I KNIT A SWEATER FOR $12! (as a complete beginner)
2024 ж. 9 Мам.
6 860 Рет қаралды
Hi! Thank you all for being here 🤗 I can't believe I knit an actual sweater!!
Instagram: / alexjames_fiber
Ravelry: www.ravelry.com/people/alexja...
@handmadebyflorence 's KZhead video: • knit your first sweate...
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
2:30 Part 1: The Gauge Swatch
8:57 Part 2: The Collar
11:30 Part 3: The Yoke
19:20 Part 4: The Body
23:25 Part 5: The Arms
29:12 Part 6: Blocking
29:40 Part 7: FINALE (weaving in ends)
As someone who has been knitting for twenty years (my grandma taught me when I was ten), this video brought me so much joy. I’m glad you decided to jump right in and knit what brings YOU joy. Hopefully you enjoyed it enough that you keep knitting!
thank you so much! I have definitely fallen in love and see myself knitting for a long time :)
As someone who wants to get into knitting, this video is so inspiring and really makes me less daunted by the task of making clothes from nothing! It's amazing how well your sweater turned out, and I wouldn't be able to tell it apart from something I'd buy at a store. Phenomenal job 😊
thank you so much!! If you want to start I definitely think everyone can knit - just takes some practice and patience :)
Florence made a cardigan variant of this sweater called step by step cardigan, perhaps you could try that too if you like it!
yes! watched that video the second it came out haha. I'll probably wait until the fall for that one bc my spring/summer knit list is getting very long
The difference in sleeve length will likely be due your tension improving, in a situation like that it's better to match the length than row count, so a good reminder that you should be counting your rows as you go
awww you seem like such a sweet & bubbly person! Great job on your first sweater 🧡(also it broke my heart when you dropped that stitch and didn't know you could just pick it back up without undoing all those rounds haha). Happy knitting!!
thank you! ikr? I watch that part back and think how unnecessary it was haha. really emphasizes how beginner I was! It did teach me how the stitches fit together though and I was able to pick up dropped stitches much easier after that
As soneone who has been knitting since they were 7, congrats. You did a good job. When I learned a common first project was a scarf. I was instructed to make two scarves. One entirely in knit stitch one entirely in purl stitch. When knit flat they produce an identical garter stitch. While I'm glad beginner instruction has moved on, I think many beginners are taught nowadays to fear purling. My biggest advice to you, do not fear the purl. Try both Norweign purl and English purling (Englush purling is the easiest in my opinion but the Norweign purl is the most popular online).
thank you! I did technically learn how to knit when I was 8 and I think I made 2 garter stitch headbands and 1/4 garter stitch scarf but then didn't touch it again for 14 years! I lost interest because I wasn't interested in the final product - but I really wanted this sweater. Honestly it was the most perfect beginner project because I got really good at knit stitches and ok at purling (in the ribbing). I knit continental but don't norweigian purl, maybe I should try it!
I love love LOVE how knitted things look and flow, but I absolutely have knitting! The reason why I love crochet, is because you work with one stitch at a time! This is also why I hate tunisian crochet, since you have multiple stitches on your hook. You did an amazing job with this one, it was just strange listening you watch tutorials on speed 2 or something, since I always need to watch tutorials on 0.75
hahah yes I watch everything on 2x speed. I started doing it for school and it just stuck lol. I also love that crochet only has 1 live stitch at a time - so much easier to fix mistakes and less complicated to handle each stitch. I have also fallen in love with knitting tho. If you ever try it again I would highly recommend continental style knitting - as a crocheter it the only way that makes sense
I just came across your video & love your excitement at undertaking this project. I hope you continue to feel this way with future projects.
thank you! me too haha
I loved watching you fall in love with knitting, and the process of learning to knit that you shared with us! For your viewing pleasure, some excellent knitting KZhead resources for you - Roxanne Richardson, and Stacy at Very Pink Knits. Both ladies have wonderful tutorials! Beautiful first sweater...! ❤❤❤
thank you! I will definitely check them out
You should be proud of yourself because your sweater turned out amazing. I am actually surprised how neat your stitches are (I learned knitting as a kid but I ran to mom to fix every mistake I made) and it took me quite a while to accomplish even tension. I knit a few sweaters when I was in university and I did not knit at all for 30+ years. Now I have picked up knitting again and I am working on my 2nd raglan sweater. I definitely recommend German short rows to have the neck area a bit elevated in the back. Well done - you are amazing!
thnak you so so much! I knit a second version of this sweater with the short rows because I loved it so much. The short rows definitely help with fit!
As someone who loves knitting with acrylic yarn, I'm going to be honest with you, that's not how you block acrylic and I'd even say that the sweater isn't blocked. You have to steam acrylic, either with a steamer or with the steam setting on an iron, and it'll really help even up the tension in the stitches and keep the sweater in shape. However, unlike wool, since with steaming acrylic you are slightly melting the yarn, you only have one shot to block it and it'll stay how you steam it. Hope this was helpful! Also, don't worry about your 1x1 rib, no one's 1x1 is neat lol
haha thank you so much for this info! I'm learning so many new things every day
@@alexjames_fiber that's the best thing about knitting/fiber arts imo! just so much to learn I don't think it's possible for one person to know it all!
