In this week's ramble, I'm responding to a tip line submission regarding where to start when embarking on your first sweater-knitting journey in 10 steps. Join me! 03:40 Book Recs 06:40 10 Tips

Something that gave me confidence knitting my first adult sweater - I had knit sweaters for stuffed animals from Knitted Animal Friends by Louise Crowther. They taught me the basic construction of a top down raglan sweater and I got to do it on something small and got the sweaters done quickly. So going to adult size wasn’t as intimidating.

While I agree that swatching is essential, and I do make a swatch before every sweater (I've only made three, so barely past the novice stage here), I would like to give a little real-life advice to people who are betrayed by their swatches: 1. If you're a tight knitter like me, you will notice that most pattern designers for some reason are loose knitters. Save yourself some time and start swatching with a needle at least one size larger than the one called for. Life is short. 2. Until you become an experienced sweater knitter (and that's not me), I strongly advise erring on the size of larger rather than smaller, because you can still wear a sweater that's technically "too large," but the one that's too small is completely useless. I do this by deliberately choosing one size larger than my body measurements and my lying swatch swear is the right one for me, or choosing the size that's at the maximum end of the ease range based on chest measurement (if it says 2 to 6 inches of ease, I never ever choose 2). One more tip, not related to gauge: if you really want to build your confidence more quickly, you might want to start with a bulky weight sweater, which you will be able to finish relatively quickly, and then while riding the high of that achievement you can work your way down to thinner yarns that will take much longer.

When I knitted my first sweater last year, I took a Sweater Knitting course at my local community college. Invaluable. You become a better knitter when a better knitter is looking over your shoulder! 🧶

After knitting top down, bottom up and every other which way, I prefer knitting in pieces and seaming. It's easier and the sweaters have more structure. The other ways just seem unnecessarily tricky and complex. Sometimes the designers seem to just want to show off with fancy little techniques that are often poorly explained. Again, I know I'll swimming against the tide here😂 I just like simplicity. I don't look to my knitting for irritating challenges. I love other parts of my life for challenges, not my knitting.

We are so lucky to have KZfaq videos like this offering great content and help. Back in the day (🤣) when I started knitting and crocheting there were only books and written patterns. Now, it’s certainly opened up an entire new world… but only thanks to folk like you that take the time to share things! ❤️

What im doing with my guage swatches to make them more enticing to actually do is saving them up so i can eventually make a blanket out of all my different projects!

Elizabeth Zimmer would be so pleased with this video! I bought KNITTING WITHOUT TEARS over 40 years ago and it is my most cherished knitting book. She inspired my first sweater and I have lost count of the number of sweaters I have finished. But knitting to this ramble on my day off has been a pure pleasure. ❤

Not sure if this has already been added but as a not very experienced knitter and someone who doesn’t have a lot of time to devote to learning/improving my skills, a GREAT beginner pattern was the Winter Bluff Sweater by Ashley Lillis. She has KZfaq videos as well. I think it’s a great one because much like what Tayler always explains, she encourages you to learn more about the how and WHY you do specific things so that you can adapt it for yourself as needed, and she even mentions you can use the pattern as a jumping off point to get more creative with your own alterations. It’s the only garment I’ve successfully knitted. This was a great video!

Tayler, THANK YOU so so much for making this video! I am the person who submitted the question and literally screamed when you read my question out loud. I've got my sweater pattern picked out and the needles required. Waiting for my yarn to arrive in the mail to get started. Your video could not have come at a better time. Thanks again! About to watch...can't wait!!

Good tips. I would add that people can take the measurements from a favorite garment to use instead of measuring themselves: this has worked well for me especially for the armhole depth and length. I would also add that measuring the upper bust is a good idea if that differs more than a few inches from the full bust measurement. I have three sweaters recently completed that are waiting to be blocked 🙃 It's an important step, I agree, but I don't like doing it!

I’m starting my first sweater today - eagerly awaiting my needles in the mail! This couldn’t have come at a more perfect time ❤ thank you!! 🦙🧺🧶

I would like to add that knitwear designer Jessica MacDonald just released a video on You Tube called How to Knit Your First Sweater. It's lengthy but Jessica is a great teacher.

