version is not something that would have ever caught my eye, but your greens speak to me! I am 5'11" and very used to adapting patterns, but I love the idea of choosing a simple pattern and "painting" my own mohair watercolor.

[@ellenhenrie4826]

So interesting (as always)! I love how concise the patterns are - a different way of looking at the process. Don't worry about talking too much - never enough!

[@binarystar11235]

I really love these in depth informative and thought process videos! Very interesting and inspiring. Thank you! The sweater is absolutely gorgeous, now I want to make a similar sweater. I am known for just jumping in the deep end so something like this could be my first intarsia project :-)

[@nancyhughes386]

Very informative. Can’t wait to see it completed.

[@LualaDy]

The pattern you chose is to die for! It looks like watercolour, it's so beautiful!!!! Do you have any ideas how to tackle patterns that are too big for you? I want to start knitting for practical reasons in my wardrobe (i'm a crocheter), and it's so difficult for me to find patterns that are my size (29-30in bust). Right now I kind of got a selection of patterns that if worn with the maximum ammount of ease suggested are just sligthtly bigger, but idk, it's frustrating, I don't want my first knitted project to be disapointing.

[@Jennie8684]

Your garment looks stunning; I love the greens.

[@BooksnBeers]

Thank you soooo much for this video and please continue with the series. You just inspired me to try out some japanese knitting patterns :D Thank you!

[@deniseonfoxmead]

I really enjoy your videos. Just days ago I wondered when you would post another. I seem to have some similar interests and experiences as yourself. Thanks for all your great information. 👍

[@_tonya]

I’m so happy you’re doing a series on this!! I followed a Japanese crochet hat pattern once and had surprising success with that, but the idea of grading a knit sweater has been quite intimidating. I’m going to Japan in a couple months and will definitely be looking out for books like this one because the patterns are just so beautiful and unique.

[@kristinm3729]

I'm still watching this but I had to comment - what an awesome (new) podcast topic, and so well done, as usual. Thus far, I've had little motivation to delve into Japanese patterns, more because of the language barrier than the sizing issue. I re-grade many patterns to fit my body, so that math isn't a stressor. But I tend to like slightly more input than can be provided on one page 🙂. Even if I don't get into this (apparently awesome) category of patterns - and you are selling them well - I love learning about how one can. Thank you for disabusing us of the notion that they are out of scope for non-Japanese knitters.

[@Katisnaturalknits]

Wow, you always explain stuff so well!!! Love following your episodes ❤

[@emmipaez4898]

oh my your sweater is amazingly beautiful. i love the patterns you showed too. when im a better more confident experienced knitter it is definitely something to tackle. the math does not intimidate me but the knitting does haha! listening to you explain things is sooo instructive. your approach to grading was especially so. makes me think i need to take a grading course as i am usually knitting in plant fiber and using lighter weights of yarn than called for.

[@lgassin]

Super-interesting and useful series...thank you!

[@elaineoverton4829]

Loving this!! i just bought yarn to do a similar thing, but way simpler, as I'm making it up as I go. I'm going to try out a Japanese pattern, I love how concise they are. Looking forward to the next episode!

[@mlilledahl]

Absolutely fantastic and very interesting to listen to. It makes me think about knitting a Japanese pattern. You are a great teacher! Keep the videos coming.

[@genier7829]

This is a very interesting subject, I have several Japanese patterns I would like to try. I don't use precious yarn and don't mind experimenting, but advice is certainly going to help. I am looking forward to more videos, thanks!

[@Glaleria]

Really nice! I have studied japanese and I was looking for some japanese patterns 😊 thanks for the etsy tip 👍🏻

[@mercyvee3133]

Mel that sweater is amazing! I can definitely relate to the feeling of seeing a garment and deciding that you HAVE to knit it. I've never knitted a Japanese pattern but I have crocheted some patterns from Japanese books. This summer I would like crochet a sun hat or two from a pattern book I bought last year

[@TrickyNight24]

Love tuning in for your sweater geek speak video’s. What a fantastic look for it; I hope it works out!