Yes indeed. It does not behave the same way as wool.
Congratulations 🎉 Beautiful sweater. I’m working on the same sweater. It will be my first one as well. You inspired me to keep going. Thanks for the video.
I love the finished product!! I love that type of jumper: sleeves, length, that exact looseness. That is also so so good for a first sweater!!??
Thank you so much!! I'm ecstatic with the finished product and have been furiously knitting another one (striped this time!)
Try Portuguese style knitting too! You wrap the yarn around your neck
If you want cleaner rib that isn't twisted, you should check out combination knitting. Thanks for sharing your journey!
omg I just watched some videos on this and it might change my life... thank you so much!!
I am so impressed, and kind of inspired to maybe? try knitting a sweater. You made it look so doable.
you should give it a go! definitely takes patience but 100% doable :) Florence does an incredible job showing you every step. let me know if you start a sweater
I love your enthusiasm!!!
I think I saw someone mention this but tugging on the working yarn after purling (after a knit) has made a big difference for me. Crazy that your first project was a whole sweater! I started knitting the end of last year and I made a simple 'stitch sampler scarf' lol Now I'm working on making little coin bags for our upcoming Ren Faire outfits. Also impressive first video!
Wonderful❤ I enjoyed your knitted sweater success! Keep going! ❤
I agree , Florence was my first as well , can't recommend watching her enough
Congratulations. So well done. On to your next garment. ❤
Oh this was fun and the reason continental is always likened to crochet. Hahaha 'this ball of yarn ENDS!!!' Hahaha! Oh and a podcasting tip- look at the lens not at yourself on the screen. It's disengaging to the viewer. We want to feel line you're talking to us. You made this so much fun and encouraging to non knitters.
thank you! and thanks for the reminder - not used to recording myself so I definitely need to get better at that haha
Alternatively if you struggle to look at the lens. A suggestion could be to point the camera at the knitting itself. Handy trick a friend of mine uses cus she can't look at the camera to save her life 😂
I loved watching this video as someone who is learning to knit and wants to do a sweater! I too have taught myself crochet recently and I fill the time by listening to crime podcasts or audiobooks! Its like making progress on two hobbies at once!
yes! I love listening to audiobooks and podcasts (especially crime) while I knit/crochet. look at how productive we are :)
New subscriber , I like Your enthusiasm and because You are so funny and real! Great Job kiddo 👍👏👏👏
thanks for being here! 🤗
Oh my, this was so impressive!! 🔥🔥 Congratulations on your first sweater, which was truly perfection.
thank you so much!! I had a lot of fun making it
Congratulations on your first sweater…& welcome to the knitting family! 😊
thank youu! excited to be here
amazing!
Welcome to the knitting club! I've been knitting a little over a year now, and it's so fun, I'm so glad you've found it too! I'm a big fan of NE Knit's podcasts, and Watch Barbra Knit does some awesome lives once a month, and I also like The Nerdy Knitting Podcast!
omg thank you! I also watch NE Knits (and love Amy) but Barbra Knit and Nerdy Knitting are new to me - I will definitely check them out
Thank you This Looks Great I loved Knitted But never knitted anything else but scarves and beanie i started knit With Same Yarn In Size B Did Great Job
So nice!! I’ve been knitting for 5+ years and I’m so addicted ❤ it’s so much fun and it was amazing to watch you discover solutions so quickly and fall in love too!
thats amazing! I can definitley see this being a lifetime hobby :)
Well done! I’m so impressed that you just pushed through figuring so much out, and made a great sweater. Yes, Australians and New Zealanders also call this a jumper… great channels to follow for techniques are Rox Knits and Very Pink Knits, and also Nimble Needles. Roxanne, Stacy and Norman are all great teachers.
thank you thank you thank you! will definitely be checking those channels out
Next time when you find you dropped a stitch or two try a "how to pick up drop stitch" instead of tinking back many rows because in many videos they show you how to pick up with crochet hook or needle and you can see how to pick up knit or purl stitch. Ps As I watch I am having fun seeing your excitement in learning new techniques...I enjoy knitting has and have knitted many along with shawls, vests and baby accessories like toys, booties, sweaters and surprisingly right now I am knitting a cardigan. Hopefully I knit more sweaters and cardigans for myself. Funny enough my fist knit was house socks that are still used by my grandmother.
yes! in hindsight that was not the correct way to fix anything haha but I didn't know what I was doing... now I definitely know how to pick up dropped stitches! I love hearing about your projects - hope the cardigan is going well :)
@alexjames_fiber True it just fun finding tips on how to fix or do something in knitting or crochet. Thank you. The cardigan is going well. Currently doing button bands then onto the sleeves. My má as tried it on and it fits her so I am pleased with that.
