SEAMLESS SADDLE SHOULDERS: Thank you for everything Susie Myers!

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Today we’re talking about the contiguous sweater-knitting technique! Enjoy! ❤ PS: Only the most loyal (and discerning) viewers will get the thumbnail. 😉

[@saraw8503]

When you said the name Susie Myers a spark was lit in my memory. How do I know this name? Then it came to me….The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. lol!

[@sarahburke8955]

I have knit the Alice pullover (twice!) by Hiroko Fukatsu and I love the construction details. I'll be attempting to mod the pattern to create more of a simple everyday tshirt this spring! I've been knitting for over 20 years, and am still continuously (contiguously? 😅) amazed at the genius of designers.

[@lindarobbins6750]

I have knit two different sweaters by Petite Knit that use this method, the Aros sweater which is similar to the Sycamore in its construction, and the Eva Cardigan which has a different shoulder line. Both are great! Also the Dingley Dell by Isabel Kraemer has a gorgeous shoulder construction, as does the ziggurat method used by Asa Tricosa. The raglan increases you mentioned in the Sycamore are not used in the shoulder area, but, rather, are used to shape both the lower part of the sleeve and the lower part of the armhole. I come to knitting from a sewing/tailoring background, so it is fascinating to me to see how clever these designers are in coming up with methods to add shape to knitwear without having to knit pieces flat and seam them together. I much prefer the look of a set in sleeve over a drop shoulder, so being able to find designs that utilize seamless construction is great!

[@janetcannonteacher]

I'm glad you enjoyed your vacation! But glad you're back. 😊

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Thank you Janet! Glad to be back. ❤️❤️

[@teri3231]

I have knit 4 or 5 Cocoknits sweaters in her top down method. love it! beautiful tailored sweaters with no seaming at the end. I love the fit! raglan sleeves are not my best look. her English tailored shoulders look professional. check her out.

[@karenalbery2773]

If you want to give this type a sweater a try, on the beach by isabell kraemer is a nice free versatile pattern to get you started.

[@ShariPulford]

This was very interesting today. I may have to make one of these sweaters❤

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

I’m so glad you think so! Thank you for watching. ❤

[@valeriekoochin3569]

I have just been looking at men’s cardigan patterns and stumbled upon Jared Flood’s “Big Blue” which he made using E. Zimmerman’s book Knitting without tears. I was quite dissapointed that I had found the perfect one, only to realize there is no pattern. I ordered the book, and then discovered everything in it is bottom up, and also instructions are recipe like, and too hard for my knitting level. I am happy to have seen this video which gives me a lot more to investigate!

[@valeriekoochin3569]

Forgot to say he made hybrid saddle shoulders using her book!

[@mwolfe7883]

Super interesting topic. I do loathe seaming things and always look for seamless options.

[@jo-annefalconer6280]

We had a masterclass with a designer who uses Suzie Myers Contiguous method, her design name is Hanging Rook Roost one of her patterns using that method is Otira cardigan. I was so inspired I started designing my own but it got hard knitting it all out.

[@pampreviti2704]

Love, love, love the Nola Slipover. ❤️

[@mongrain8934]

❤❤❤ I am not sure if the patterns in " Åsa Tricosa Ziggurats: 18 Elegantly Seamless Knits" by Åsa Söderman are considered as contiguous sleeve knitting technique but I really like the finish of these patterns.

[@eleanoreadams]

The designer under the name Caidree has many seamless designs that are just so much fun. I've knit at least 5 Caidree sweaters! Highly recommend!

[@TheMakersCorner]

You're right about the Petite Knit raglan sleeve increases. I knit her Aros sweater and she uses that identical technique. Saddle section first and raglan increases to shape the sleeves

[@rachelmitchell2144]

Such a fascinating rabbit hole. Looking forward to giving this construction a go!

[@teridesario2328]

The AROS sweater by Petite Knit. I just finished it tonight and it fits beautifully. Amazing technique and fun! And there was your video!!!

