I knit my first sweater in the 1970s but had to give up knitting for quite a while because of cats. As a returning sweater, I made the Flax, and I second it as a gorgeous sweater, easy to knit, great pattern! My very first sweater was a top-down raglan too, and it is a great place to start.
My first sweater was begun in 1970 and I kept putting it away - not to knit other projects; I didn't, but to raise my kids, move around the country with their dad, run a business and work outside the home. It's a simple pieced v-neck for men. When husband left, I kept it and still wear it. Now I'm back to knitting again and wanting to knit a sweater for myself. It's all about intention and I intend to make mine a lovely soft wool and not the acrylic I made the first one with. It was my first finished item too so even though it's crunchy and pilled, finishing it was a point of pride. Thanks for this list. 2 of the sweaters I'm considering are on it - the flax and the petite knit one. Thanks for this - you validated my choices.
I feel like my “beginner” stage was super quick, since I knew how to knit well when I actually started it properly so this is all I have to say on this: My first “real” sweater was the Louvre Sweater (by PetiteKnit) (after making a cardigan and a vest) and regardless how super hard it was and how many times I frogged it in the beginning it was a super super educational and enriching experience! After making one or two “simple/beginner” projects I’d totally recommend making something outside of your comfort zone, it’s a great way to get confidence even if you have to frog it a ton of times! Sorry for the whole testament ahahha this was a great video as always, thank you 💜💜
No apologies necessary! I think it is very important to push yourself and make mistakes and learn how to fix them... It definitely makes you better! Thanks for sharing your experience!
Don’t doubt yourself. I did this for the longest and once I made one I felt silly. Plus I learned so much. It made it so interesting, like going on a new adventure. Happy knitting 🧶
I have yarn for a sweater for my husband and had not found anything i really liked. Thank you for your suggestions. I will start with the Felix and go on from there. You have put several on my radar.
My first sweater was Flax, made it about 5 years ago for my mom. I’m currently knitting my second sweater ever and it’s a yoke sweater with stranded color work. I’m absolutely loving it 🥰
I’m currently knitting my first top down in the round sweater. I found the pattern, His Mellow Mood, on Etsy. I’ve completed the body and am about to start picking up stitches for the sleeves. Wish me luck!
Thank you, Caleb. I found this timely. I am knitting my first sweater using a free pattern on Ravelry-The Magic Custom-fit Raglan Sweater. It allows you to pick any yarn and knit any size. I did what you suggested in a previous video and worked off of measurements on an existing sweater which I like the fit of in my wardrobe. So far so good. I will admit that some of the instructions are a bit vague. But, with the wonder of UA-cam, I’m able to fill in some of the gaps. Thanks for this great video. You are a wonderful motivator!
I listened to your video and chose to do the easy bulky one. (The last sweater I knitted previously was 25 years ago, so I was quite rusty.) I knitted it in about two weekends. Thanks for the advice. I'm ready to do another one..
I've been desperately searching for the perfect first sweater pattern to knit! I'm a crocheter who just learned to knit. That second sweater looks like the perfect pattern to me!
Thanks for letting me hear your fears. I always knit bottom up sweater. I always seem to have three items on my knitting needles. I love knitting Icelandic sweater, just because there easy for me and the body and sleeves are worked in the round from from the lower to underarms, then joined to work yoke in the round. I have been knitting for over 70 years. Keep on knitting.
I totally agree with the suggestion to knit the sweater that you really want! My first sweater was a seamed sweater with shaping, with in honeycomb stitch and with honeycomb cables. All the stitches and techniques were new to me, but I took it a step at a time and managed. Needless to say, I was super proud :)
I love only real wool (but live in a semi tropical city, Brisbane Australia)... I've started knitting again, while it's cool here, after 35 years sewing only!!..I love the idea of one of your jumpers here, looked like 4 reactangles...I might try that
I am just finishing my Flax sweater. I have already made the cozy raglan sweater and just wanted a simpler next sweater. Thanks for the recommendation. I hope you are doing well.
My first sweater was actually my second knitting project - the Norma Jean turtleneck by Fabel Knitwear. It provided me a great opportunity to learn new techniques, and here I am working on my 5th sweater but first one with colorwork! I would classify myself as an adventurous beginner and always excited to try something new even if it takes a lot of work to figure out.
