YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Asking the knitters about making stuff you'd actually wear

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Asking the knitters about making stuff you'd actually wear https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/asking-the-knitters-about-making-stuff-youd-actually-wear Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 05 Apr 2026 02:17:58 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Jeanie on "Asking the knitters about making stuff you'd actually wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/asking-the-knitters-about-making-stuff-youd-actually-wear#post-1159199 Thu, 06 Feb 2014 07:10:06 +0000 Jeanie 1159199@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your hat was great!  I think a summer tank in a fine gauge yarn would look great on you or try an infinity scarf.  Maybe a cute crop sweater.  If you pick the right yarn and the right pattern you can steer clear of hippy.  You have a good eye.  Browse the patterns on Ravelry and see what looks fashion forward to you.   I am mostly an accessories and gift knitter.  I do hats, scarves, fingerless gloves, socks & baby things.  If they don't work out for me I give them away.  Diana & Alexandra knit at a "masters" level and their stuff looks amazing due to how talented they are at fitting skills.  I'm not sure I have the patience to get to that level so I stick to accessories.  Also, I like finishing things fairly quickly and moving on to the next project. I envy that you have good fabric stores there.  Our fabric choices are dismal and so I have stopped doing much sewing.  I also felt I needed a sewing form and more classes in fit to get the quality I was striving for.  If you have an Art school with fashion design you could pick up an adult education class on pattern making.  You might start a new thread with your sewing questions.  There are many talented sewers here.  sevenseas on "Asking the knitters about making stuff you'd actually wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/asking-the-knitters-about-making-stuff-youd-actually-wear#post-1158822 Wed, 05 Feb 2014 20:11:35 +0000 sevenseas 1158822@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For me, it is mainly accessories: hats, mittens, scarves, shawls/wraps. Clothing fit can be tough, as others have mentioned; for me, shoulder seams are a particular problem. I have made and worn several sleeveless tops, which are a nice, casual, cool option for summer.  Dee on "Asking the knitters about making stuff you'd actually wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/asking-the-knitters-about-making-stuff-youd-actually-wear#post-1157201 Tue, 04 Feb 2014 06:11:21 +0000 Dee 1157201@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I realized you asked for photos as well, so here we go... These may not be cutting edge in terms of fashion, but I hope they fall into the wearable basics realm rather than hippy-dippy. And sorry in advance for the poor pictures/lighting! 1) Tri-color cowl neck. Super easy pattern, knit in alpaca, so very warm, medium weight. It had a neutral and several colors, so I wear it over any neutral sweater or long sleeve tee.  2) Asymmetric shawl, bias knit, sock-weight. It's probably five feet long from end to end, but thin enough that I drape it around several times as I would a scarf. I wear it like I would wear any lightweight scarf. 3) Lightweight open-front cardigan. I usually wear it as a cropped cardi over dresses, but it works over a tank too. A good basic piece. As a petite, I liked that I could control how long I wanted it overall and in the arms.  One of the reasons I like more basic patterns for things such as sweaters as it's easier to get the garment to fit properly. Needle size and number of pattern repeats are less important for a simple pattern like this than they are with lace, because you can just stop whenever it hits your desired measurements. This is probably way more information than you wanted, so I'll end here! Alexandra on "Asking the knitters about making stuff you'd actually wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/asking-the-knitters-about-making-stuff-youd-actually-wear#post-1157200 Tue, 04 Feb 2014 06:06:05 +0000 Alexandra 1157200@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I tend to knit sweaters in simple, timeless styles. That usually means plain stockinette, with moss stitch for trim, no extraneous details, and perfect fit. It also means no knitting for knitting's sake - this would be all those projects that so many knitters make that showcase beautiful stitch patterns and whatnot but end up looking "craftsy" when worn. You can see my projects on my blog: <a href="http://www.studio-alexandra.com/category/knitting/" rel="nofollow">http://www.studio-alexandra.com/category/knitting/</a> - scroll down for finished projects. Adelfa on "Asking the knitters about making stuff you'd actually wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/asking-the-knitters-about-making-stuff-youd-actually-wear#post-1157191 Tue, 04 Feb 2014 05:26:57 +0000 Adelfa 1157191@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I quit knitting for myself for some of the reasons you mention. I found the fit issue drove me to distraction, I think because I have an inconsistent gauge. I now knit berets, Christmas stockings... things like that. Good luck! Dee on "Asking the knitters