[@mishasamuel]

I’m knitting the Aros sweater as my first sweater (in one color)! I picked it because I liked how the construction looked in the pictures without really knowing what a contiguous shoulder construction was. I’m midway thorough the body and I like how it fits so far. For anyone considering it, I can say that it’s a pretty easy sweater to knit as I had no issues and it’s my first sweater ever 😊

[@teridesario2328]

@@mishasamuel thanks for replying and all the best for the fit!

[@edinacole6382]

Julie Weisenberger (CocoKnits) also has a contiguous set in sleeve which is about 30 years old

[@libbybowles]

Your puzzlement about the use of the word "raglan" in the Albina McLaughlan sweater is similar to what's going on with what's on my needles now, the Slade Pullover by Cheryl Toy. Mine doesn't have the "seam" over the top of the shoulder because there is texture running down the whole sleeve but the rest of the shaping is the same. It's knit top down with increases like a raglan but the difference is this...during the construction of the saddle shoulder the increases are done on the body side of the markers only. When you get to the outside point of the shoulder they are done on the sleeve side of the markers only, to the under arm level. Then they move back to the body side of the markers only. Increasing in this way gives the beautiful serpentine shaping around the armscye. Increases are done in the same numbers as on a traditional raglan but never on the body and the sleeve side of the markers at the same time which is why the shaping defies the neck-to-armscye diagonal we associate with the term "raglan". It's fascinating! and beautiful! I'm glad we have so many choices.

[@angrytrees7519]

The first pullover I ever knit was EZ's Seamless Hybrid. I definitely bit off more than I could chew initially but I hyper focused through it and ended up with a first-grader sized heirloom. It's such a lovely sweater. I NEED to make more but EZ's pattern aren't super relaxing to knit from since it's more like a blogger recipe (meandering and distracted).

[@annikak.837]

My favourite design is Seaside tee by Cheryl Mokhtari (Cocoamour Knitwear). It has the same construction as I think Petite knits Aros swsater, a saddle shoulder with a raglan. The shoulder construction in Petite knits Poppy tee is also nice, I'm not sure if it goes to the same category. Kutovakika uses a lot of shoulder construction that is called European shoulder.

[@anitabechtel5180]

The Terrazzo and Aros fit like a glove and to me are so. much more flattering, let alone they just feel good. Thanks for the amazing list. Many more to check out.😊

[@jenniferjohnson9335]

Hello and welcome back, Tayler! Before I watched this, I saw it in my queue and thought the reference was Suzy Myers from The Marvelous Mrs Maisel! Wasn't sure I saw the connection, but having watched it, I get it now. Love the idea of an alternative to knitting flat or raglan sleeves (no hate for either one). Thanks for sharing!

[@jody1622]

Oh perfect! The cocktail is exactly what I’ve been looking for!!!🤗

[@annabelle7123]

I’m sure you also are aware of creating a drop shoulder look with right and left increases only. “Blouse No 1.” and “Dropp” (the same author as Saglan) sweater pattern in particular. I love this method because there is no wrong side purling or picking up stitches!

[@leighhuggins5030]

I love that the first sweater I ever decided to knit was the Home V Neck by Caidree, with a v-neck drop shoulder construction where I picked up stitches around the v neck and the armholes, with german short row shaping!! I love this style and I didn't even try a raglan construction until much later 🤣

[@BreathingYarn]

Yet again, knocking it out of the park ❤ love this video!

[@4mld963]

Seamless tailored top down construction for the win (& fit!) - great intro to shoulder construction rabbit holing!!!

[@foleyjp1]

I love learning new techniques. Asa Tricosa also has a knit as you go sleeve technique. I am particularly interested in the Sycamore Sweater using short-rows for the design - what a great concept.. no intarsia! Thank you for all your research.... love watching your channel - Am glad you and your family had, what sounds like, a wonderful vacation.