😂😆I knit my way through Debbie Bliss’ baby book, and eventually knit sweaters for all the babies I knew! Then I knit kid-sized Flaxes and haven’t looked back. That’s an amazing collection to learn to knit: scarf, mitt, hat, sweater and cardy.
My very first sweater was an adult size gansey that I designed and knit for myself. It was a crazy ambitious project, but I got through it. What was I even thinking? That was over 20 years ago. I moved on to quilting and sock knitting. This year, I'm finally back to sweaters. I already knit a Flax sweater for myself. Now I have on my needles the Port Orford Pullover by Oat Couture.
My first sweater was my first ever knitting project. I learned how to knit from my college roommate. Neither one of us knew how to read a pattern so I just measured a sweater I liked and made the pattern so it matched those measurements. It was a v-neck varsity sweater and I was so happy with it. I wish I still had it.
I have not tried a sweater. Still trying to get socks right. I want to thank you for your encouragement. I may try the baby sweater in a neutral color. 😊
Oh my!!! It’s so helpful seeing your videos. I’m more of a machine knitter but, as I’ve just moving into another country, I couldn’t take the machine with me. I bought yarn and a kit of circular needles and dove into a “let’s try it by hand” experience. I’m doing it without a pattern and it is going smoothly so far. Thank you for sharing these patterns! They look great! Keep up the good work 😉
The first sweater that I knit for someone else was about 40 years ago. I remember it because of it's unique construction. It started at the right sleeve cuff, up the arm, across the yoke (spitting for the neck) and then down the left sleeve. The body was then picked up at the yoke edge and knit in the round down to the waist. The only seams were the sleeves, though if I made it these days, I would probably knit the sleeves in the round, too. I cannot find the pattern pamphlet - I've moved many times since I first made it - but the construction method has stayed with me. It was so different from anything I had made previously.
Not sure why, but I found it really refreshing that you mentioned an American girl doll, as an example for the super small version of the Anker sweater. Made me imagine that you might be a really cool uncle.
My first pullover was the T Shirt Romantique by Paule TB. Quicker to knit than a long-sleeved pullover, with less expense for yarn (I think I used 2 1/2 skeins of Manos Alegría), seamless, top-down, and all stockinette. It is a reverse V-neck pattern which could easily be reversed or changed to a boat neck, with attached i-cord hems, subtle waist shaping, and a tiny foldover finish on the sleeves. The top of the sweater is worked on a provisional cast-on. It's then picked up after the sleeves and worked top-down to the hem, making it easy to choose exactly what length you want before finishing. I knitted it in a hand-dyed yarn, so alternated skeins in a random row pattern, which made it more challenging to knit, but if I'd worked it in a solid or light speckled yarn, I could've finished if in a week.
Thank you for this. I made the Flax sweater this spring and am so anxious to wear it. I also did the Ursa sweater but I couldn’t figure out the stitch so just did a basic knit for the body. I have a suggestion for your next video. How to read the pattern and gather what you need. That is where I really struggle getting started. Thank you for all the info.
You are such a lovely, cool man. I have been binge watching your videos and they are so relaxing and very informative. You have a great presentation style. Thank you so much for inspiring me to start my first top down sweater x
My first sweater was the Weekender. I love it and it gave me the confidence to attempt the Montrealer as my second one. Gotta admit that I'm finding the instructions a bit challenging on this one but we live in the age of youtube videos : ) Thanks for all of the great suggestions, Caleb!
You're so welcome! You will definitely be able to finish that sweater... just stick with it :-) I knit it and omitted the pocket because I just didn't want a pocket. I really like how it turned out in the end :-)
I recently got yarn for my first sweater. I'm planning on either the Flax or the Brick sweater which is also a free pattern on Ravelry. I'm going to knit a sweater for my grandson first to get a feel for it. Thank you for the recommendations in this video!! You are always so helpful and inspiring!
My first sweater was little coffee bean. It was offered as a class at my LYS. It was a great confidence builder. Then I went on to Ranunculus, Love Note, Navelli, Janesville, Soldotna. I am now knitting Weekender.
Flax was my first as well! I've now dived into the (probably way too) deep end with a seamed sweater called Rocklands. Not ideal for people just getting into sweater knitting but thanks to help from some friends I got the hang of it. Just a few more steps to go...