[@meghajampani]

Mel, that sweater is going to be spectacular!! I love your colors and of course all the nerdy deep dives are very welcome 🤓 I am eagerly waiting for you to make that other sweater too that looks like a painting! So interesting!

[@melmakesstuff]

Thanks Megha, nerds unite LOL 🤓🤓. I’m going to keep sending people your way for that gauge video for sure 🥰

[@meghajampani]

@@melmakesstuff ❤️❤️❤️ thank you ☺️

[@feltaria9177]

Really helpful. Thank you.

[@Stumpybear7640]

Mel, you are an inspiration! I love the Japanese aesthetic too and am delighted you are so brave as to read a Japanese pattern. Love your clear and well produced vlogs. Much love xxx

[@melitacarder]

Loved this deep dive into Japanese patterns. I’m keen to try this for myself one day 💚

[@knitsmeganb]

This was super informative! I recently ordered a couple of Japanese pattern books off Etsy as well to see how easy they would be to follow. I plan to start with one of the accessories (I saw they had a really cute hat pattern and a pair of gloves) but I also want to get better at resizing things to fit me. I am looking forward to the rest of this series!

[@emilythomas6776]

Can't wait to see more of this project!

[@juliathomas2185]

What an interesting gorgeous sweater, and amazing patience you have to attack it! I can confidently say it’s not something I would do (but I’d love to have the FO if anyone wants to do it for me 😂)

[@ylennon299]

spectacular work!

[@debrizzo7031]

Very interesting, thanks ❤

[@yarningbyfern2829]

This is a fantastic podcast! I hope you continue. I would love to do the same.

[@delta8885]

Hello, I’m watching this video many months later, and I feel racked with curiosity. Is there a follow up video on what happened with the beautiful mohair intarsia sweater?

[@melmakesstuff]

Hopefully coming soon!

[@this_skipper_knits959]

Painting with yarn! 🤯

[@finassm]

This so helpful!! Pls more! The sweater on the cover is actually on my knitting wish list but I'm just too intimidated by the grading. I've also reached out to Rowan about an English version to get at least one hurdle out of the way but they said for now it'll be only in Japanese. I think my biggest problem is that the one size bust circumference is about 33 inches, but I'd need at least 42 inches. How would you need to change the motif when adding a whooping 10 inches plus??

[@melmakesstuff]

I’ll be in the same boat, looking for around 40-41” finished measurement, likely! I haven’t looked super closely at the charts yet, but with those vertical motifs it might be easy to add plain background color stitches in between them…

[@giinkou]

これ大好き 😉

[@melmakesstuff]

ありがとうございます🥰

[@danniellecook5686]

How did this end up? I'm quite invested now

[@melmakesstuff]

Still working on the next episode 😬

[@101howtocrochetknitdiy]

Lovely❤

[@deniseonfoxmead]

I bought the book

[@leila4989]

I left a comment about errata available for the Japanese Rowan book, but it disappeared. If Mel deleted it, that's fine. I hope I didn't accidentaly delete it myself..

[@melmakesstuff]

I didn’t delete anything! Feel free to comment again with the info if you’d like 😊

[@leila4989]

@@melmakesstuff I tried again, but youtube keeps deleting my comment. I think it's because of the URL I am pasting here. But it's the URL for the erratas you'll need. I don't know how else I can contact you to give you the information on erratas available for the Japanese Rowan Book.

[@leila4989]

@@melmakesstuff I sent the errata information from insta-gram. I hope this comment won't be deleted.

[@ShowandTellknitting]

Great video, as always, Melissa. Have you tried Stitchfiddle for charting? It makes it easy to insert colors (or textures and cables, etc.) on a chart. You can even give it your st/row gauge and it adjusts the shape of each box on the grid accordingly. Brief intro to it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6OngWx8n8l3j6M

[@melmakesstuff]

Never heard of this, thanks for the suggestion - I’ll have to check it out!

[@avivagodfrey]

Hi, hellow, I'm bilingual English-Japanese. I do translation commissions if you ever feel the need.