[@susant2409]

I've knit the Eva cardigan (#2 on the list you provided) and the Don't Ask cardigan (#19) and love the shoulder construction on both of these. Don't Ask is probably my favorite of all my cardigans, and it's just an excellent pattern all around. Highly recommend!

[@mollysargent389]

Love how informative your videos are! If you take suggestions, I'm interested in seeing how yarn and patterns have changed over the years with knitting being such an age old, traditional craft

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Oooo I love this! Thank you Molly! (And I do take suggestions: www.woolneedleshands.com/tipline

[@catherinemuhlhauser8008]

Hi Tayler, thank you for this video about contiguous sweater constructions. I love this construction (I love raglans too) but this provides such more fitted looks around the shoulders. I have knitted the TULC cardigan by Albionia McLochlain and I love it. Not only the yoke is seamless but the button band also is made simoultaneously, no need to pick up stitches etc..However I would recommand to pay attention to the type of increases you use in the saddle shoulder area where you have to increase every row. I used M1l and M1r and I got some sort of holes (not too big but visible). I would try the backwardloop increases method next time (the one that Elizabeth Zimmermann named the "primitive method", I like this so much !). I would mention the Pure Fuzz by Skeindeer knits, I made it I loved it ! I love also Isabelle Kraemer who has very great patterns using this method. Some people in the comment mentionned the Cocoknits method as a contiguous type of construction. Her patterns are beautiful whith a great result and her method has similarities to the Suzy Meyer method but my experience was not so enjoyable. I have knit the Antonia sweater by Cocoknits and I didn't like the process. In the different steps in the beginning you have to break the yarn... At the contrary, in the Ziggurat method by Asa Tricosa, its all in one piece and the beginnig is like magical ! Asa recommends to base your size choice on your back shoulder measurement and it is has been a game changer in my garment knitting ! Her patterns include also optionnalbust darts in different sizes (!) for a better fit, this is so clever. I am writing to you from France and I like your videos ! thank you. I have also a kniting youtube channel with my daughter Clémence, it's called @mulotricots but it is in french... Catherine 😊

[@LinneaLindstroem]

Thank you for the tip! The Ziggurat method sounds amazing :)

[@julianaleverriergarcia6181]

Of course now Contiguous is popping on Ravelry!!! Ohh you are such a spotlight fairy 💞!!!

[@jeanbeicher2420]

I knit several contiguous shoulder sweaters by Isabell Kraemer, petite knits and elle from skeindeer knits. Its my absolute favorite method of sweater knitting to date.

[@jillsio]

I am super excited to explore more about this shoulder construction! As usual, you are so uplifting and so informative!

[@KnitandGrace]

I’ve knit the Saglan and it is one of my most worn sweaters. Currently I’m actually knitting the April Cardigan which is very similar to the Cocktail you featured today and again it has that contiguous construction. You’re correct that the raglan increases are what’s shaping the shoulder and that’s how the Saglan and April Cardigan are both constructed. After the saddle, you perform the raglan shaping first on the sleeves only which gives it that tailored “up and down” look and then along both sleeves and body to increase for the bust and underarms. Hope that helps!

[@valerieconrad1005]

Another fabulous episode! Your thumbnail photo 😂😂 perfect throwback to your stripe hype sweater introduction!!!

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

I’m so glad you enjoyed this episode Valerie. And especially that you appreciate the thumbnail. ☺️

[@katibere1966]

Very informative episode…thank you! All beautiful sweaters! Top down are my favorite!!

[@everystitchaprayer6268]

Rhumb Line by Beth MacDonald Stone is a beautiful sweater with a saddle shoulder. You should try it! Loved this video!

[@mikelafiddle]

Cocoknits method has all of their sweaters using this technique!

[@laurengoodell757]

All beautiful sweaters.

[@lolam.9291]

… And, I was just going to try knitting a contiguous knit pattern. I’ve just been putting it off because, for one, I have never tried this type of pattern prior, and secondly, the pattern I have is written so poorly that it intimidates me. 😫

[@margaretdinn5116]

I couldn't get the Barbara Walkers Knitting from the Top but found another very detailed book called Top-Down Sweaters by Ann Budd. It has all the styles of sweaters you expressed in this video. Should give it a look.