I was a sewer years before I became a knitter. My first two sweaters were pieced, and it was no big deal. I was accustomed to garments being assembled from pieces. That's my experience, but by no means a universal truth. If it sounds complicated to you, then do it the other way for heaven's sake! This is supposed to be fun!

For my first sweater many years ago, I was lucky to have a great LYS that had tons of classes…and I took a class in “knit a cardigan.” So, as someone who’s knit many sweaters (sweaters and socks are my favorite knits,) I’d add a few tips: 1) Don’t go just by bust size! Look for a sweater pattern that includes an entire schematic…meaning there is a drawing that gives measurements at every important part. I’m one full size smaller on top than on the bottom, and I have a long torso…lots of people have different body ‘quirks’ regardless of weight…very large chest, no waist, long arms, etc. The schematic tells you where you may need to adjust for the sweater to fit you well…if you’re large in the chest and knit to that size, you may be wearing a poncho with wing arms, so you may need to learn how to add bust darts, increase needle size at the chest area and knit the rest to a smaller size, etc. Often I will “Frankenstein” my pattern by knitting the bottom portion in a larger size, adding decreases into the side seams, and at the waist switch to the smaller pattern size. (2) Try it on as you go…even if you’re doing it in pieces (I hate sewing things up too, but I do think sweaters knit in pieces tend to look nicer and less frumpy, imo) to see if it looks like the size is going well. (3) Start with an arm sleeve if you cannot force yourself to do a gauge swatch…after 4 inches of arm, you have a gauge swatch! (4) Don’t be adventurous with the first sweater…focus on making a garment, not on cables/stripes/fair isle/complex lace…just make a sweater. (5) Beware of using yarn that will sag…sweaters can be heavy especially if you’re using worsted or Aran…worsted or Aran pure cotton or alpaca will be a dress after wearing it twice…seriously…I own one of each now, lol. (6) It’s okay if it looks terrible and weird as long as you learned something! If you’ve been knitting hats or afghans forever, you can remember how the first time you made a hat, or tried a new technique for a first project…maybe it wasn’t the best thing you ever did…it’s okay if the sweater is just “okay.” Don’t expect perfection. Necks, arm cyes are hard, take your time. Pick an easy pattern, a good DK weight workhorse yarn (Cascade 220 always comes to mind) pick an awesome color you love…and go for it!!! Enjoy! I love my hand knit sweaters and socks. Last Tip: If you don’t want to waste time making a whole sweater that might not look good, knit a simple toddler or small child size sweater…if you don’t have a toddler or small child to give it to, donate it to charity. That way, you’ve learned the technique of sweater putting together without making an adult version. Get the books she recommended, they are wonderful!!

Thanks for the tip about the knitting books

I love how you say don't knit your first sweater flat and in pieces. lol This used to be the way sweaters were usually knit. My first sweater was knit that way--what a disaster it was--from yarn choice, to sizing, to style--ick. I have knit almost all sweaters since in the round--much better. Good advice in your video--I enjoy watching your beginning videos because I teach people to knit--very helpful. I love Elizabeth Zimmerman, and I just ordered the other book you recommended. Thanks!

I am currently working on my first sweater. I’m following a pattern and very thorough video tutorial by ‘handmade by flourence,’ the pattern (which is free!) is the ‘step-by-step sweater.’ It is so much easier than I thought it would be, and I’m so excited to soon have my first handmade sweater!

I feel like I needed this a year ago - I taught myself to knit on a Kutovakika sweater knitting tutorial :D no scarves or hats for me lol just straight into the fire.

Great advice, thanks. After a disappointing attempts, I thought that I had a grasp of the rudimentaries and decided that I would make up a sweater to learn its construction “on the job.” I find fitting my swatch to a series of arithmetic calculations easier than trying to fit into someone else’s box. This is not for everyone! But it worked great for me, as my body is not proportioned like the Vitruvian Man. My top is a different size than my waist, etc. It was a wonderful learning experience. My only Waterloo was the sleeves. Remember Seinfeld’s puffy shirt? I hadn’t fully grasped Xx inches decrease over Yy inches length. Now I think I can do better, but I still wear that sweater and hug it for teaching me so much.