My first sweater was the Flax. I also recently knit the October sweater by Kaitlin Barthold which was very easy. I need more sweater patterns that don't include short rows. They intimate me to much
I am currently weaving in the ends on my first sweater as I watch your video! It's the No Frills Sweater by PetiteKnit. I absolutely love how the raglan style is made, but I agree with you that this is probably my first successful attempt at a sweater because I was motivated enough to push through it. Although it wasn't a difficult pattern by any means, I realized I hadn't legitimately used German short rows before, so that was a slight challenge until I figured out what I was doing wrong 😅 Love all of the patterns you recommended!
My first sweater was indeed a baby sweater called little coffee-bean cardi. I got to learn so much from just knitting it! Here’s to fall and sweater weather knitting. Need to cast one on soon!🧶🧶☺️
Thanks for this. I'm currently finishing a cardigan, and I'm looking for another sweater. Flax looks fun. One of my favorite sweaters to knit is Jared Flood's Cobblestone.
I’m making the Anker’s sweater right now. My first sweater was the Ashland Sweater by Julie Hoover which is bottom up, has set in sleeves, color work, AND steeking. I took it step by step and it’s one of my favorite garments, and I feel pretty fearless in the face of most sweater patterns!
I am currently working on my sweater for me (did a couple of child sweaters 35+ years ago) It is the vanilla sweater pattern from Corinne At the wooly thistle. It is an easy top down relaxed fit raglan sweater.) following your podcasts got me interested in trying a sweater.
I taught myself to knit using family circle magazines, which meant I knitted with my wool in my right hand, sometime about 30 years ago I was knitting while watching my daughter at skating practice. When a lovely lady sitting next to me said she didn’t understand why the Americans and Canadians didn’t use the continental method which she claimed was far superior and easier on hands and much quicker as well. So with this lingering in the back of my mind when a few years later knitting became difficult with cramping hands, I pulled out some books and taught myself to do the continental. BUT I have no idea what my first sweater was some 50 years ago. But it came out of a Family Circle magazine. LOL
Thank you Caleb! Really helpful as always. You've confirmed for me what I've been thinking I should do. Flax baby sweater first then one for myself. I like that Joji sweater you shared at the end as well, so thanks for that suggestion too! It looks super cozy.
I'm currently knitting my own pattern. I'm doing a drop shoulder oversized sweater. I started knitting on the round and then I'll separate the project and attach the sleeves. Wish me luck! 🤪😅🤞
The first sweater recommended to me for a beginner was the Boxy Sweater by Tincan Knits. I am definitely a beginner ☺ I seem to be a Cowl Queen knitter 🥰 Fun to challenge yourself tho.
wow sounds like you did some research sir well done and thank you 👍😃👍 so just sitting on a swing on sunny day's is probably why my sweater was not a breeze then ? 😉 😁
Love the suggestion of knitting a baby sweater first to get a feel for the construction, I didn't do a baby sweater but I found a pattern for a tiny sweater (it's like 5" long) and I used sock yarn and it really helped me understand the technique used for sweaters plus it's cute
I agree that knitting baby sweaters prior to adult sweaters takes the scary part out of it. Plus it’s so much quicker u feel that sense of accomplishment quicker! And frogging isn’t as daunting if u make a mistake!
My first sweater for me, which I’m working on right now is the Sorrel. But for practice i’ve done a baby flax light and recently an Bean&Olive. Which was great practice for a colour work yoke.
I have Knitted quite a few Sweaters over the Years I can not even remember what my 1st one was, I knit most from the bottom up, now I like from the Top down
My first sweater was a brioche sweater in size L for men … I quickly regretted my choice, but I had no idea what was hard and not so I just went for the one my boyfriend wanted. It took me ages but I am so proud of it and I learned so much from it.
Great recommendations, Caleb. My favourite easy sweater is Joji Locatelli's original light version of The Easy One. I've done two, about to start a third. I prefer a sport weight yarn, on 3.5mm needles, bulky yarn on big needles is just too heavy on me.
TheKnittingFool has free basic patterns that are really easy to follow for beginners. You just type in your yarn gauge and choose the size you want, and it's done. You don't have to fuss with not being able to find the right yarn and try to make a substitution that doesn't 100% work. The directions are also really easily laid out so you don't have to figure out where your increases go, or follow confusing abbreviations, or have to pick you size from a line of twenty sizes.