[@cherigustafson6009]

I just knit the Luna. Beautiful shoulders, loved the pattern!

[@theyarnrandomizer]

Definitely check out the Dingley Dell by Isabelle Kraemer! I loved the shoulder construction - there was a strong structure providing line of stitches that went down to the sleeve. The result is very slick!

[@inbal_gross_knitting]

Thanks for this important episode!

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Thank YOU. This means a great deal to me. ❤️

[@joanmachado9063]

Great podcast thank you 🧶☕️😊

[@valeriehowden471]

Nice picks. I really like the Saglan and Sycamore designs. Right now I'm on a seamed sweater kick ... they are turning out great so it takes away some of the sewing seams pain.

[@debbiedennie255]

Thank you so much Taylor I’m an oldie and back when younger it was just knit all pieces and seam together so now top down I just made a sweater and so much nicer and no seams but yes those shoulders you showed do give us more structured look !!! Love your pods and again thanks 🥰

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Hi Debbie! Yes, seaming is the traditional method and for good reason, from what I gather. But I agree. Being able to knit something start to finish without sewing pieces together is much more appealing to me. Love exploring these things with you. ❤️

[@eijanvillat]

I love this shoulder construction. I haven't knit many sweaters or shirts, but don't like the look of a round yoke at all and raglans get old very soon. Last summer I knit a summer shirt with contiguous saddle shoulder - couldn't find a pattern so made it up as I went, and it came out very good! Now I'm about to cast on the next summer tee, and I'm planning to use Rebecca Clow's Rhue Sweater as a base pattern.

[@lizgriffith6361]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. This is something i've been mulling over for a bit of time now. Appreciate your intake on it. I'd be interested in a deeper dive on this technique too. Awesome! Off to the rabbit hole.........

[@mimiknitswithlove3273]

Taylor, wonderful and informative episode. Reading through the comments, I see that others have expanded on your research. However, your taking the time to do this for all of us is exceptional, and has sparked the discussion. Thank you for this in-depth analysis. I've been wanting to expand my sweater making, and this has helped me tremendously. Love your videos for their continuous inspiration.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Thank you so much for this thoughtful comment. I absolutely love when the comments section kicks off with even deeper dives into topics I bring up in videos. There are SO many folks watching my videos who know WAY more than I do and I value their voices and expertise so much. ❤️

[@lieslnew8247]

So many of those sweaters are on my Fav List. Have not used this method but can’t wait to try . BTW Tayler, with your beautiful and earnest enthusiasm I reckon I would be game to try any technique you suggested just for fun. 😂😂❤

[@jeannedawson2868]

I just finished a bottom up sweater that was knit in pieces and sewn together...Yikes! Never again, this video is perfect timing for me. Thank you!

[@connietopor4629]

Love today's video. I also am looking to try the Sycamore sweater. I am intrigued by this construction method

[@barbarablumke4827]

Hi Tayler Welcome Back!! I missed you. I hope you had a wonderful time relaxing with family. I'm with you for top down knitting. I'm finishing my second yoke sweater and just got the yarn for my third one. I'm trying to learn new techniques for every project I'm making. I am really not a fan anymore of flat knitting and seaming. After my next yoke sweater I think I might try that Petite Knits Sycamore. I really like Petite Knits patterns. P.S. I always do Cliff Notes of my patterns when I knit them so that I can go back and do any pattern over again to my specs without wadding through 12 or so pages of pattern.

[@safiyab4767]

I really like the contiguous sleeve construction and have knit three sweaters using this technique. I think the fit is better for me than the raglan construction because I have wide shoulders. Thank you for sharing and explaining 😊

[@karineberhart2496]

Hi Tayler! Thanks for another great episode and especially for that list! I've knitted the Hamble sweater 3 times without the colorwork and love it. For the second and third, I fudged the numbers to work with a DK wool. It probably would have been easier to get another pattern, but I got it to work 😅

[@dedethompson2161]

Taylar. You should check out and mention Åsa Söderman in this roundup.