If anyone wants a very guided experience for your first sweater (and are fine with making a pretty simple sweater as your first one), Florence Miller from handmade by florence has a step-by-step sweater pattern for free on Ravelry with a youtube video available on her channel walking you through the process

Great podcast! Self taught knitter who knits literally daily sometimes 12+hrs a day (on off work days). I have knit many sweaters and gauge is always an issue. I’m taking a online class and figured out my gauge problem (purl stitches bigger than knits). After listening to your podcast a LIGHTBULB went on about another reason I was not getting the FIT I desired. I didnt know when picking the size you needed to take your bust PLUS/Minus the prescribed ‘ease’. I assumed it was built into the bust size listed. Many ‘you dont know what you dont know’ as the saying goes! Thank you for your info, adding it to my book of Knitting Tips!

In Switzerland, where I grew up,we had crafting lessons in school. So we learned all of that in the crafting lessons and that was also where and when I knitted my first sweate. In pieces.And I think that is not complicated at all, because you can very easily put the pieces onto a sweater that fits you well and compare the size and the shape and adapt when needed. Regarding gauge - I hate that part, I really hate it. And I was in the past very often skipping it, resulting in quite a lot of unraveling and starting again ... At the moment - to motivate myself - I am thinking about keeping all my gauge swaps and block them out to the same size (should be possible, since the goal is always that you should reach the 10 x 10 cm or 4 x 4 inches) and sew them together to a blanket. So, in a few years I would have a blanket that reminds me of all my projects I did in the past.

Great video! I shared it with 2 friends of mine who are scared to knit sweaters. I would add 2 things to your tips: Block the gauge swatch and measure again after you block it / and / Use a Lifeline regularly, especially if you have a patterned sweater. Ask me how I know those lessons... ugh

One of your best videos. We all need reminders on the basics. Love, love, love Elizabeth Zimmerman!

When I go, I want "Block your swatch" written on my tombstone. These are such great pieces of advice! Thank you for a great video. :)

When I took a knitting class earlier this year as a baby knitter, my teacher recommended starting with a child's sweater. All the same techniques, but much less real estate to cover. I chose the Good Old Raglan by Karen Ohanlan Cohrt and made a sweater for my two year old nephew! It was a great experience and so fun to see him wearing it.

Currently going through most of your tips videos for knitting before I start my first real project, a sweater. I have made a small rectangle with chunky yarn on straight needles previously. And am also an experienced crocheter. Surprising to me, a lot of the technical concepts transfer between knitting and crochet. Importance of gauge, yarn choice, patience etc 😂. I will be having a baby in July and would like to have a project for those times I’m stuck just sitting for an hours on end during recover. Wish me luck on the sweater. I have high hopes😂

I hosted Elizabeth Zimmerman in my weaving/spinning/knitting shop in the early 1980’s. She was an absolutely wonderful, no-nonsense, wise and funny knitting guardian Angel. We LOVED her! “Knitting Without Tears” has been my knitting bible for over 40 years. Timeless and encouraging. And quality WOOL is essential.

I literally started working on my first sweater this week…absolutely loved this video. Perfect timing ❤❤

Just finished and blocked my first sweater based on your recommendation, Tayler - the Felix! I used stash yarn (didn’t want to buy more yarn for a first attempt) in four colors as a color block. Did not meet gauge, although I swatched multiple needle sizes, as I am a tight knitter and got “mathy” with the pattern (i.e. changed up row and stitch counts based on my gauge). My Felix is gorgeous, the sleeve color breaks match the body, my tubular cast on and bind offs are wonderful looking, and the fuzziness from the mohair complements the super wash merino beautifully. Such an awesome experience that I have already cast on a new sweater for my sweetie!

100% affirm the tip to step back and take a look as you go. I just finished my first top-down sweater (Felix), and somehow-- I still don't know just how-- I messed up the raglan increases on one of the rows on one of the sides. If I'd just gone along and discovered it later, it would have been an even bigger blow to morale when I had to start over. :) Thanks for a thoughtful video!

Thanks Taylor this is exactly what I was looking for. I know I've been itching to start and sweater but I have no idea how to prepare for this and now you have given me the tools to get my research right before I jump into that pool. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!😊

I love knitting sweaters and I've knit many for myself and others. These tips are excellent for all of us because some of us get lazy about swatching and assuming we're a size 2, 3 or 4. The only thing I would also emphasize is blocking your swatch!!! I took a class from a knitwear designer years ago and she enticed us to knit the swatch because we can also use it to practice picking up stitches, trying out a buttonhole, trying a new bind off which is so much better than ripping out the knitting on the garment. Thank you for your videos, they are always valuable!!