Thanks, Caleb, for pointing me in the direction of Tin Can Knits! I've chosen the Flax sweater as my very first sweater and am swatching for it at the moment. It's ideal for me, as I'm petite and there are so many sizes!
I love your final piece of advice! It just has to be my first sweater, and after that it will be easier. I am just finishing my first simple scarf. I had to finally accept that it wouldn’t be perfect, and it really is ok! It has made me happy to be finishing my first project. I have dreamt of making a sweater, and though I’m sure if I’m ready for that yet, this video was hugely helpful!! Thank you!
My first sweater was the Lionbrand Effortless Cardigan. And true to its name, it was pretty effortless. Very simple raglan style cardigan with sleeves worked flat then seamed.
Ok... I see a new video up. Immediately click to watch..... thinking how much is this going to cost me today? Thank you for your time. I have so many wonderful new things, yarn, and projects/patterns. I love love love your content
My first sweater was knit collage. It was a little pricey for a 1st sweater. But I was able to rein it many time and it was so fast and so good and I love it
I just finished my first sweater and it was also my first knitting project. I did the No Frills by Petite Knits. I have a lot of projects in my that I will buy yarn for at the yarn festival next month
You are kind and encouraging and so informative. I love the way you are able break things down in such a way that instead of a prohibitive knitted wall in front of a knitter you give stepping stones stitch by stitch. Thanks and all the best for your podcast!
Hi Calleb! I like all the patterns you suggest...I am knitting the melodia shawl because of you and I love it. I knitted the "trescao" i dont know ifyou know it. Its a free pattern too, maybe a bit girly, but it is nice. Its a sweather. One thing I have been learning in all of this top down sweater thing thats going on is NO MORE GSR's for me. NO MORE, I AM DONE!!!! ok, now that I tooke it out of my chest, and do appologise for this shouting, ( and bad ortography), I will keep going top down but usiing some other technic...I love that V neck that you show here, and it is going on my list. I DO LOVE YOUR VIDEOS and the cool way you talk...you must be a very special person, so here I send my love from Lisbon once more, for both of you guys!!!
Thank you so much for your suggestions and recommendations! I needed this video to point me in the direction of knitting my first sweater. Many thanks!
For other sweater knitting videos, check out this playlist:
ua-cam.com/play/PLKZMoghcMYzER2q1TR4rsUbUtXH_wMxL9.html
I knit my first sweater in the 1970s but had to give up knitting for quite a while because of cats. As a returning sweater, I made the Flax, and I second it as a gorgeous sweater, easy to knit, great pattern! My very first sweater was a top-down raglan too, and it is a great place to start.
My first sweater was begun in 1970 and I kept putting it away - not to knit other projects; I didn't, but to raise my kids, move around the country with their dad, run a business and work outside the home. It's a simple pieced v-neck for men. When husband left, I kept it and still wear it. Now I'm back to knitting again and wanting to knit a sweater for myself. It's all about intention and I intend to make mine a lovely soft wool and not the acrylic I made the first one with. It was my first finished item too so even though it's crunchy and pilled, finishing it was a point of pride. Thanks for this list. 2 of the sweaters I'm considering are on it - the flax and the petite knit one. Thanks for this - you validated my choices.
I feel like my “beginner” stage was super quick, since I knew how to knit well when I actually started it properly so this is all I have to say on this: My first “real” sweater was the Louvre Sweater (by PetiteKnit) (after making a cardigan and a vest) and regardless how super hard it was and how many times I frogged it in the beginning it was a super super educational and enriching experience! After making one or two “simple/beginner” projects I’d totally recommend making something outside of your comfort zone, it’s a great way to get confidence even if you have to frog it a ton of times! Sorry for the whole testament ahahha this was a great video as always, thank you 💜💜
No apologies necessary! I think it is very important to push yourself and make mistakes and learn how to fix them... It definitely makes you better! Thanks for sharing your experience!
i've been dreaming of knitting a sweater but so terrified to try -- this video is a HUGE help, so thank you!!!
You’re so welcome 💚
question once you give it a try and finish how will you share your prize once done ? 🙂
Don’t doubt yourself. I did this for the longest and once I made one I felt silly. Plus I learned so much. It made it so interesting, like going on a new adventure. Happy knitting 🧶
I have yarn for a sweater for my husband and had not found anything i really liked. Thank you for your suggestions. I will start with the Felix and go on from there. You have put several on my radar.
