I am hooked on seamed sweaters. Like really hooked. They are brilliant. And so fast. I knit this in about 10 days!
I’ve had this yarn languishing in the my stash, which was originally meant for a sweater for one of the men in my life. In the end, I just never ended feeling inspired enough to cast on. Over and over I came back to maybe knitting something for myself. In the end, I did!
After taking the Craftsy class from Amy Herzog on Sweater Modification, I felt really inspired to give her recommendations a try. M measured me based on her instructions (yes, I made him watch that part of the video!) and then cast on for my now-felted sweater. But it gave me the template for more sweaters!
Pattern :: Custom Fit // Sweater Modifications by Amy Herzog
Yarn :: Cascade 220 Heathers in colourway 2448 Mallard
Needles :: 5.00mm & 4.5mm (for button band)
Sizing (generated through Custom Fit & recommendations) :: 35” bust, 35” waist, 40” hips (2” negative ease in bust and hips, 2” positive ease in waist)
For the ‘vanilla’ v-neck, I added a purl row for a cuff detail on the sleeves and hem. As well, I did a seamed button band rather than a picked up 2×2 rib. I had buttons in my stash that I had originally picked for this yarn. They are slightly too big but the nice thing about that is if I do button it, they won’t pull out when I’m moving around (I’m notorious for choosing too small buttons, usually!).
I started the v-neck decreases 1” before the armhole shaping. The sweater is 21” long from hem to underarm. It’s the perfect length for a ‘play’ cardigan for me when I’m with the kids. For the v-neck decreases, I worked them every row 8 times, then every other RS row until I had decreased to the number I needed at the shoulders.
As well, I added bust darts, which was a first for me! I added decreases about 1/3 in from the outer edge of the cardigan every other RS row (two decreases total) because I had a little too much fabric over my bust. I love the fit as a result and will definitely do this again.
I absolutely love how this fits and can’t wait to wear it. I think it will definitely replace my old Target sweater that I’ve been wearing to death! Thank goodness! This was a great way to start off #slowfashionoctober.
Have you tried Custom Fit? What did you think of it? Are you tempted to try it?
Happy knitting :)
This is fabulous!! GREAT color and the sweater looks awesome on you. I’m totally inspired to try making a custom-fitted sweater.
I’m intrigued by the seamed button band. How does that work?
Thank you! The button band is knit separately and seamed on afterwards. It’s a 1×1 rib. I love these button bands because they look so professional!
I’ve been thinking about trying it. Your sweater looks great!
Thank you! It’s a great way of generating a pattern that you’re going to come back to again and again :)
Great job! Your sweater looks awesome.
I love your sweater. I also made a custom fit sweater in a similar simple style and it fits beautifully. It is the first sweater I knit that my sister said I could have bought in a store. (No surprise there because I almost always knit with my handspun.) I made my sweater in a commercial yarn that was purple. Great fun because I only spin natural colors. I also seamed my custom fit sweater and find I still prefer to knit in the round with Elizabeth Zimmerman’s phony seams.
Love your blog and the video podcasts. I especially love your thoughtful, controlled approach to spinning.
Thank you! I do love a good non-seaming sweater – they are so great. I think I’m at the point where I not only want really well fitting sweaters but the structure that helps them last with the seams. Thank you for your compliments about the show! I really appreciate it!!!