I would like to say that I'm a JUMP RIGHT IN kinda knitter (and everything else), so I started my knitting journey with socks, then jumped into sweaters. My first was the Ranunculus and the Weekender by @dreareneeknits, knitting them at the same time. It was a wonderful experience, BUT...I would advise any new knitter to take the time to learn the terminology and basics of sweater construction* (or specific construction of any particular garment you're knitting). Just knowing the terminology and what is being referred to in the pattern would have been extremely valuable in my own early knitting journey. Great reference books you have shared, and although I've picked up on a lot of since I started, I see the value in adding these types of books to my library to assist with future projects. And, darn it, once I started understanding construction, I started daydreaming of my own tweaks and mods, which may end up resulting in a few designs of my own in the future. Thanks, as always, for your inspiration and ideas. PS - BLOCKING always makes my so happy!

Thank you for this video - I don't know whether to laugh or cry at myself. I first learnt to knit a simple square rag in February this year, and then set on my speed run knitting journey with a sample of ribbing, a sample of a snowflake colour work pattern and then (because I didn't know any better) I picked up a sweater project my grandmother had abandoned perhaps 20 years ago. It was knitted in the round, bottom-up, intended for a child, and I have rarely been so confused and with only a sewing thread marking the beginning/end of each round on the body - no markers on the sleeves. I finished it last weekend, and I think it worked out, but I definitely made some mistakes along the way (and some experienced knitters I asked for help told me I was out of luck, because they couldn't help me). Next time I will absolutely be using a pattern 😂❤

Fun video, but as a newish knitter my main idea for is a first sweater is : choose something you REALLY want. I did a very complex sweater for my first ever knit (I learned by doing swatches) because it was what I wanted and that motivated me and inspired me. I also recommend giving yourself lots of time. I learned so many techniques and felt so proud of the resulting process. During Covid, I was able to find everything I needed on KZfaq and Craftsy.

Taylor, I learn so much from you!!! You are so good at what you do! 💕

You literally answered every single one of my questions in my first sweater knit. Thank you!!!

Fantastic tips as always. As someone who seems to constantly make mistakes when knitting I would add in LIFELINES. They have recently been my savour when knitting half fisherman’s rib on a sweater for my 3 yr old. 👍😊

You’re wonderful to watch and listen to. Thank you.

Thanks so much for the tips. I have made a cardigan and a short sleeve sweater. But this was still so good to hear as I’m still new to figuring out how to make garments that I enjoy. I’m itching to start a new cardigan and will keep all these things in mind before I start.

This is the most succinct and helpful video I’ve watched thus far in regard to this topic. Thank you so much!

I wish I had this when I started. It's probably the best video I've seen on this. Awesome tips. I learned a few tips as well. Thnx T!

Perfect timing! I have been thinking about knitting a sweater so this was very helpful. Love your channel. 😊

Thanks for all your guidence Taylor!

Thanks for encouraging us!

Thank you so much for explaining the importance of ease!! I’m now more motivated to take measurements beforehand now that I see it’s influence on the pattern 🤩✨. Another great video! Please more like this 😊

Thank you for your advice. I’m about to start my first sweater and these tips are really helpful.

LOVE when you are in full-on teach mode. 😊 This video is perfect timing for me as that is next on my agenda, knitting my first sweater. I finally learned that if I don’t know how a yarn is going to knit up, I need to just get a skein/ball and swatch. I like swatching and seeing how a yarn knits up. So….. I’m super excited about your born shorn dyed Yarn because that’s exactly what I’m doing with it… swatching it, playing with it, and maybe making some mitts. 😁

Superb as always thanks Tayler. Loved the "frustrational basket case!" line ..... we know it! 🤣❤

It’s so nice to see, that what my mom took time to teach me,as a young knitter (more than 40 years ago), is still good advice. The only thing I didn’t learn, was to block my knits. I do block my knits nowadays. I’ll also advise, to make notes on the sketch, that often follows a written pattern, to help you visualise the progress. And I will emphasise, make notes - you can never have to many notes❤

I have knitted many sweaters but was always a bit confused about how to calculate ease. Your explanation was so clear. Thanks ❤

Thank you Taylor for all the information and support !! As always a fantastic video ❤️ And until our next pod enjoy your days 😊🥰

Taylor, I always enjoy your Sunday and Wednesday 'chats' but this one, my darling girl, was exactly what the 'stitch doctor' recommended. I learned quite a bit (especially why a couple of my sweaters seemed a bit oversized. 🤣) Thanks so much for taking the time to 'school' us. 😉

I’m so happy I found you!