[@Woolyfluff_craftystuff]

I'm currently knitting the Dunes cardigan and it's also seamless and I didn't even know before buying the pattern and working my way through 😅

[@inbal_gross_knitting]

Thank you so much! I'm just designing a summer top and was looking for references for this construction because it makes the most sense to me. Thank you so much for putting all of this amazing information our for us 🥰

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

My pleasure! Best of luck with your design. Let me know when you publish it. ❤️

[@jamiewang5050]

If you’re interested in trying a number of different top down sweater sleeve styles, I suggest you check out Jennifer Wood. She has many designs on Ravelry and her book Refined Knits (2016) includes examples of circular yoke, modified raglan (the raglan increases at different rates to more closely match the shape of a human shoulder), raglan, saddle shoulder, and set in sleeves. She uses a variety of weights of yarn from light fingering to bulky. No colorwork, but lots of beautiful lace and cables. The book was Amazon’s best selling craft book in 2016, so your local library may have a copy. I’ve test knit quite a few of her sweaters and accessories over the years and helped her edit the book, so I’m a bit biased, but if you like classic designs that aren’t just stockinette, I think you’ll really appreciate her work.

[@dianaemmick1811]

Love, love, LOVE your videos! Always so informative and fresh new content!! I’ve been knitting around 3 years or so. Still haven’t found that great fit yet. I’m eager to try this! Thanks for all the inspiration!

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Thank you so much Diana! I’m glad that these videos provide some inspiration. Fit is such a big deal and something that’s so hard to pin down. I think playing around with different construction techniques is a solid step in the right direction. I think that’s a goal for me this year. ❤️

[@HeikeJoerss]

Hi Tayler, love how you always put all this information about knitting together. I have actually knitted Sweater No. 17 from my favourite things knitwear and loved it. Without knowing I thought thenlines between sleeve andd body actually look like Raglan lines. And when you look at details of the Sycamore Sweater you can see them there as well (after forming the upper part of the sleeve the line between body and sleeve.) Looking forward to you Sunday Podcast, Heike

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Hi Heike! Sweater No 17 (which I love-that texture is gorgeous) is just like the Sycamore in that way. You’re absolutely right. And I too thought there had a raglan-look about them. It’s such an interesting construction! Thank you so much for watching. ❤️

[@andreat1752]

Your video came exactly at the right moment! Thank you so much ❤ I was looking for this construction in a sweater for my husband and a cardigan for me, but I didn't even know how it was even called. Now I've found the perfect sweater in the Nido Pullover by Jared Flood and the Cocktail Cardigan will be next on my knitting list. 🤗 First time that I stumbled over this construction was last year, when I knit a Bolero for my daughter. It was a free pattern and used the same technique. Since then I wanted to make an adult sized garment like this. Thank you so very much! You wäre so helpful! ❤

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Oh I’m so glad this was helpful Andrea! And I’m crazy about that Cocktail cardigan. Have fun knitting it! ❤️

[@elisekt1860]

I’ve heard of the saddle shoulder but haven’t tried it yet.

[@Katepwe]

FYI: The list link wants you to sign into Ravelry. Great episode……I’ve missed my weekly dose of WNH!

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Thank you Kate! Glad to be back. And the link is for a Ravelry page so in order to view it you’ll need to login. 😬

[@Katepwe]

@@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS actually my name is Sheryl. Katepwe is the name of a lake (and our farm) in the Qu’Appelle Valley in SE Saskatchewan Canada.