about making stuff you'd actually wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/asking-the-knitters-about-making-stuff-youd-actually-wear#post-1157175 Tue, 04 Feb 2014 04:56:00 +0000 Dee 1157175@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I tend to knit a lot of socks, because they are easy, portable, and you can always try a new pattern. But I also have knit a lot of scarves, shawls I wear as scarves, cowls, mittens, and hats. For sweaters and other garments, it does come down to style preference. I avoid lace on garments. It's not my style, even though it does look nice on others. I have knitted myself a couple of cardigans that don't look hippie, but I did wade through Ravelry patterns to find them. Basics (sweaters in stockinette, for example) can be boring to knit but don't have to end up looking hand knit and so I find them easier to integrate into my wardrobe. JAileen on "Asking the knitters about making stuff you'd actually wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/asking-the-knitters-about-making-stuff-youd-actually-wear#post-1156884 Mon, 03 Feb 2014 23:58:30 +0000 JAileen 1156884@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Most of my knitting is for warmth - hats, mittens, socks. Nothing is fashion forward! I do knit scarves that are not strictly for warmth. I just started a scarf with hand painted baby alpaca. It's the potato chip pattern. Are you familiar with Jimmy Beans Wool? Or KnitPicks? They both sell nice yarn for scarves, in fine materials such as alpaca, and fine weights such as lace weight. <a href="http://www.jimmybeanswool.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.jimmybeanswool.com</a> <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.knitpicks.com</a> Diana on "Asking the knitters about making stuff you'd actually wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/asking-the-knitters-about-making-stuff-youd-actually-wear#post-1156875 Mon, 03 Feb 2014 23:49:01 +0000 Diana 1156875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Honestly I think the most important thing is to make sure to knit things that actually fit you.  Knits that fit poorly are the biggest hallmark of something looking homemade rather than handmade.  I can't stress enough how important it is to accurately measure yourself.  I would say if you are wanting to make garments, also go and measure some knits that you already own and like the fit of.  Also consider   Then pick a pattern that matches the garment dimensions, not your body dimensions since designers vary greatly in how much ease they like in their garments.  Finally, make gauge swatches, and wash them.  You want to pay attention not only to the actual gauge (number of stitches and rows per inch, so that your finished item will not be huge or tiny) but also to how the fabric feels and drapes.  Sometimes a yarn will technically knit to the right gauge but the fabric will feel awful (either super stiff or super floppy), in which case you either need a new yarn or a new pattern.  Don't force yarn to be things it is not suited to be! I also think it's worthwhile to learn how to finish knit items nicely.  By that I mean, seaming them together, weaving in ends, maybe learning a bit of crochet to finish edges more nicely.  And don't forget to block your finished product!  With very rare exceptions, I do a full wet block on everything I knit.      Also worth considering are some of the same things you'd consider when buying a knit item in a store, such as garment structure. E.g. if you never wear raglan sleeves don't knit a sweater with them. Find a different pattern.  Also stick to colors you will actually wear.  Don't be seduced by that crazy variegated skein of yarn is if you don't wear colors.   Are you on Ravelry?  If not, you really should be.  It's not only a fantastic pattern/technique resource, but you can get a lot of inspiration by looking at other people's finished projects and how they've modified and styled them.   Here's my Ravelry project page for some inspiration; it goes back to 2007 so there are some duds in the earlier years: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/akabori">http://www.ravelry.com/projects/akabori</a> OK, eek, I have written a lot. Will stop here.  But I am always happy to talk about knitting so just let me know if you have any questions. K. Period. on "Asking the knitters about making stuff you'd actually wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/asking-the-knitters-about-making-stuff-youd-actually-wear#post-1156873 Mon, 03 Feb 2014 23:47:54 +0000 K. Period. 1156873@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ FWIW, I almost exclusively work in bulky yarns or open lace patterns that don't require anything below a sz 6 needle.  I don't have the patience and I have two little kids.   Have you spent much time with knitting blogs yet? There are some great ones that focus on simpler, more luxurious products.  I adore knitty.com, but I was oggling this one a few minutes ago: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.purlbee.com/">http://www.purlbee.com/</a>  You can see how projects with even simple knit patterns in lovely yarns and subtle colors can create beautiful knits.  