I appreciate this ramble and all the links you provided. You are amazing. Thank you

This was super helpful! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Thank you Tayler & Cassie for this video 💖🌻

Ohhhh, lots of great information to study and peruse. Thank you!

Thanks so much for this video! It is so helpful. I just ordered one of the books. I had plans to knit my first sweater this fall, but due to a broken wrist, plans are on hold. As I try to knit again I will do the planning part of my sweater. Thank you!

Thanks so much! I’ll be listening again and taking notes.

Thanks for a very useful video. I have knitted sweaters but have never done a top down one so this was very helpfully.

I wish I had this video 3 months ago when I knit my first sweater! Lol. I always love yout tips. 😊❤

Thank you! Outstanding!

I think podcasters seem to be more in the chit chat/ general advice and recommendations as opposed to tutorials. I’ve never run into a technique in a pattern that I could not easily find a video tutorial for on KZfaq. Perhaps folks are looking for both styles of videos from knitting podcasters in total. Personally I don’t expect all knitting podcasters to provide tutorials at all. I also imagine it’s hard to not give away paid for pattern details in a tutorial

Such a great video!! I’m hoping to cast on a first sweater after the holidays . Thank you!😊

One good reason for knitting a swatch - you can throw it in the washing machine to see how well it’ll handle it. Then you’ll know for sure if you need to hand wash or not.

After knitting lots of sweaters, a paper copy is still invaluable, along with a notebook for writing out things like pattern repeats with stitch counts or row numbers v increases/decreases.

Great tips! Gauge swatch! Plan your knitting experience!

Thanks for the video, I have always knitted sweaters with straigth needles. then pieced them together. This is how I was taught. I am curious now to try and knitt a sweater in the round. I am watching a lot of KZfaq to get an idea of how to do it.

Wow this was so helpful!!! Thank you so much 😊

I am only on my second knit garment but i am soaking up every book and tutorial about knit garment construction and pattern modifications. I find it endlessly fastinating. My first sweater was successful but i know my future sweaters will be better. I can follow any pattern but thats not quite enough. You have to be able to choose a pattern you will actualy like wearing and understand how to adjust it to make it perfect for the body you are knitting for. Short rows. Learn short rows. And make your swatch large enough, block it and keep in mind how the weight of your project will affect it. I am continually amazed at how much a fabric changes after its washed esp depending on the fiber content. I learned this after washing a hat i was super proud of and now its 6 sizes too big.....

Elizabeth Zimmerman was an amazing woman. Her books read like you’re her friend sitting down to tea. Have all her books I’ve been able to get my hands on.

Thank you!! Very informative!!

'I have a video for that' needs to be on a t-shirt 😂 Thank you for this video! Your ravelry list is now my go to for my first foray into sweaters

Great tips! Thanks!

Sweaters were the first things I ever knit, but that was many years ago. Back then they were all knit flat and seamed. Now I’m hooked on socks…lol. I see many sweater patterns that I’d like to knit, but I don’t wear sweaters and no one in my life would really appreciate a hand knit sweater.

I knitted my fist ever sweater last year… without a pattern! It came up pretty decent but now I want to make another one that hopefully takes less time and I don’t need to start over or re-do multiple times😂

That's funny, I've knitted tons of sweaters, but all in pieces. My next learning project is a sweater knitted top down in one piece. I haven't found the right pattern yet, but also haven't looked too hard. I do have a big pile of Fisherman's wool to use for this!

Just in time!! Sock and hat patterns aren’t what I want to knit so I’m starting my fist sweater project after I finish Sophie Shawl so thanks for the advice 🙌🏾

Wait, wait, wait--what??? You have a FREE Patreon? I didn't know that was a thing. Well, then! Very sage advice in this post. I love EZ! She makes projects seem so doable. Thanks for sharing these tips!

