Ysolda Knits Episode 2 - what is a compound raglan sweater anyway?

[@cindyrogers1413]

I loving these “nerdy” KZbin videos!!! Keep them coming! I’ve learned so much already. Thank you!!

[@dorajohnson2809]

Episodes 1 and 2 have been SO packed full of information! Thank you so much for going into such detail to help other knitters understand garment construction better! I love all three of the patterns you showcased today! Thanks again.

[@heatherbill1328]

I love how technical, yet accessible these videos are! I’ve been knitting sweaters for a few years now and they are my favorite thing to knit. It’s a joy to hear about your design process! Thank you so much for sharing such detail with us!

[@suewilson2829]

Love how you explain your construction ❤

[@MaudeCassie]

Love the Anyday sweatshirt. And can’t wait for the Musselburg!

[@Ladeedi73]

1:39 with much respect, you are a highly respected and gifted designer! Of course we will tune in!!’❤ I feel it’s a special treat that you take the time to share with us!!!’😊😊this was so helpful, I’m not a designer but just as a knitter I feel very enlightened and empowered! Thank you for being so kind and sharing! 41:14

[@sydneestoyles2844]

As a sewer and a knitter, the conversation about compound raglan is so interesting to me! I've sewn raglan shirts and the compound raglan makes the front/back/sleeves more like the shapes from sewing patterns. Thank you for the vocabulary to help me explore this area more. I'm a huge fan of raglan sleeves so this will help both my sewing and my knitting!

[@adaschenck8615]

I used Sweater Design in Plain English to knit my first raglan for myself when I was about 12 years old! That book was very influential as I learned about fit and designing

[@MelindaStewart-cr7wo]

Wow, I feel like I should be paying for your time and generous information!! So pleased that you have decided to do these videos, I think everyone is getting so much good information. Very much looking forward to your next one. Also, cannot wait for the Anyday Sweatshirt pattern to come out. It is first on my Fall list to knit. Thank you again!

[@nancyistenes7643]

Learning a lot from your podcasts. Would love more overviews of your patterns and pattern collections and for you to reintroduce us to your designs and styles

[@Katisnaturalknits]

Ysolda, thank you for sharing all that knowledge with us, it is invaluable! And you present it in such a lovely and entertaining way. Please continue with this format ❤

[@Mindfulnessification]

It is so nice to see you and your podcast! The pattern tips are great! Looking forward to knitting more of your designs! ♥️🐑♥️🐑♥️

[@shelbisimmons1389]

Ysolda! Love that you’re taking this plunge. I taught myself how to knit right around the same time that you became a popular designer, and I’ve followed you for nearly twenty years. Thank you for this content! Please continue to show us how you think!

[@TrickyNight24]

I just love the in depth look at sweater mechanics you do! As a “left to right” knitter, I already have to swap specific things in patterns to get the desired result, so a breakdown of numbers and angles isn’t much of an added hardship. My bust sizing is usually 45-50 inch but I’m 6 foot tall with long arms (21-22 inch) and a bit longer torso; most patterns my size seem to be for shorter people with larger upper arms, deeper yokes and short torso’s. I’m always adjusting patterns to suit me and trying on as I go.

[@stephanieharding1135]

The discussion on fit has been so useful. A complete game changer when it comes to picking and making garments 😊

[@lilyloveslace]

Really grateful to you for this podcast! It’s so interesting to hear you talk about design considerations and how to achieve a good fit across different sizes and shapes. In addition, your style is verybengaging, but also restful, like cool water on a hot day. Thank you so much!

[@airbender7025]

I really want to knit that pink tee you're wearing!❤

[@BrianaArlene]

Loved hearing about the compound raglan. Thanks for all the detailed thoughts and examples on this type of construction!

[@jessicabrewer1016]

I really enjoyed both of these podcasts, especially the explanation on compound raglan. I feel like I have a much better understanding now about fitting top down sweaters. Thank you!

[@maryklute9578]

I love these videos! Thank you so much! You are a fabulous teacher!

[@valeriebishop561]

So glad to have seen your podcasts so I could learn more about your patterns - so thoughtfully designed! I did not know you have instructions for cup sizes. Well done!

[@TwistedAmbitionsYarn]

Very informative Ysolda, thank you!

[@barbiec4312]

This helps me with my crochet raglan sweaters. Thank you!

