right after christmas, there is always a huge influx of newbies on any sewing, knitting, quilting, or other craft list, and we see the same questions being asked over and over----"does anybody know how to make XYZ?" and i can't help but thinking, "of course, somebody knows how to do anything", and every time, i take it as my personal challenge to figure out how to make it.
the following is a copy of a post i made in response to such a question, it was a request for a simple sweater pattern that could be made on a knifty knitter loom, however this sweater could be made on needles too, or with crochet, or in fabric. in fact, one of my favorite sweaters was made exactly like this, i made it as a thank you gift to my husband for helping me buy a serger with coverstitch function, but i wear it more than he does because he doesn't actually get cold. :)
my reply to the request for a sweater pattern:
measure the front half of your body over the widest part (bust, waist, or hips). measure the length you want from shoulder to hem. make a flat panel to these measurements. repeat for back half of body, being aware that the back panel will probably measure shorter than the front panel because the back of the body is generally flatter than the front. seam these two pieces together at the shoulder, leaving an opening for the head.
measure the desired arm length. measure the circumference of the bicep. make two panels to these measurements (count rows so they are the same size). find the center of one short end, place that at the shoulder seam, and stitch. repeat for other arm.
seam the sides closed, easing in the front fullness.
you can adjust these instructions to make all sorts of other sweaters--if you want a cardigan, you just make two narrow panels for the front instead of one wide panel. if you want a collar, you make a panel the width and length needed. you can make the sleeves long enough to turn up for cuffs, or you can make contrasting cuffs and seam them on. you can make several smaller blocks of different yarns or different stitch patterns, seam them together to make bigger panels, this would be a great way to try new techniques without investing a lot of time or yarn. if you make the body long enough, you have a coat!
