Before you cast on
A small practical guide for planning a sweater you'll love to wear , Latha Cardigan coupon code, CraftDoodling Designs News, etc.
Last week, as I was getting ready to release the Latha Cardigan, I shared a few points about the kinds of adjustment options I build into my patterns and how to use them to customize your sweater. I received quite a few positive responses, so I decided to continue the topic this week with a few more general thoughts that are not limited to just my patterns.
At its core, knitting is about making clothing for our own bodies. As knitters, we already have the basic skills needed to create our own garments. With a bit of study and planning, we can greatly reduce the chances of ending up with a project we cannot wear. A well-fitting sweater is both a joy and a luxury, and it is no longer an unattainable goal.
✔️ SIZING & EASE
The main questions are:
Is your size available to knit?
Will the recommended ease work for you?
How do you determine the size you want to knit?
This three-pronged approach works well for me when determining size and ease.
(1) Your body shape and measurements
It is advisable to measure yourself over your undergarments or over a lightweight inner layer, depending on how you plan to wear your finished sweater.
(2) Measurements from your favorite sweaters
Measure different areas of your favorite sweaters, such as body circumference, sleeve length, and upper arm circumference. Ideally, the sweater you measure should have a fabric weight similar to the one you plan to knit.
You may like one garment for the way it fits through the body and another for the way the sleeves fit. Lay your favorite garments flat and note down the measurements you enjoy wearing. Compare these measurements with your body measurements to determine the amount of ease you prefer in different areas.
(3) Pattern schematic
Study the pattern schematic and any available sizing notes, including the recommended ease. Then choose a size based on both your body measurements and your preferred fit.
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✔️ PLAN YOUR ALTERATIONS
Once you have determined your desired size and ease, study the schematic measurements for your chosen size and make a plan for any modifications you want to implement. Make notes directly on the pattern or schematic so you can easily refer back to them while knitting.
Lengthening or shortening the body and sleeves is usually fairly straightforward.
Other alterations may require some research and planning. In the beginning, it is helpful to focus on just one or two major alterations. You will grow more confident in this area with every project you complete.
✔️ YARN, SWATCH, FABRIC WEIGHT & GAUGE
Choose a yarn with fiber content similar to the yarn recommended in the pattern whenever possible. If you substitute yarn, do so thoughtfully.
The next step is to make a swatch using your chosen yarn. Are you happy with the weight, drape, and feel of the fabric against your skin? Adjust needle sizes if necessary and swatch again until you are satisfied.
Make sure to measure both your unblocked and blocked gauge and ensure that they match the pattern requirements.
Try to make your swatch as close as possible to the actual sweater fabric. For example, if the sweater includes a stitch pattern, swatch a few repeats of that stitch pattern rather than swatching in plain stockinette.
There is plenty of excellent online advice about swatching, matching gauge, and even knitting at a slightly different gauge when necessary.
✔️ GAUGE VARIATIONS
Typically, you will knit at your unblocked gauge, while the finished garment is expected to reach the desired measurements after blocking.
Here are some common situations where gauge variations may occur. Keep an eye out for these changes as you knit. Many of them can be corrected by adjusting needle size.
Rowing out, or uneven knit and purl stitches in flat knitting
Switching from flat knitting to working in the round
Differences between large circumference knitting, such as the body, and small circumference knitting, such as sleeves
Colorwork sections in yoke sweaters knitting at a different gauge than the surrounding stockinette fabric
✔️ THINK ABOUT WEARABILITY
A sweater can fit perfectly and still remain unworn if it does not suit your lifestyle or wardrobe.
Before casting on, think about your lifestyle and how you dress. Do you prefer lightweight layers or warm, substantial sweaters? Do you reach more often for pullovers or cardigans? Which colors do you wear repeatedly?
It can also help to think about practical details such as sleeve length, neckline depth, layering ease, and how much maintenance the yarn requires.
Planning with wearability in mind increases the chances that your finished sweater becomes a garment you reach for again and again.
I hope these points give you some direction as you plan a sweater that you will truly love wearing. Even when the final result falls short of our expectations, we can carry those lessons into the next project and continue learning along the way.
What are you currently planning to knit and what kind of modifications are you thinking? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.♥️
To let me know you liked what you read, you can also press the little heart icon at the bottom of the newsletter. ♥️ However, if you are clicking it from your inbox, you might have to wait until Substack opens in a browser and make sure the heart icon is indeed red. Thank you.
CRAFTDOODLING DESIGNS UPDATES
Thank you for the warm welcome to my latest pattern, Latha Cardigan. It is currently available for download at a discounted price. ❤️
Latha Cardigan Please enjoy 25% off using coupon code LATHA25 on this pattern
until Mon May 25 2026, midnight PT.
❤️
I shared a reel about the features of Latha Cardigan. ❤️
I’ve also uploaded a small Youtube video explaining the overall construction of Latha Cardigan. I hope you find these resources useful. ❤️
Lambtown 2026 workshop registration begins today, May 16 at 10 AM PT. Check out the amazing line up in their website. I am scheduled to teach two classes - Intro to 2-color Brioche, Flower Granny Squares. I hope to see some of you there. ❤️
READING UPDATES
Currently reading 📖
Vigil - George Saunders
After Nations: The Making and Unmaking of a World Order - Rana Dasgupta
Until next time,
Kavitha. ♡
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