[@AnnemarieBerlinger-xb6ht]

yes, please keep doing this episodes! A joy to watch and so informative. Thank you!

[@tracyaa1081]

Thank you for sharing so much of your knowledge regarding sweater construction. I am really enjoying your podcasts and look forward to the next one. Take good care.

[@mannabee240]

This is amazing! So glad i found this❤️❤️❤️ Looking forward to trying the Musselburg Sweater and hat!!

[@leannastoufer6333]

I have already learned so much from you! I have not tried a compound raglan yet, but have one in my queue. Thank you for the wonderful, clear explanation!

[@soulfulcrane]

Hi Ysolda! I can’t believe that’s more over 10 years that I follow your company! I still love your patterns and it’s lovely to watch your podcast. ❤ Thanks for sharing. Much love Giusy from Italy

[@eira777]

I love the anyday sweater, definitely something I want to knit. Also a musselburough sweater! ❤ Thank you for taking the time to explain everything so thoroughly!

[@sueaitkin8030]

So informative! Love your podcasts, please keep it coming. Thanks

[@mongrain8934]

Yesss! I do enjoy that format of podcast !❤

[@woolandcottonwoods]

Hi Ysolda! I’m really excited by the ways you are playing around with shaping. I’ve worked a compound raglan once before and I love how we are seeing more designers work with this. I look forward to both the any day sweatshirt and the musselburgh pullover!

[@maribethclark2798]

I really like your approachabilty for questions. Ill be looking for the Everyday sweatshirt!

[@dorcas6135]

Thank you for starting your podcast Ysolda. I'm enjoying your in-depth discussions on sweater construction. I also appreciate hearing about Maggie Righetti's book "Sweater Design in Plain English". I just got that from Amazon. It's a great resource.

[@veronicaa.5428]

Finally a video with just the right amount of nerding

[@ysoldateague]

Best compliment! Thank you!

[@juliekoss7038]

I love the “sweatshirt”. Can’t wait to knit! Thank you

[@valeriesmith15]

Thank you Ysolda. Enjoying hearing your progress.

[@kathyberry1808]

Thank you for the great videos! Looking forward to more 😊 this is my year of digging into garment construction so really appreciate all the great clear information.

[@ruthp7370]

Wonderful information that clarified why I want to choose a compound raglan! I have relatively narrow upper arms for my chest size and raglans have not been my go to for reasons I now understand better. I am not a designer but since childhood-when I started sewing have been fascinated by what makes a garment fit well. Thank-you.

[@MikiCrespo]

Your podcast is amazing. I'm learning so much. Thanks for sharing 💗🩷💗

[@amyd.5990]

Yes! Please keep making these videos! So informative and enjoyable. ❤

[@sophiecoxie3574]

Love your new videos - I’m learning so much each episode! Thanks so much for sharing.

[@ruthievintage]

Your patterns are beautiful and these podcasts are so interesting, I’ll be looking forward to the next one 😊

[@julieknitsinthewoods2987]

Ysolda I truly appreciate your thoughts and design experience. Thank you for addressing my question so thoroughly. I extended my knitting this year to test knitting - which ignites my interest in fit and seeing the body as 3-D space that typically isn’t captured in a 2-D schematic. I’ve been thinking about how I can improve how I measure but also what I measure on my body to better identify necessary pattern modifications that elevate the garment for fit and also to best show the design on my body when I’m test knitting. Your discussion challenges and inspires ❤ I’m very interested in exploring the compound raglan as well as contiguous sleeve methods. Oh! I love your nod to the cross back measurement!

[@denisewessman1079]

Excited for this sweater!!!! I adore your patterns. The musselburgh is my favorite!!!!

[@jimmydoesknitting]

Thanks for talking out the raglan. I feel like as a designer, it's a bunch of thoughts that are super common, but knit tube doesn't touch on so much. I have a pattern I'm thinking of and only a raglan construction would work with the motif and shaping would be difficult.

[@theyarngoeson]

I’ve enjoyed these episodes so much! And, I’ve been a big fan of your patterns for a long time but I’ve only become a successful sweater knitter in the last couple years. The Anyday Sweatshirt will be on my Future To Knit List! I really appreciate your overview of the differences of raglan and compound raglan.

[@andreacrazy4knitting]

I am an experienced knitter and I am learning so much! Looking forward to your next podcast!

