Separating Sleeves from Body: Top Down Seamless Sweater Knitting + Cable Cast-On

If you’ve never knit a top down seamless sweater, I have the perfect video tutorial for you today! This one works step by step through the process of separation and also includes a tutorial within for the Cable Cast-On. You can view all my tutorials here. In this tutorial, the sweater featured is constructed with seamless set-in sleeves. However, the process of separating sleeves by placing stitches on hold, casting on stitches at the underarm, & joining the front & back is pretty much the same no matter what construction style you are working. You can use this video for raglan & yoked sweaters as well, as long as they are worked from the top down!

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Big Sister

Big Sister = comfy, wearable, stealable sweater, never safe from your little sister :) Knit in YOTH Big Sister in Mint

Shown in size S with 3" positive ease

Photography by Veronika, Modeled by Jasmine

In this latest version of Big Sister, I have added options for long sleeves. The original design featured 3/4 length sleeves worn slightly off the shoulder; now you can do whatever you like without having to do any math or extra thinking.

Big Sister Front

Other than the sleeve option, the design is substantively the same. I like to think it is a little prettier now though!

This sweater is knit from the top down and is seamless. It is suitable for adventurous beginners. This is a great first-sweater project. Skills required include provisional CO, picking up sts and basic increasing and decreasing. Even if you are trying these skills for the first time, I believe this is a great opportunity to give them a try!

You can find the updated version of Big Sister anywhere my designs are sold including my website and Ravelry.

Included that last image just in case you are into some Matchy Matchy...because the wee version of this design came out earlier this fall. Happy knitting!

Keep Blushing

I can't actually believe it has been a year and a half since this pattern was originally published. There are some really lovely versions on Ravelry like this one by Norbertine or this one by anitasr.  Seeing patterns knit up is one of my favorite parts of being a Designer.  Blush is now available as a re-release now part of the Kate Oates line. This sweater features YOTH Yarns Big Sister in Peach.  Photos posted here by Veronika Jobe with her lovely daughter Jasmine modeling.

This sweater is a top-down seamless knit with raglan-style sleeves.  There are a few short rows to add length to the back of the sweater and it is finished off with a cute little split at the back hem. The neckline is wide, in between a crew and a boatneck. The texture is cozy and soft and very pettable. A small width of ribbing on each side adds to the flattering fit.

With this re-release, I did not take new pictures but I did do some pattern tweaking in areas where I have received questions. There are some new tips to clarify the trickier bits.  It is a pretty straightforward pattern but now is even more so.

One thing that folks have asked about is the texture pattern which I have labeled as Moss Stitch. My version came from Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book (2012).  It features texture and stockinette on alternating rows/rounds. If you have worked a Moss Stitch pattern in the past and the directions do not match up with mine, no worries!  The stitch pattern name does not matter.  If it makes you feel better, you can even cross out my "Moss" and come up with a new label. I can assure you that the stitch pattern instructions in Blush will provide you with the sweater you see in the pictures.

This particular stitch pattern also is one that blocks out beautifully.  Since you will be knitting a swatch (right?), make sure you block the swatch so that you can see how nice it looks once it is dry. Swatching is even more important in textured patterns because many knitters will have a different tension when changing back and forth between knitting and purling on the same row, as opposed to stockinette where each row is either purled or knit.

I am enjoying getting reaquainted with these previously published designs and it really makes me happy getting to see them after their makeover.  Here is  a preview of my new format so you can see it too!

Enjoy 50% off this re-release today only with the code KATEOATES valid in the pop-up shop. When you shop on my site, you will automatically receive an e-mail with a download link to your pattern.  If you create an account, you will also always be able to access the pattern going forward by viewing all of your orders. If you do not get your e-mail, you can check your spam filter for an e-mail from help@kateoatesdesign.com or just log into your account to see it.

I have another handful of re-releases to show off over the next few weeks but am also very much looking forward to a brand new design coming next month. Congratulations to Jessica for winning a copy of (re) Gramps last week, and to LISAKOBY for winning a copy of the updated Blush.  Leave me a comment this week telling me what part of fall gets you most excited for a chance to win a copy of the next KO pattern!