Hey Everyone,
Today I am excited to share my very first sweater knitted on circular needles. This is the Louisiana sweater, designed by Danish knitting designer, Mette, of PetiteKnit. Actually, prior to knitting this sweater, I did knit a cardigan on straight needles, and I will share that cardigan with you all in a few days, but I really didn’t enjoy the process of knitting that cardigan, or the end result, whereas I am so proud of this sweater. I thought I would share the positive project first 🙂
This sweater was knit using the wool which is recommended by the pattern: Borstet Alpakka by Sandnes Yarns, which is a Norwegian company. I purchased my wool online from SKD yarns. This wool is not cheap, but as a novice I was too scared/ unknowledgeable to consider substituting the wool for a cheaper alternative. It doesn’t matter anyway, because I love the end result. It is so light and soft but warm and was a dream to work with. I also got some Addi metal circular needles from the same place and I really enjoyed knitting with them.
The sweater is knit from the top down whilst holding two strands of yarn together, throughout. You start with the collar, then knit the shoulders and tops of the sleeves, before putting the sleeves on waste yarn whilst you finish the rest of the body. You finally go back and pick up the sleeve stitches and knit the sleeves. The collar is actually folded over to give a double thickness and knit together (although you can sew it together at the end if you prefer). I am so super proud of myself for teaching myself how to do all this! The internet is a wonderful resource. And there are lots of videos on the PetiteKnit website, although they are in Danish. If there is one video I can recommend, it is this one, which was so clear on how to pick up the underarm stitches and knit the sleeves. That was the part I found most intimidating. I actually finished knitting the body of the sweater in about 4 weeks, but then put off knitting the sleeves for a further 6 weeks because I was too scared. Once I got started on them though, I got through them in a few days.
Overall, I am complete convert to seamless knitting in the round. I recommend this pattern to any beginners, although I would say you are going to have to be prepared to educate yourself somewhat. The pattern is in English, but I think is a translation, so there was one part at the beginning which I found a little confusing (to do with moving markers), but with help from Instagram I was able to figure it out. I even blocked this sweater properly, although after taking these photos I did go back and use some steam from my iron and my tailors ham to reshape the collar a little and get it to sit closer to my neck.
Pattern Notes
- I knit a straight size XL. I think the sizing is good for me. It is designed to be quite short. I bought the recommended amount of wool and would not have had any wool to lengthen the body of the sweater even if I had wanted too.
- I did shorten the sleeves by 1 inch. I possibly could have made them more like 1.5 inches shorter, but it’s fine.
With all that is happening in the world right now, and with the darker night drawing in, it’s nice to have a slower hobby that I can do in front of the fire and TV on a cold night. I have already purchased my wool for another project: I am going to try a cardigan on circular needles next.
I will be back soon to share my first knitted garment project with you.
Until then!
Beautiful
Thanks Aileen.
Just beautiful! I’m
Knitting my first cardigan on straight needles. You are an inspiration, as always.
Thanks Lyn. Hope yours turns out well.
You look really good in this outfit. Love the boots with the cropped pants. Sweater looks like an easy knit too.
Thanks Leigh.
WAHOOOOO❣️ 👏
SUPER Make, Manju, and a fantastic leap in self-confidence and experience! 👍🏼👍🏼
Eagerly await your next creation. xx
Thanks so much Del.
Congratulations! You should be proud. Beautiful sweater.
Thanks Linda.
That is lovely and I am so envious of your skill. That pattern is great and you should make it again. I keep trying to teach myself to knit but I just can’t seem to get it.
Thanks Beth. I am surprised at myself for doing this. If we could access better wool knits in this country I probably wouldn’t have tried to push myself to learn.
Well done! I always enjoy your sincere and honest reports.
I might just try knitting after seeing your results. You are an inspiration for all of us fibre nuts who enjoy sewing and other fibre crafts as the medium to express our creativity.
Thanks so much Patricia. Kind of you to say.
Lovely result. Welcome to the addictive world of knitting.
Also read the post on the pink mohair cardigan. Congratulations on finding a construction method you love. Myself, I knit flat on circular needles (straights will give me wrist pain) and seam. I am so grateful for the multiple methods modern knitters have available. I also love Addi Turbo circular needles, and have many.
And thank you for the illustration of the folded-over neckband. I’m dithering on my current project for a single or double layer (which I haven’t knitted before, but want to try). Your sweater encourages me to try the double layer.
This sweater is fabulous and flatters you beautifully. I like it better than the pink and working on circular needles seems like an easier way to go.
I can across you via the Foldline blog — hi! I’m a decent knitter and a very average sewist haha. Great job on this! I love how you styled it!
Hi thanks!