[@judithburke3637]

Thankyou again Ysolda absolutely fascinating

[@vivianhsu991]

I love all the raglan talk! I've been a fan of the compound raglan ever since knitting Mitchell a few years ago, which really shows the construction when the sleeves are worked in a different colour from the body. Until then, I mostly avoided raglans because I didn't feel comfortable with the fit of a standard raglan, but compound raglans feel much better to me!

[@megwickenden5854]

Thanks for these videos! I’ve had your polwarth pattern in my queue forever and I’ve attempted to knit that brioche triangle many times! I’m not giving up but I’m looking forward to the more recent pattern to try out 1st!

[@annettehoffmeister4144]

Thank you so much. I really enjoy your videos 🧶😊

[@tjthreegreenbananas155]

Great information. Thank you! So much new technical information. I'm looking forward to knitting the Anyway Sweatshirt when it's released. The summer sweater you are wearing is also very nice. I never think to knit warm weather tops even though I live in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, but I could get a lot of wear out of the top you have on. I think I'll give it a go. Thanks, again. I love these 2 podcast episodes, so far.

[@cathiapizetta4957]

Such informative vid. Thank you so much! I subscribed so I won’t miss the next one! 😉❤️

[@bluejemm]

Another teat, loved it!! Thank you❣️

[@genier7829]

I like the compound raglan, my favorite is the Anna Tee, I've made two. I have no plans to design sweaters, but it is interesting to hear about the process.

[@LottaSocks]

Thanks for explaining the different decrease rates on raglans! I have broad shoulders & don’t mind a roomier sweater. I feel a raglan fits me better, BUT I like that I can make less fabric for sleeves/underarm. Oh, and I reallllly want to make that sweatshirt-y pullover! Annnnd, the Musselburgh top… Please do continue design/fit informational videos!

[@ysoldateague]

The nice thing about a compound raglan too is that you can shift the increases to where you need them the most - if you have broader shoulders you could easily work more of your rapid increases at the top than at the bottom.

[@LottaSocks]

@@ysoldateague Thank you! I’ve only knit the incs every other row, but now I understand the (many!) ways to change inc rate, thanks to your explanations of the “why”… I have a hard time visualizing incs/decs in 3-D format. I can see it on paper, but … Thank you! I look forward to more (very!) interesting tips from you!

[@sharonkennedy8612]

Great video !

[@lgassin]

Super interesting…thank you! I even ordered the Righetti book 😊

[@littleberry247]

I’ve only just discovered episode 2 and really enjoyed the fact that it was a ‘technical’ blog explaining design details and why you do what you do, it was really interesting and informative. I shall be watching episode 1 later today and probably two again in regards to the compound raglan. I’ve signed up to the knit work and preview knitters list, but I wasn’t sure if I’d get the chance to sign up for the anyday sweater with the email call already having gone out and it’s the 31st today.

[@noreenlynne]

Thank you for the interesting & educational video!

[@carolew5813]

Thank you so much for explaining compound raglan yokes. I found it so interesting and helpful. I will now feel more confident in making sizing adjustments to the yoke and upper sleeve widths. I often find that sweater patterns have necklines that are too wide and I’m not sure what the best way to adjust the neckline when making a top down pullover. Should I cast on provisionally and then, at the end, pick up the provisional stitches and add rows or would it be better to cast on fewer stitches and then knit extra rows to the point where the pattern begins and continue on using pattern. Any suggestions on this from you would be greatly appreciated.

[@mindykannon4650]

Great podcast, lots of really useful info!

[@margueritefoley1262]

Thank you for a very interesting and instructive video!

[@wendysullivan5511]

That pink sweater you are wearing must have been dyed using the double-dip process you talked about in the first episode-love the color! Enjoyed the technical talk, again. Would saddle shoulders be an interesting topic for another talk?

[@ysoldateague]

Well spotted! This is exactly the yarn I was talking about. Saddle shoulders is a great topic, and there are so many variations to discuss too

[@davidmichellescott3180]

Thanks Ysolda, really helpful and interesting. I often have issues with my row gauge, usually getting more rows per 4 inches. (Eg 34 instead of 30). This means I need to add more rows to achieve yoke depth and I am never sure where is best. FYI I am broad shouldered and small busted! 😊

[@jklee161]

I am enjoying hearing about how to design, not because I want to design myself but I think I may be able to change patterns better if I understand design. Today you covered if the bust is larger than the body but can you talk about what if your middle is larger than your bust? I haven’t been brave enough to make a sweater because of this issue.

