Knit Your Own Jumper!

Have you ever wanted to knit your own jumper / sweater but haven’t yet taken the plunge? Ever fancied knitting “top down” or try a yoke style jumper? Want to learn along with others?
Well here is your chance!

We are having a knit along where you get to learn how to knit your own jumper, from the top down!.

With so many gorgeous newbie knitters in our community, I know there are some keen to take that next step to knitting a jumper but feel a tad overwhelmed at the thought of it… what with all those extra skills needed (increases, decreases, picking up stitches, knitting in the round…) Well as it happens my bestie Kirsten is going to give it a go AND we are going to record her learning as a video tutorial for you to learn too!
I’m staying with this lovely lady next week and we are going to crack into her first garment. Now my girl only took up knitting during lockdown and she is NERVOUS to do this, so this will be a very honest real learning experience for you to travel on too.
This is a new pattern that I have currently got on my needles, the goal was to make an EASY level top down jumper that you can all work with and customise the fit – especially body and sleeve length. You might have seen it on my lap via Insta and FB stories – but here is me testing the fit as the yoke finishes and one sleeve is done…

HOW WILL THE KNIT ALONG WORK?
You will need some wool and needles, and to join our closed group of knitters working together.
The pattern, tutorials and live support are free to enjoy as part of the group.
To join in you have these options:

1. Buy the kit online with Smooth Merino DK (and needles if you need them)
   OR
2. Buy just 1 x 100grm hank of Smooth Merino DK, to get you started, knowing you can buy more as you go

You can also shop your set of Smooth Merino DK in store with; Garney Spooner Woolshop, Miss Maude Sewing Shop, The Good Yarn Store, Eskdale Yarns and The Yarn Queen.

I’ll then email you details to join our closed group on Facebook, where you’ll get pattern updates, video tutorials and live support.

The knit along launches on the 11th October, that is when you can expect to get your first pattern instalment. 

You’ll be working at your pace, and the group will remain open without any deadlines to finish.

WHAT DO I NEED?
This pattern uses our Smooth Merino DK, a generous yarn that makes it a fast knit of 5.5mm needles.  I have calculated the pattern from XS to 2XL (can also be adjusted up if desired).  Wool consumption is estimated at 4 x 100grm hanks of the main colour + 1 x 100grm hank for the contrast – but extra may be needed.  This is knit in the round, best suited to a 60cm cable and 100cm cable.  I also recommend having an extra 60cm cable to help with having both sleeves on hold.

This pattern is suitable for knitters who are comfortable with knit and purl.  Together we will learn increases, knitting in the round, picking up stitches, splitting for the sleeves, and knitting to fit!  This pattern is a simple design, top down, yoke increase sweater, knit in the round (no sewing!). We will have tutorials as we watch a new knitter learn, and you can learn with her!  You will have live support and friends to knit along with taking the same journey as you