My DIY | Hand Knit Striped Sweater

WhatIWore: Ta da! I’ve finally completed my hand knit striped sweater. This pattern is from the Vogue Knitting 2015 Pre-Fall issue (pattern #15). This is my second attempt at knitting a sweater and I really liked how easy this particular pattern was to knit. I started using the directions for an XL (based on measurements) and then actually finished (from the yoke down) with the large size instructions.

Yarn Choice: My sweater is made using 6.5 skeins (130 yards each) of Plymouth DK Merino super wash wool in Natural (1001) and 1.5 skeins of Navy (1111). I love the texture of this yarn and the color combo looks beautiful together! Adam gave me a hug after taking these photos and said with surprise “Oooooh! So soft!”

Stitches Used: This pattern is pretty simple - knit from the top down on the round  (on 16″ needles) - I even did the sleeves on the round (because I am not a huge fan of purling and on the round you just do the basic knit stitch!). The raglan arm shaping has a simple cable (that you do on your needles - no cable holder required) with some pretty easy increases.

Pattern Pros: Like I said before, this is primarily your basic knit stitch, which I did in the continental style (yarn held in the left hand) to make things go faster. I think I became a better knitter with this project! If you’ve made a hat with decreases or done any cable work, you can absolutely do this pattern! 

Pattern Cons: There are a lot of ends to weave in, but I did this as I went every few color changes. I also ran out of yarn (I bought everything they had and they needed to re-order for me) so at that time I did a lot of weaving in. I actually kind of like that part, but I could use some advice from you seasoned knitters - what about those little ends that pop out? Do you just push them to the wrong side of the work and hope they don’t creep out? Based on info I read online, I did my weaving before blocking - was that wrong?

Also - I could have been a little better with my tension because after blocking this piece grew a size (and I wanted long sleeves, but now they’re too long!) I’ve heard super wash wool can be hard to predict and I do know I knit a little looser as I went (but not THAT much!) so do you think I could use some hotter water and re-block? I like the way the torso fits though! I could really use some advice! 

Final Take Away: Overall, I’m glad I made this sweater. I like the sleeve shaping a lot and I think I would use this basic pattern as a base if I ever wanted to design my own stripe combination or maybe even a centered cable down the middle. I hope I get a lot of wear out of this style and knowing my personal style and hello, stripes! I think I will!