A Mingled Yarn

Easiest way to work a raglan – no sewing up! (Stripes are a breeze!)

• Customize for different body widths and sleeve depths
• Pattern laid out visually, with lots of diagrams – even beginning knitters can follow along and understand construction details
• Calculations for sleeve decreases to ensure an even taper, perfect fit
• Pullover and cardigan instructions, with two neckline options for each
• Tips for picking up stitches and working four different edging options

Multi-page Pattern with reproducible design worksheet
KA-01: $8.00

This is an incredibly versatile pattern and a great sweater for those who hate to sew. (As Karen says, “Sewing is not knitting.”) The real beauty of the top-down sweater is that aside from choosing pull over or cardigan and your neck style, you can make up the design as you go along. Make the sleeves and body it as long or short as you like. You can even try on the sweater while knitting it! This lets you decide exactly how long you want it and if you want to make any design changes as you knit along! And if you’re looking for meditative knitting, choose stockinette stitch and just knit, knit, knit (no purling required once you join the body.)

The pattern may at first appear intimidating because it has so many options for the neck styling, but this allows you to do pretty much any kind of neckline you would want. Simply follow the instructions for the neckline of your choice and ignore the others — until you want to use them! My recommendation is to make a teddy bear-size model first or a baby sweater which you can give as a gift or donate to your local women’s shelter. Bears — and babies — don’t care if you make any mistakes.

Karen Alfke teaches a top-down sweater workshop at a number of shops and knitting conferences. Check her web site for her upcoming schedule of workshops. You might even lobby with your local yarn shop to arrange an appearance.