Knitted Sweater Workshop

We teach this lesson plan at our recurring Intermediate & Advanced Knitting Class. Sign up for your first session here to get started on this project! The workshop will guide you through every step of making a top-down raglan sweater step-by-step. All students attending the workshops will choose a top-down raglan sweater pattern that uses dk, worsted, aran, or bulky weight yarn. Keep in mind that thicker yarns take less time to knit! We have several great recommendations listed below. SKILL LEVELIntermediateYou can read about how we determine skill levels here. REQUIRED EXPERIENCEYou must already be very comfortable with casting on, the knit stitch, the purl stitch, working knit & purl stitches in the same row before taking this workshop. Knowing how to identify and fix mistakes is helpful to know but not required. PATTERNSlisted in order of difficulty, starting with the easiest/quickest Pattern Yarn Weight  Notes Classic Cropped Pullover by Cleo Malone Bulky This pattern is knit with bulky weight yarn so it goes quickly and it's somewhat easier to fix mistakes, plus Cleo designed it so they know it very well and can easily help you modify it! You also get this pattern for free with the workshop & yarn purchase. Worsted Pullover No. 1 by Cleo Malone Worsted This pattern is knit with worsted weight yarn so it won't knit up as quickly as the pattern above, but still a great weight of yarn to learn with, plus the fabric won't be quite as bulky as the one above. Cleo designed this one too so they know it very well and can easily help you modify it!  You also get this pattern for free with the workshop & yarn purchase. Flax by TinCanKnits Worsted This pattern is similar to the Worsted Pullover No. 1 pattern above but includes some simple stitch pattern blocking along the sleeves and has a wider neck. It's great for first-time sweater knitters. It's also free! No Frills Sweater by PetiteKnit DK This pattern is very similar in construction to the recommended patterns above but it's knit at a smaller gauge so it will take longer to knit. We recommend this pattern only if you have lots of time to knit the homework between classes, or if you're an especially fast knitter! Cumulus Blouse by PetiteKnit DK/Worsted This pattern has a deep V neck so the construction at the beginning will have a few extra steps than the other recommended patterns. Plus it has I-cord edging instead of a simple rib. It's only a bit more complex than the other recommended patterns so it's great for confident knitters. It's pictured with two strands of mohair held together but can be knit in any DK or worsted weight yarn for a different look (likewise, any of the worsted weight patterns above can be knit with mohair too, but this is not for the faint of heart!) It's Not a Sweatshirt by Pernille Larsen DK/Worsted This pattern is similar to the above but includes a folded hem collar and short row neck shaping. This is a great pattern for those who have maybe knit a sweater or similar project before but want a refresher and to learn a couple extra things.    MATERIALS - available for purchase at the shopThe weight and amount of yarn needed will vary with your chosen pattern. We will be discussing picking a size and the correct yarn to buy on the first day of class. TOOLS - available for purchase at the shopNeedle sizes will vary with your chosen pattern. Generally you'll need one or two sizes of a 16" circular needle, one 32–40" circular needle (depending on the size you choose), and 1–2 sizes of double pointed needles, unless you use the magic loop method. If you haven't already, now is a great time to consider buying an interchangeable needle set! You'll use many of the tips & cords in this class and have nearly every needle size and length combo you'll ever need moving forward. We have several options for sale in the shop! LESSON PLAN Session 1: Learn how to read a pattern, pick out the right yarn & needles for your pattern & size, make a gauge swatch, cast on! Depending on timing we may go over raglan increases as well. Required homework: finish neck hem. Optional homework: start raglan increases. Session 2: Set up markers, learn make one increasing, optional short row shaping. Required homework: get as far as you can through the raglan increases! Session 3: put sleeve stitches on hold, cast on for underarms, try on your sweater so far! Optional homework: finish body. Session 4: pick up sleeve stitches, work in the round on 16" circulars, double pointed needles, or learn magic loop, sleeve decreasing, optional sleeve modifications. Optional homework:  Session 5: finish body, continue working on sleeves. Session 6: final session! binding off, weaving in ends, seaming underarm holes, blocking info, other finishing techniques, repeat demos, any further questions.