My first sweater was Flax, made it about 5 years ago for my mom. I’m currently knitting my second sweater ever and it’s a yoke sweater with stranded color work. I’m absolutely loving it 🥰
Yoke sweaters are really fun to knit! They seem to grow soooo quickly at first which can be so motivating.
I’m currently knitting my first top down in the round sweater. I found the pattern, His Mellow Mood, on Etsy. I’ve completed the body and am about to start picking up stitches for the sleeves. Wish me luck!
Thank you, Caleb. I found this timely. I am knitting my first sweater using a free pattern on Ravelry-The Magic Custom-fit Raglan Sweater. It allows you to pick any yarn and knit any size. I did what you suggested in a previous video and worked off of measurements on an existing sweater which I like the fit of in my wardrobe. So far so good. I will admit that some of the instructions are a bit vague. But, with the wonder of UA-cam, I’m able to fill in some of the gaps.
Thanks for this great video. You are a wonderful motivator!
I listened to your video and chose to do the easy bulky one. (The last sweater I knitted previously was 25 years ago, so I was quite rusty.)
I knitted it in about two weekends. Thanks for the advice. I'm ready to do another one..
I've been desperately searching for the perfect first sweater pattern to knit! I'm a crocheter who just learned to knit. That second sweater looks like the perfect pattern to me!
Thanks for letting me hear your fears. I always knit bottom up sweater. I always seem to have three items on my knitting needles. I love knitting Icelandic sweater, just because there easy for me and the body and sleeves are worked in the round from from the lower to underarms, then joined to work yoke in the round. I have been knitting for over 70 years. Keep on knitting.
Thanks for the suggestions. It’s always nice to hear what others have on their basic sweaters list. Iris😊
I like any of these patterns! I am going to make a tiny one first, such a great suggestion.
I totally agree with the suggestion to knit the sweater that you really want! My first sweater was a seamed sweater with shaping, with in honeycomb stitch and with honeycomb cables. All the stitches and techniques were new to me, but I took it a step at a time and managed. Needless to say, I was super proud :)
Hello/ I Found your video 3 days ago and loved it .I am from Canada, great work ..by for now ,Zarina.
I love only real wool (but live in a semi tropical city, Brisbane Australia)... I've started knitting again, while it's cool here, after 35 years sewing only!!..I love the idea of one of your jumpers here, looked like 4 reactangles...I might try that
Thanks so much for posting this. I want to try to knit a sweater. I hate purl & knit. So that is why i never attempted one. But This helps .
I am just finishing my Flax sweater. I have already made the cozy raglan sweater and just wanted a simpler next sweater. Thanks for the recommendation. I hope you are doing well.
Currently learning to knit my first simple men's sweater with seams.
I've knitted for eleven year and have never made a sweater. Thank you for this video; I'll give it a try.
My first sweater was actually my second knitting project - the Norma Jean turtleneck by Fabel Knitwear. It provided me a great opportunity to learn new techniques, and here I am working on my 5th sweater but first one with colorwork! I would classify myself as an adventurous beginner and always excited to try something new even if it takes a lot of work to figure out.
😂😆I knit my way through Debbie Bliss’ baby book, and eventually knit sweaters for all the babies I knew! Then I knit kid-sized Flaxes and haven’t looked back. That’s an amazing collection to learn to knit: scarf, mitt, hat, sweater and cardy.
My first sweater was the Flax light in a baby size. I still have to make my first sweater in my size :D
I love knitting and I have made sweaters for my grandkids. I think it may be time to tackle a sweater for myself.
My very first sweater was an adult size gansey that I designed and knit for myself. It was a crazy ambitious project, but I got through it. What was I even thinking? That was over 20 years ago. I moved on to quilting and sock knitting. This year, I'm finally back to sweaters. I already knit a Flax sweater for myself. Now I have on my needles the Port Orford Pullover by Oat Couture.
So many great patterns.....I will have to think about it.....x
I just started my first sweater yesterday. The flax! Super excited with how fast it is working up!
Thank you for the encouraging video. I've never knitted in my life, but recently decided to learn and I found your channel. 😊
Thanks so much. I am a very, very beginner and am intimidated by all the patterns out there. These really look possible!! 😄
My first sweater was my first ever knitting project. I learned how to knit from my college roommate. Neither one of us knew how to read a pattern so I just measured a sweater I liked and made the pattern so it matched those measurements. It was a v-neck varsity sweater and I was so happy with it. I wish I still had it.