So much fun to be had!  lyn* on "Asking the knitters about making stuff you'd actually wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/asking-the-knitters-about-making-stuff-youd-actually-wear#post-1156866 Mon, 03 Feb 2014 23:43:12 +0000 lyn* 1156866@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My auntie knits all the time and she makes beautiful mittens and toques and cowls for me - I think she sticks to more solid colours to take away the "home made crafty" type of a look - and I mix them with tailored pieces. karymk on "Asking the knitters about making stuff you'd actually wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/asking-the-knitters-about-making-stuff-youd-actually-wear#post-1156854 Mon, 03 Feb 2014 23:33:51 +0000 karymk 1156854@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ K. Period, I understand what you are saying about "polish".  I think that's going to be my issue.  I will probably have to take a longer time, finer yarns and smaller needles to get the items made that will suit my need for polish.   I have a feeling I may be a "gift knitter" if this really takes off. Maybe I should get back into my sewing too.  We have such good fabric in LA.  It is so inspiring to see a fabric and go WOW and want to make something out of it.  It's another quandry to find a cool enough pattern for that fabric.   Does anyone have experience drafting their own sewing patterns? E on "Asking the knitters about making stuff you'd actually wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/asking-the-knitters-about-making-stuff-youd-actually-wear#post-1156843 Mon, 03 Feb 2014 23:20:01 +0000 E 1156843@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well, Angie once told me one of my outfits belonged in an Anthro catalogue, so clearly my style lends itself more towards hand knits (I'm working on my first cardigan right now!). If you just want to knit, what about socks? They're very fun to knit, and wonderful to wear, and if you pair them with boots, they won't even be visible. K. Period. on "Asking the knitters about making stuff you'd actually wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/asking-the-knitters-about-making-stuff-youd-actually-wear#post-1156823 Mon, 03 Feb 2014 22:57:11 +0000 K. Period. 1156823@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Diana is amazing. She is the queen of knit clothing. I am in awe of her.  I love knitting, but knitting garments for myself requires a degree of commitment that I'm not willing to make and takes more skill than I have.  You have to be a bit of a seamstress as well as just a yarn-wrapper.  I knit beautiful, complex lace patterns.  I'm a good yarn-wrapper.  I intuitively understand how patterns go together.  But knitting those into a garment?  Well that's a whole extra level.     What I've found that I knit and love for myself are accessories.  My hats, gloves, scarves and shawls are what really stand out for me.  I always use luxury fibers for mine. Even in a simple pattern, a beautiful and high quality yarn will shine and will be a pleasure to wear.  I also notice that I wear items that I've knit with a more refined, polished style of yarn (beautiful merino, mohair, baby alpaca, silk, sea silk) more often. The yarns result in more polished items, which match my polished style.  A chunky knit alpaca yarn in white makes a cabled beret look soft and luxurious.  A chunky knit yarn with lots of tweediness or a marled color looks more rustic.  I'll always go for refined because it fits my style.   Caro in Oz on "Asking the knitters about making stuff you'd actually wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/asking-the-knitters-about-making-stuff-youd-actually-wear#post-1156818 Mon, 03 Feb 2014 22:49:56 +0000 Caro in Oz 1156818@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Have a look at Diana's posts she knits really beautiful clothes. kellygirl on "Asking the knitters about making stuff you'd actually wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/asking-the-knitters-about-making-stuff-youd-actually-wear#post-1156812 Mon, 03 Feb 2014 22:45:16 +0000 kellygirl 1156812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm the Queen of Knitting/Crocheting stuff that I don't wear. Check out almost any of Diana's posts. She wears almost one thing handknit every day--slight exaggeration but really, she wears her finished objects!  I have a bad habit of knitting things that are pretty and look good on others. The stuff I wear is boring--endless stockinette in drab colors. I hate knitting stuff like that!  What about a scarf or shawl that you could wear bandit style? I actually have made and wear a few of those.  karymk on "Asking the knitters about making stuff you'd actually wear" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/asking-the-knitters-about-making-stuff-youd-actually-wear#post-1156798 Mon, 03 Feb 2014 22:34:35 +0000 karymk 1156798@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Dear Fab knitters,  I have just knitted my first hat and had a great time doing it. Next up is a cowl for a friend. The trouble I see with me and knitting, is I am afraid of looking hippy dippy, mums, too "craftsy" if I want to make things for myself. What do you knit that looks fashion-forward? So far the only thing I can dream up that I would wear would be a pink mohair sweater, maybe a tank that I could wear with ripped jeans and pointy black flats to edge it up. I also don't want to make stuff that looks too "Anthropologie" although I do love that retailer for others. Would love to hear what you have made and see photos of how you style the items.