How timely! I just started swatching yesterday. I have tried knitting a sweater a year ago, but i had to frog it 3 times so I abandoned it. Hopefully this new project will be a better experience!

I cast on my first jumper last weekend. I've made a start on the Navelli with some lovely Fleurville 4 Ply tonal floral pink yarns I had floating around.

We can think of gauge swatches as dish cloths, mug warmers, an interesting cloth under your pot plant or a cloth for warm plates on the dining table. We then don't have to frog that swatch or feel we've wasted our energy making "nothing" BUT if we need that yarn to finish our garment it's right there. Has this helped anyone to think more positivelabout swatching?

Somme more tips: -start with baby sweaters. If you're off, it's ok as long as you like the fabric, because babies grow. This will give you a low-stakes chance to build your technique, familiarize yourself with how your gauge changes between swatch and large circumference knitting as well as small circumference knitting (which tends to be tighter. My first sweater's body fit, but the sleeves were so tight I couldn't wear it!!!) and let you end up with a giftable item. It's the perfect starter sweater project. -MKALs. If you are easily overwhelmed, having a community of people who are knitting the same thing at the same time is super helpful. It also breaks down the pattern in easily digestible pieces. Make sure you like the general style of the designer, though, because you might not end up liking the finished product. -Arm hole depth will vary between sweater styles and construction. This is especially important for drop shoulders. Measure your armhole depth starting at where you'd like the armhole to be. Or, if you're knitting sleeves later, measure at where your armhole actually is, and subtract half an inch because sleeves are heavy and will drag your shoulders down. It seems obvious in retrospect but this is one of those details that gets missed a lot and you end up with ridiculously huge sleeves like I did.

Thanks. This was helpful. I’ve done a few sweater garments, however they were big and forgiving patterns. I’m ready to step up my game! Ease had me confused. So happy you cleared me up with this. Gage swatch I’m going to do!

My philosophy is when in doubt punt. I’ve made many messes. Punting is no longer my philosophy in knitting anyway. Excellent video.

You keep sharing stellar advice, which is essential for me. I'm buying "Knitting Without Tears" by E. Zimmerman. And hope one day you'll write a book as well! It'll be No. 1 best seller!

Your room is so cute and cozy.

My first sweater was knit in pieces and seamed, which I found very approachable (until the seaming…). The knitting portion of it felt more like shawl or scarf knitting, and I focused more on the knitting than constantly worrying and trying it on.

My first sweater was from a We are Knitters kit, I would recommend that because I wanted to knit sweaters so bad but it can be so overwhelming, the kit has the correct needle size, correct yarn, printed pattern and instructions. I will say after two kits I outgrew them and ended up selling the yarn 😆 BUT I think it was such an excellent place to start and affordable as they run frequent sales.

Stop and checkb every row! Use life lines! Put some embroidery floss in your interchangeable needle tightening hole as you knit it will leave a floss holder. Should you have to rip back it will truly be a life line back to a finished project. Good luck! Thanks for your great advice!

your glasses! sooo classy and elegant!

Great video

This is so useful as I am terrified to knit my first sweater 😭

I love the story of your name! I always wondered 🧶

An interesting tip I ran across (unfortunately I do not remember the source) was for an 'essential tool' in one's knitting bag.... basically it's a 'frankenswatch'. It can be used for practicing new techniques/stitches on before attempting them on your project, or for checking gauge, or just for seeing how two yarns held together might look when knit. I thought it was a really great idea :)

Thanks for this video. Regarding swatches: I would say that you actually need to knit a 6" by 6" swatch minimum with no border to get a true reading of your gauge. Swatches lie because people don't always do it big enough or affect the gauge by knitting borders or the don't wash the swatch.

two things: 1. i knit my first sweater before i knew better--same with stranded knitting. my advice is go for it. 2. when i don't have or don't want to buy the exact yarn, i check out the yarn that other people have used by looking at ravelry projects. (of course, this only works if you use rav. :). i also check people's notes and tips. 3. bonus: if you use rav, there are forums where you can ask expert knitters questions if you get stuck. it can be super helpful.