[@Knitterly]

This was a wonderful and informative episode! I think you’d also be interested in a KZbin channel by Lena, called PurlZKnitting. She’s wonderfully opinionated, methodical, articulate (which in my opinion makes her so fun!). She has been exploring how to make colour work yokes fit better, and has a series of videos on her channel called “knit to fit”. But I think you’ll like all her episodes…reviews of interchangeable needles etc. Unfortunately, she hasn’t made a new episode in nearly a year. Again, thanks for this dive into contiguous knitting! PS There’s also Åsa Tricosa’s patterns on Ravelry as a good source of contiguous knitting. (I’ve never -yet!-knit a contiguous construction garment, but I think Åsa’s qualify.)

[@jamarpearson8147]

I'm surprised you have mentioned Julie Weisenberger - Cocoknits. I think her technique is what you are describing. Not sure though.

[@Bethabara9]

synchronicity! i just saw a pattern a few days ago by 'handmade by aura' on youtube. i watched the entire thing, just mesmerized by her construction. she used scrap yarn to make the shoulders (its top down) its only a size medium but its a seamless crop top tshirt. i dont know if its susies or who's design but im tempted to make the shirt just to learn her technique. there is no pattern to buy and she shows row by row in the video. is this the shoulders you mention here? Thanks, i will go look at some of the patterns you mentioned.

[@tamarahogan3912]

I like Simply Denim I am pretty sure this is contiguous

[@susangreene6280]

Coco Knits are seamless also.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Yes! The Cocoknits Method is really ingenious and something I want to explore more. This method is a hybrid of modular knitting (Barbara Walker) and contiguous, single-piece knitting (Susie Myers). Many of the PetiteKnit and My Favorite Things Knitwear use something very similar to this. A key difference between CocoKnits and Myers’ technique is that the latter does not require picking up stitches.

[@edinacole6382]

Keep reading Barbara Walker's book. She has a second method is a contiguous set in sleeve that is truly seamless. Sounds like you havent read the whole book (or my copy has been updated? 1972)

[@edinacole6382]

see page 84 Simultaneous set-in sleeves (My book is blue with the poncho on front)

[@AdeleFidlan]

Hi Tayler, Have you looked at the Julie Weisberger/Cocoknits method? Which type is it in your heirarchy of TopDowns?

[@MeganM616]

Question? How well does this method accommodate broader shoulders? I find I’m about a full “size” larger in my shoulder breadth than every other measurement;arm length, bust size, etc. So set in sleeves on a coat, for example, can be so tight and constricting I can’t move or raise my arms.

[@jenniferjohnston3422]

How did you miss coco knits that’s the whole basis of her technique. English tailoring fits very well and is an interesting knit.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Didn't miss it, just didn't mention it here. 👍

[@likeavirshin]

I was confused at first. You mean picking up stitches and placement of raglan increases ?

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

I’m not sure what you’re referring to here?

[@itssunfieldmakes]

this is so helpful! Thank you! Just wondering which app you are using as the screenshots look really great!

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

I’m so glad that this was helpful! The app I’m using here is a third party app called Ravit. ❤️

[@sarahb5386]

are there any patterns with construction, which are bottom up?

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

There are! In fact, Barbara Walker's method can be knit both top down and bottom up.

[@uteburragekruse9767]

Hi Tayler, thanks for this very informative video. Just to clarify, am I correct in thinking that none of these patterns require any picking up of stitches? (Which is something I really dislike doing…)

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Hi there! So some of the designs that I share here DO include picking up sts, however that is one coincidental and not a necessary step in Susie Myers’ technique. Much more so in Barbara Walker’s seamless shoulder.

[@uteburragekruse9767]

@@WOOLNEEDLESHANDSthank you!

[@SarahJo]

I don't fully understand how this is different from a drop shoulder? It seems like you're saying you knit the front and back and then pick up the sleeves, how is that different? do I have something wrong there?

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

With the contiguous method developed by Susie Myers, you do not pick up any stitches. Everything is knit in one piece with increases made in a single row. Definitely check the link I provided if you want to take a deeper dive. 👍

[@SarahJo]

Ohhh, thank you! @@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

[@alexandradegruyter]

🌈❤️