I have not tried a sweater. Still trying to get socks right.
I want to thank you for your encouragement. I may try the baby sweater in a neutral color. 😊
You are so welcome!
Oh my!!! It’s so helpful seeing your videos. I’m more of a machine knitter but, as I’ve just moving into another country, I couldn’t take the machine with me. I bought yarn and a kit of circular needles and dove into a “let’s try it by hand” experience. I’m doing it without a pattern and it is going smoothly so far. Thank you for sharing these patterns! They look great! Keep up the good work 😉
The first sweater that I knit for someone else was about 40 years ago. I remember it because of it's unique construction. It started at the right sleeve cuff, up the arm, across the yoke (spitting for the neck) and then down the left sleeve. The body was then picked up at the yoke edge and knit in the round down to the waist. The only seams were the sleeves, though if I made it these days, I would probably knit the sleeves in the round, too. I cannot find the pattern pamphlet - I've moved many times since I first made it - but the construction method has stayed with me. It was so different from anything I had made previously.
Not sure why, but I found it really refreshing that you mentioned an American girl doll, as an example for the super small version of the Anker sweater. Made me imagine that you might be a really cool uncle.
My first pullover was the T Shirt Romantique by Paule TB. Quicker to knit than a long-sleeved pullover, with less expense for yarn (I think I used 2 1/2 skeins of Manos Alegría), seamless, top-down, and all stockinette.
It is a reverse V-neck pattern which could easily be reversed or changed to a boat neck, with attached i-cord hems, subtle waist shaping, and a tiny foldover finish on the sleeves. The top of the sweater is worked on a provisional cast-on. It's then picked up after the sleeves and worked top-down to the hem, making it easy to choose exactly what length you want before finishing.
I knitted it in a hand-dyed yarn, so alternated skeins in a random row pattern, which made it more challenging to knit, but if I'd worked it in a solid or light speckled yarn, I could've finished if in a week.
Thank you for this. I made the Flax sweater this spring and am so anxious to wear it. I also did the Ursa sweater but I couldn’t figure out the stitch so just did a basic knit for the body. I have a suggestion for your next video. How to read the pattern and gather what you need. That is where I really struggle getting started. Thank you for all the info.
You are such a lovely, cool man. I have been binge watching your videos and they are so relaxing and very informative. You have a great presentation style. Thank you so much for inspiring me to start my first top down sweater x
I believe you have encouraged me to try my first sweater which will be by petite knits! Thanks much for your advice.
My first sweater was the Weekender. I love it and it gave me the confidence to attempt the Montrealer as my second one. Gotta admit that I'm finding the instructions a bit challenging on this one but we live in the age of youtube videos : ) Thanks for all of the great suggestions, Caleb!
You're so welcome! You will definitely be able to finish that sweater... just stick with it :-) I knit it and omitted the pocket because I just didn't want a pocket. I really like how it turned out in the end :-)
I Dont know how i get this video, but it was gold, I'm writing from Perú Haha, thanks!!! You help me a Lot!!!
Flax was my first sweater. The directions make everything clear. Making that sweater gave me the confidence to make a bunch more. :-)
That's great! Thanks for sharing your experience!
I recently got yarn for my first sweater. I'm planning on either the Flax or the Brick sweater which is also a free pattern on Ravelry. I'm going to knit a sweater for my grandson first to get a feel for it.
Thank you for the recommendations in this video!! You are always so helpful and inspiring!
Thank you. I found this video very helpful.
My first sweater was little coffee bean. It was offered as a class at my LYS. It was a great confidence builder. Then I went on to Ranunculus, Love Note, Navelli, Janesville, Soldotna. I am now knitting Weekender.
The Easy Bulky One might be the easiest for me as I'm a beginner...😊
Flax was my first as well! I've now dived into the (probably way too) deep end with a seamed sweater called Rocklands. Not ideal for people just getting into sweater knitting but thanks to help from some friends I got the hang of it. Just a few more steps to go...
I just need the confidence boost to tackle a sweater.
I'm still doing hats and mittens. And scarves, of course!
