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storiesr
Sustaining Member
686 Posts |
 Posted - 12/19/2003 : 07:30:42 AM
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My recent completed Aran sweater did not turn out the right size. After blocking attempts, adding elastic to band, and prayers! I asked my LYS for advise. Since I knit it in the round up to the armpit I can not take in the sides.
So, I was told the best thing to do was baste, sew, cut a section out of each side and then seam. I shriek at the thought but she said alot of Fair Isle knitters will knit in the round because it is easier for color changes and then cut the sections on each side. Don't know much about Fair Isle but she showed me a completed sweater and it looked okay.
Anyone have any advise on this? Should I pay someone to do this for me or try it myself? Any good books with instructions or websites?
I really want to get this sweater right so I will/can wear it as the yarn was a gift from my aunt that she purchased while in Ireland.
We may not be able to control the wind, but we can direct our sails! |
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Tabbico
Seriously Hooked
USA
960 Posts |
Posted - 12/19/2003 : 09:16:44 AM
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I have knit sweaters like this that are done literally in a tube on round needles and then you cut down from the top to make armholes. The first one I did I must have pained for 3 months before getting the nerve to cut. I did it (according to some directions I got) by sewing on a sewing machine a double row of close stitches - you want to catch every single knitting stitch so the work does not unravel. I sat and examined my work row by row to be SURE every thread was caught - and still was panicky about cutting. In the end, everything turned out all right and I wound up with a gorgeous sweater.
A few thoughts - how big is the sweater and how heavy is the yarn you used? Could you just make a side seam by folding the excess material in and sewing without cutting - or will this leave too big a lump?
Or...you could always gain a few pounds - I'm real good at doing that  !!!!!! (Sorry, just kidding.)
Whether you think you can or you can't, you are probably right. |
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mokey
Permanent Resident
15302 Posts |
Posted - 12/19/2003 : 10:01:31 AM
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Go for it! I have had to cut sweaters by hand because I don't have a machine. If it makes you feeel better, pay someone else to do it.
Monika
"There is no beauty in the finest cloth if it makes hunger and unhappiness." Gandhi |
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jade
Permanent Resident
USA
1543 Posts |
Posted - 12/19/2003 : 11:13:31 AM
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It's not that scary. You will treat the side as a steek. Do a google search on steeks to see details of how to handle them, but the bottom line is that you sew two rows of straight stitches, usually with one knitted stitch in the middle. Then you cut through that middle stitch. The knitting will not unravel.
Then you sew up the two pieces. How much are you going to take in the sides? It may make a thick lump. Fair isle sweaters which are steeked are knitted in fine yarns so the edges which curl back aren't noticeable.
Let us know how it works out.
Cheryl |
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storiesr
Sustaining Member
686 Posts |
Posted - 12/19/2003 : 3:58:35 PM
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It is a worsted weight yarn and I would like to take an inch to and inch and a half off each side. Will this be a problem??
I did get some scoop on steeks which made a bit more sense and the visuals helped as well.
I may have to wait until after the holidays when I am a bit more relaxed.
If you have any other suggestions I am open.
Thank you all..........I knew you would be encouraging!! 
We may not be able to control the wind, but we can direct our sails! |
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