[@lydiajoy1823]

Very interesting! I am going to try a pattern with the compound raglan feature. It seems like every popular pattern that comes out now is Raglan Raglan Raglan. (Nobody wants to knit in pieces and do seams anymore. L O L.) I have square or broad shoulders. With knit raglans I end up with shoulders that are tight and uncomfortable. It’s frustrating when the body is large enough and fits nicely but the shoulders don’t fit and I have to keep tugging at the neckline. Thanks again!

[@christycampbell1874]

So excited about this video!!

[@allisondobbie2375]

Thanks very much Ysolda, I found this podcast fascinating and really useful. I recently knit a jumper which had an raglan lacework pattern with an 8 row repeat. Looks lovely but the underarms did end up lower than ideal, and the upper arm circumference larger than necessary, in order to get to the stitch count to fit my chest measurement.

[@BarbaraColes-fw5mz]

Wow! 😀 Thank you.

[@kimsechrest2202]

I've knitted patterns by Libby Jonson of Truly Myrtle & Wardrobe Tool Box (membership based) that have this kind of raglan increases. She refers to them a 'S' shaping to accomplish just what you are saying-more rapid increases just before splitting for the sleeves. Thanks for sharing your expertise with us. Very informative.

[@RebecaMendez-u1t]

Thank you for the great information on pattern formation and raglan designs. I am loving your new jersey design. Will this pattern be done only on fingering weight? or will you also have a DK weight option? Its been lovely to see your designs..Loving the foxy cardigan.

[@Mandey384]

Thank you for this podcast. I'm a new knitter who LOVES your Musselburgh hat pattern and making socks, but tops have intimidated me... Watching you explain this - even though most of it went over my head 😂 - I'm feeling a little more adventurous. Is there a pattern for a sweater or tee that you would recommend for a newbie (with just a few pairs of socks and a Musselburgh baby hat under her belt)?

[@Carol-Malinois]

I love the modified drop shoulder. It takes a lot of bulk out of the sweater where the front goes into the underarm. I searched Raverly a few months ago for one and found only a few. I'm looking forward to the release of your pattern.

[@ysoldateague]

There are probably many more patterns where it’s not easy to tell by searching, or at first glance, whether it is a modified drop shoulder. I don’t think there’s a Ravelry attribute for that but your comment is a great reminder for me to try and make sure my patterns come up when someone is searching for a specific construction 👍

[@LATHEANDLOOMPODCAST]

I love the format and content of your channel Ysolda. I would love to hear your thoughts on adjusting for too much fabric across the back. I’ve spent the last year and a half trying to really dial in sweater fit and that is still something I’m not accounting for well. I have a smaller upper bust, larger bust, biceps, and hips. I generally adjust to a smaller size at the upper yoke then up to a size up, down a bit at thr waist and back up at the hip. My bust is fairly high on a shorter torso so I still end up with a lot of fabric under arms and most especially at the back. I ordered a copy of the Maggie Righetti book, I think that could be really helpful and your discussion gives me a direction to think about. Certainly will also look to cast on one of your patterns soon as I think that may give me some good insight. (Of course I have a Musselburgh hat on the needles at all times!😊). Thank you for sharing your time. 🧶Cher

[@jodiengle6892]

I am enjoying your content! Thank you for being so informative! I would love to know your favorite sweater shape to make and wear(ie drop sleeves, circular yoke, set-in sleeves, etc). For circular yokes, do you have recommendations for how to get them to fit different bodies? I have only knitted one that fit. I do find that when designers use raglan increases toward the underarms on circular yokes, they tend to fit better.

[@wiesvanderbeek1507]

Hi Ysolda, thank you for your valuable technique videos. I'd love to hear you talk about gauge and yarn substitution. On Ravelry I see designers provide so much different gauge information with corresponding yarn weights (for example (gauge in sts/rows): 20x28 DK, 20x30 worsted, 21x32 fingering, 22x32 DK, 24x33 fingering 24x44 fingering)). With this information I find it very difficult to apply yarn substitution. Do you have tips?