I enjoy seeing more male yarn crafters! :)
My first sweater was the Flax. I also recently knit the October sweater by Kaitlin Barthold which was very easy. I need more sweater patterns that don't include short rows. They intimate me to much
I am a beginner and I’m trying to learn everything I can because I want to someday learn how to make cable knit dresses.
Caleb!! Thank you for sharing your insights! I feel so much more confident in trying a yoke or raglan sweater>
You're so welcome!
I am currently weaving in the ends on my first sweater as I watch your video! It's the No Frills Sweater by PetiteKnit. I absolutely love how the raglan style is made, but I agree with you that this is probably my first successful attempt at a sweater because I was motivated enough to push through it. Although it wasn't a difficult pattern by any means, I realized I hadn't legitimately used German short rows before, so that was a slight challenge until I figured out what I was doing wrong 😅 Love all of the patterns you recommended!
My first sweater was indeed a baby sweater called little coffee-bean cardi. I got to learn so much from just knitting it! Here’s to fall and sweater weather knitting. Need to cast one on soon!🧶🧶☺️
Yes... fall and sweater weather are my favorite time! 💚
Thanks for this. I'm currently finishing a cardigan, and I'm looking for another sweater. Flax looks fun. One of my favorite sweaters to knit is Jared Flood's Cobblestone.
You’re so welcome 🥰
thanks for this video! I feel inspired and encouraged to start my first sweater project 😊 just finished a scarf and I'm thrilled!
I’m making the Anker’s sweater right now. My first sweater was the Ashland Sweater by Julie Hoover which is bottom up, has set in sleeves, color work, AND steeking. I took it step by step and it’s one of my favorite garments, and I feel pretty fearless in the face of most sweater patterns!
Gracias por compartir tu Arte de tejer bendiciones Mimi Neme Tucumán Argentina gracias por la idea Muy lindo bendecida jornada
perfect presentation!
I am currently working on my sweater for me (did a couple of child sweaters 35+ years ago) It is the vanilla sweater pattern from Corinne At the wooly thistle. It is an easy top down relaxed fit raglan sweater.) following your podcasts got me interested in trying a sweater.
I’m so happy you found inspiration here! That is a beautiful sweater pattern 💚
Thanks for the motivation and for sharing the links for the first time sweaters. Knitting a sweater is my goal, as are socks.
I taught myself to knit using family circle magazines, which meant I knitted with my wool in my right hand, sometime about 30 years ago I was knitting while watching my daughter at skating practice. When a lovely lady sitting next to me said she didn’t understand why the Americans and Canadians didn’t use the continental method which she claimed was far superior and easier on hands and much quicker as well. So with this lingering in the back of my mind when a few years later knitting became difficult with cramping hands, I pulled out some books and taught myself to do the continental. BUT I have no idea what my first sweater was some 50 years ago. But it came out of a Family Circle magazine. LOL
Great podcast thanks
Thank you Caleb! Really helpful as always. You've confirmed for me what I've been thinking I should do. Flax baby sweater first then one for myself. I like that Joji sweater you shared at the end as well, so thanks for that suggestion too! It looks super cozy.
I'm currently knitting my own pattern. I'm doing a drop shoulder oversized sweater. I started knitting on the round and then I'll separate the project and attach the sleeves. Wish me luck! 🤪😅🤞
The first sweater recommended to me for a beginner was the Boxy Sweater by Tincan Knits. I am definitely a beginner ☺ I seem to be a Cowl Queen knitter 🥰 Fun to challenge yourself tho.
wow sounds like you did some research sir well done and thank you 👍😃👍 so just sitting on a swing on sunny day's is probably why my sweater was not a breeze then ? 😉 😁
Love the suggestion of knitting a baby sweater first to get a feel for the construction, I didn't do a baby sweater but I found a pattern for a tiny sweater (it's like 5" long) and I used sock yarn and it really helped me understand the technique used for sweaters plus it's cute
I agree that knitting baby sweaters prior to adult sweaters takes the scary part out of it. Plus it’s so much quicker u feel that sense of accomplishment quicker! And frogging isn’t as daunting if u make a mistake!
Thank you. This vid has helped me immensely. I even got the Tin Can app. I can't wait to start my first sweater
My first sweater for me, which I’m working on right now is the Sorrel. But for practice i’ve done a baby flax light and recently an Bean&Olive. Which was great practice for a colour work yoke.
I am currently knitting my first sweater for myself and it is a raglan sweater from Petite Knit called the Novice sweater. Super super easy!