@@alexjames_fiberbut it was an important step since it taught you about the anatomy of your knitting!
i know this was a month ago but that beginner tips video sounds awesome! the jumper turned out so well!
ok!! I'm still a beginner but now I know how to fix beginner mistakes - so maybe the video could be even more useful a month later 🤔
I discover your video, great time to watch your energy. A year ago, i was wondering to knit some garnment. I recomend you the channel, kutovakika. She's designer, and she produce videos to help with her pattern. I did a striped camisole with an icord finish,, lots of new technics learnt and i was proud. Nice to watch your progress. And as a crocher, you will learn to get your lost stich with a crochet, very easy. Xx from France.
thank you so much for your comment! I love watching Kutovakika and definitely plan to knit her patterns in the future
I recommend Nimble Needles too. Probably the clearest most straightforward knitting tutorials on youtube
Pick up stitches with crochet hook is easier
Great job, you did so well with your first project being a sweater! Others have mentioned some other hints like how to pick up dropped stitches and so on, but as another hint, if you find you've mounted your stitched backwards, with the wrong leg in front, you can just knit them through the back loop - and this is the same result as if knitting through the front loop with normally mounted stitches! Also, if you're interested in a lot of helpful techniques, cast-ons, bind-offs, comparisons of techniques, etc. I'd recommend Roxanne Richardson. She's been AMAZING for my knitting.
thank you! I will definitely check her out. Maybe she can help me conquer a tubular cast on...
@@alexjames_fiber She definitely has some tutorials that might help with that. Good luck!
I also just recently got into knitting as a crochet girlie and let me tell you how much continental knitting saved my life!! And the Norwegian purl 🙌 I love how your sweater turned out!! New subscriber :)
thank you! I'm so glad continental works for you too! I didn't learn about Norwegian purl until I already picked my purling style but I want to try it
,this looks sooooo gooood!!!!!! i started knitting this pattern too but i didnt wanna spend too much money on my first sweater.so i unraveled a wool sweater and got like 10 cakes for basically 10 pounds. rn i just started the collar ribbing
what a good idea! hope you enjoy the knit :)
TIP. Ribbing in one side when knitting in the wrou d looks neater because when we purl it more yarn than when you do a knit stitch. So when purling you can tugg the yarn a bit as you knit or purl the stitch my wrapping the other way " instead of over the needle put working yarn in front and push it back into the stitch". Look up russian knitting/ combination knitting. Some people also knit inside out to have the nicer side facing out. I hope this helps for future knits or ribbing....sweater looks so good and I like the charcoal black color.
thank you!! will definitely be trying this 🙌
I like Norwegian purling
I’m knitting this exact sweater! Also my first sweater. I’m up to the sleeves. I want to try the German short rows next time, freaked me out too much for this first one haha
same! haha I just knit it again - this time with stripes, the german short rows, and sleeve shaping
You’re amazing and I’m so impressed!!! A tip on the sleeve length issue: if you think your gauge change, re-measure your gauge on the sleeve to see if it changed!
ooo yes smart - at the time of this video I still didn't really understand gauge... adding this tip to the skills toolbox
Also adding, if you're gague had changed you can continue going up or down 0.5mm needle size to remedy it
FYI: Knitting into the back loop creates twisted knit stitches, which will be neater as you say, but will also create a fabric which is tighter/firmer with less stretch, and can also cause the fabric to skew. It’s a valid technique, just want you to know the possible consequences…
yes - at the time of this video I didn't know what twisted rib (or twisted stitches in general) meant - now I do! thanks for your comment
I watched another video of you recently and saw you had this up as well. I'm 5 minutes in and am wondering whether it wouldn't be easier for you to try continental knitting, since you already know how to crochet? edit: You found out about it, good!
haha I'm so glad I discovered continential! I don't know if I would have kept knitting if I stuck with english
Im thinking of doing Florence's cardigan version. Can I ask what ball of yarn that was?
this was Lion Brand Pound of Love in charcoal gray (acrylic) - $11.99 at michaels 👀 details are also linked on my Ravelry!
@@alexjames_fiber Thank you! I can't believe it took only one ball! I've used Pound of Love to crochet a cardigan and needed a second skein for a size Small! Still trying to wrap my brain around how knitting requires less yarn 😅
@@jazz-axy9924 ME TOO I have no idea how that works lol
It turned out really good! May I ask why you don't like acrylic yarn though?
I love acrylic for accessories like bags or home decor! It's just not the most comfortable to wear. I find it doesn't drape as nicely has natural or animal fibers. but it is definitely more accessible and easier to take care of (I just throw my acrylic projects in the washing machine AND dryer with my other clothes and they're completely fine!) so definitely use whatever fiber makes you happy :)
CROCHETERS: try continental knitting, it's way more similar to crocheting
yes!!!
Yesss traditional knitting does not make sense to me. Continental makes so much more sense
Congrats on your new podcast! I wish you all the success! It was so fun to watch you fearlessly dive into the project. You did a phenomenal job!!! I look forward to watching more!
thank you! I really appreciate the encouragement 🤗
This is the cutest video! I think you diving into your first sweater and taking your time with it really was the best knitting education you could have gotten. You leaped way ahead in your skills by doing that, and I'm so happy you were brave enough to try♡ we are so much more capable than we give ourselves credit for!
thank you so much for saying this! most encouraging comment ever :) you're so right! we're capable of anything