My First Sweater - 2025

The Beginning Sweater class is perfect for the 1st time sweater knitter or for those wanting a refresher.  The class instruction/tutorials will be in person.  At these sessions, you can get additional help, or and meet other beginning sweater knitters.  The first session will answer questions about swatching, fitting, and pattern reading;  the second on short rows and raglan increases; and the third on sleeve construction. 

Advanced Beginner Skill Level

Advanced instruction before the class will be sent via email.  Please make sure the shop has your current email on file. 

Please complete the homework before class.  (See below).

You must purchase yarn from KPS to participate.     

Includes: 

Pattern 

Instruction for making the sweater. 

Help sessions

Please select the session you plan to attend:

“In-person” sessions will be on: 

Thursdays at 2:00 p.m. on Jan. 16th, Jan. 23rd and Feb. 13th.

OR

Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. on Jan. 18th, Jan 25th, and Feb. 15th. 

There will be a thread for this sweater on the Ravelry KPS group where questions can be addressed.  Also, KPS has “Sit and Knit” every Thursday from 3:00-5:00, and the 1st Saturday of the month from 12:00-2:00.  There is always someone who can help at these times, and help appointments can be made at the shop.  The technique portions of the class will be filmed and uploaded so you can "replay" as needed.

“Tea with Jam and Bread” (by Heidi Kirrmaier) is a basic worsted weight unisex pullover, seamlessly knit from the neckline to the bottom hem.  It can be knit with or without stripes, and with or without pockets.   

Supplies: 

Blue Sky Woolstok is recommended.  The measurements given are for the finished garment.  You will want to knit a sweater that is 2-6 inches larger than your actual bust measurement.   Total amounts needed: 

Sweater knit in 1 color:

XS (bust 33 1/4)  850 yds 

SM (bust 34 3/4) 900 yds

M1 (bust 37 1/4) 950 yds

M2 (bust 39 3/4) 1030 yds

L1 (bust 42 1/4) 1070 yds

L2 (bust 45 1/2)  1170 yds

XL (bust 49 3/4)  1290 yds 

XXL (bust 53 3/4) 1380 yds

Sweater knit with color blocks (as shown in pattern)

XS (bust 33 1/4) 555 yds Color A   180 yds Color B   115 Color C

SM (bust 34 3/4) 590 yds Color A   185 yds Color B   125 Color C

M1 (bust 37 1/4) 610 yds Color A   200 yds Color B   140 Color C

M2 (bust 39 3/4) 660 yds Color A   210 yds Color B   160 Color C

L1 (bust 42 1/4)  680 yds Color A   220 yds Color B   170 Color C

L2 (bust 45 1/2)  740 yds Color A   240 yds Color B   190 Color C

XL (bust 49 3/4)  820 yds Color A   260 yds Color B   200 Color C

XXL (bust 53 3/4) 880 yds Color A   280 yds Color B   220 Color C

Suggested needle size:  #7 (or needle needed to obtain a gauge of 19 sts and 28 rows = 4 inches). This will be your main needle. 

In addition, you will need:  

•Needle 1 size smaller than your "main" needle.  This will be referred to as your smaller needle. 

•You will need 16" circular needles in both your main and smaller needle for the ribbing and upper yoke. 

•You will need circular needles in both the main and smaller sizes that are suitable for your bust/chest measure

6 stitch markers, each unique (eg.  different colors and/or shapes). 

Waste yarn (small amount for holding sleeve and pocket sts). 

Tapestry needle. 

Homework: (Have completed before the first class.)

Purchase yarn for your sweater (decide if you want the color block stripes).

Knit your swatch:   CO at least 28 stitches on a #7 needle* and knit stockinette stitch for 5 in.  (If you know you are a loose knitter, you may want to start with a #6 needle, or a #8 if you knit very tightly).  Please watch the “Swatching” videos on the KPS YouTube channel.

* If you are purchasing needles for this project, you may wish to wait until after swatching to buy needles other than your "main"  needle.

The first session will use the swatch, along with the information in the pattern, to help you to make a sweater that fits.

Here is a video with tips for making your swatch.