[@ysoldateague]

That’s a great suggestion, it can be really confusing! I’ll put that topic on my videos list but in the meantime I do have a few blog posts about gauge & swatching you might find helpful ☺️

[@piabiber5480]

I was searching for your musselburg raglan pattern. It seems as it us not available yet.😢

[@annedavis3100]

Thank you Ysolda great explanation….I have no interest in designing but love to understand what and why I am knitting a certain design this has been really helpful. Is there anyway when reading a raglan pattern to know if it is a “compound” raglan? Is it in the increase numbers? Or is this something only the end user can do with a pattern mod. If that is the case then thanks again for the excellent explanation!

[@ysoldateague]

Sometimes designers will mention it in the description. You can also look at the schematic measurements - if the yoke depth and neck width increase dramatically as you go up the size range it’s probably a traditional raglan. If you have the full pattern the increase directions are also a clue, look for anything other than “increase (or decrease) every other round on the body and sleeves”.

[@trionamurphy6560]

This was great-so informative! I have the 2011 reprint of the Maggie Righetti book and have used it a lot as a grading reference. I do have a question, if you happen to see this. One of the main things that makes me leery of changing shaping rates too much in my raglan patterns is how difficult it can make following the pattern for the knitter (particularly when there are different rates for the body and the sleeves as well as changes in the number of rounds between incs/decs). Do you have any tips on how to write a compound raglan so it's easier to follow? Tables, checkboxes, something else?

[@goldwest53]

I didn’t know what a compound raglan was when I knit the Saglan by Ailbiona McLochlainn. It was for my husband, so I can’t really say what I thought about the fit. 😅

[@anjaadebar269]

🙏🙏🙏

[@debweiss470]

Thank you so much! I am learning a lot from watching/listening to you. I have a man’s sweater in time out at the moment. Gansey pattern. Bottom up. Set in sleeves. Narrow hips/waist fit but now that I’ve split at the arm holes I need to increase for broad shoulders and it seems pattern is set up for a rectangular fit. Help? In hindsight maybe I should have picked the size for the shoulders instead of the chest but this is us size 2 needles and light fingering weight yarn (lots of stitches and pattern and I’d rather not start over) Can this be saved?

[@ysoldateague]

I think I’d rip it back to a little bit before the armhole and then increase rapidly on either side to create a gusset. If you search gansey gusset you will hopefully find a good visual of what I mean 😊

[@clairespence737]

Is the Musselburgh sweater pattern available yet?

[@ysoldateague]

Unfortunately we had some delays with it after testing so have pushed back the release to later in the year.

[@TheCannyMagpie]

I really want to watch episode 1 but I have no sound after 12s. Really liked this one though

[@ysoldateague]

One other person mentioned this (but only one) but I can’t for the life of me replicate the problem or work out what could have caused it! Was this one ok?

[@cjrichmond6102]

🐑🐏🐐🦙🐇

[@helenamarriott5521]

Why are you very simple patterns so expensive?

[@patriciashapiro361]

It is because they are actually not that simple. The finished product looks like a simple piece, in a sense that there are not many embellishments or such, but in order to achieve a good look for a simple-looking garment there are a lot of shaping techniques going on that are are not immediately visible. Also, the size range is rather extensive, so there are different tricks to be applied to achieve a good fit for any size in that range. That really is a lot of work. And that’s just the grading part. Before a pattern is published, there are many more steps involved than “just” grading. I have published a few patterns myself, and the pattern you see and perhaps buy is just the top of the iceberg, so to speak. I don’t mean to be patronising, just explaining a few things of the process that are obviously not visible to the knitter who purchases a pattern. Happy knitting!

[@yarnmotivated-joyceswensso9744]

​@@patriciashapiro361well said. I don't design but if you listen to this video you'd certainly have a renewed respect for the work that goes into each pattern.

[@gardenglory6624]

that is why I don't knit with patterns. I found a way to knit everything in my size, right from my head, with my own stitches and go from there. Perfect fit every time. every body is different so you cannot make patterns to fit all sizes. The only saving grace is that knitting stretches. Most people have to go by bust size, but then again how do you compensate when the shoulders are too small, or the stomach is huge, or the stomach is huge and the bust size is small. Sizing is a nightmare. ive' never understood it.

[@gardenglory6624]

Can you really make money being a knitwear designer?