I have Knitted quite a few Sweaters over the Years I can not even remember what my 1st one was, I knit most from the bottom up, now I like from the Top down
My first sweater was a brioche sweater in size L for men … I quickly regretted my choice, but I had no idea what was hard and not so I just went for the one my boyfriend wanted. It took me ages but I am so proud of it and I learned so much from it.
Great recommendations, Caleb. My favourite easy sweater is Joji Locatelli's original light version of The Easy One. I've done two, about to start a third. I prefer a sport weight yarn, on 3.5mm needles, bulky yarn on big needles is just too heavy on me.
Hi I'm a classical dancer and my hobby was knitting
Thanks so very much for Sharing 💞!!
TheKnittingFool has free basic patterns that are really easy to follow for beginners. You just type in your yarn gauge and choose the size you want, and it's done. You don't have to fuss with not being able to find the right yarn and try to make a substitution that doesn't 100% work. The directions are also really easily laid out so you don't have to figure out where your increases go, or follow confusing abbreviations, or have to pick you size from a line of twenty sizes.
Great video!
Awesome, thanks!
Knitting the Felix sweater is a great way to come back to knitting after a long break, so stylish, certainly recommend it. 👏
Thanks, Caleb, for pointing me in the direction of Tin Can Knits! I've chosen the Flax sweater as my very first sweater and am swatching for it at the moment. It's ideal for me, as I'm petite and there are so many sizes!
Ok i love this video. Feels so helpful ill be checking them out
I love your final piece of advice! It just has to be my first sweater, and after that it will be easier. I am just finishing my first simple scarf. I had to finally accept that it wouldn’t be perfect, and it really is ok! It has made me happy to be finishing my first project. I have dreamt of making a sweater, and though I’m sure if I’m ready for that yet, this video was hugely helpful!! Thank you!
I agree with your suggestion to knit a baby sweater to test your pattern. It is reassuring plus makes a great gift.
My first sweater was the Lionbrand Effortless Cardigan. And true to its name, it was pretty effortless. Very simple raglan style cardigan with sleeves worked flat then seamed.
Oh, awesome! Thanks for sharing 😊
Ok... I see a new video up. Immediately click to watch..... thinking how much is this going to cost me today? Thank you for your time. I have so many wonderful new things, yarn, and projects/patterns. I love love love your content
My first sweater was knit collage. It was a little pricey for a 1st sweater. But I was able to rein it many time and it was so fast and so good and I love it
Working with materials you love is always great if it's in the budget :-)
I just finished my first sweater and it was also my first knitting project. I did the No Frills by Petite Knits. I have a lot of projects in my that I will buy yarn for at the yarn festival next month
I've wanted a sweater that I can say I made. I will start w a baby sweater. I love how you think. ♥
Haha. Thanks! I hope you get started soon… you’ll find sweater knitting isn’t as scary as it may look!
Great suggestions for sweater patterns. Just happened to find your channel. Glad I did.
Thanks for joining me 😊
You are kind and encouraging and so informative. I love the way you are able break things down in such a way that instead of a prohibitive knitted wall in front of a knitter you give stepping stones stitch by stitch. Thanks and all the best for your podcast!
Hi Calleb! I like all the patterns you suggest...I am knitting the melodia shawl because of you and I love it. I knitted the "trescao" i dont know ifyou know it. Its a free pattern too, maybe a bit girly, but it is nice. Its a sweather. One thing I have been learning in all of this top down sweater thing thats going on is NO MORE GSR's for me. NO MORE, I AM DONE!!!! ok, now that I tooke it out of my chest, and do appologise for this shouting, ( and bad ortography), I will keep going top down but usiing some other technic...I love that V neck that you show here, and it is going on my list. I DO LOVE YOUR VIDEOS and the cool way you talk...you must be a very special person, so here I send my love from Lisbon once more, for both of you guys!!!
And thank you!
I have knitted several Petiteknit sweaters. I absolutely love the simplicity and fit ofthid pattern. Super easy to knit.
Thanks!
This is the video I've been searching for! I'm probably still not going to do a sweater this year, but I just cast on a Vest... Stepping stones!
Thanks for sharing
Fabulous! Thank you! I loved your recommendations!
Thank you so much for your suggestions and recommendations! I needed this video to point me in the direction of knitting my first sweater. Many thanks!
so cool