A sweater is a warm type of clothing with a high neck, without fasteners and designed for the upper body. However, in everyday life both sweaters and pullovers are so often called. In fact, this is the same, but without a neck. Crochet a sweater infrequently, because a feature of such a fabric can be called a fairly high density or, conversely, lace. However, there are models that require precisely these qualities. For example, openwork made of thin mohair or angora.
Crochet: sweaters, mittens, socks and everything else
A knitted sweater looks more traditional than a crocheted sweater. In addition, his canvas is softer. However, crocheting a sweater is also possible. With limited capabilities or if necessary, use a specific pattern, the hook may well replace the knitting needles. Craftswomen cope with more complex tasks: crochet socks, mittens, gloves and other products.
First of all, you should take care of the right choice of yarn and pattern. Crocheting sweaters will be successful if the thread is no thicker than 300 m / 100 grams. In the ideal case, this figure is 400 m / 100 grams. With such a thickness, it is possible to use a large number of patterns without risking to get a solid like a shell, or too delicate canvas.
A good combination for knitting a sweater can be considered the content of 40-80% of natural fibers in the composition of the thread. A smaller quantity is permissible if the future product is planned to be worn in spring or autumn. In the presence of 90% or more wool fibers, the fabric will be uniquely warm, but in places of constant friction it can turn into felt (armpits, lower edge from the side where the bag touches). Regrettably, this is characteristic even of the best quality yarn.
Pattern selection
Depending on the model of the product, choose the type of pattern.
- Solid.
- Conditionally continuous.
- Openwork.
- The combination of several ornaments.
Often, the simplest methods of crocheting are used as dense patterns: crochet and crochet stitches. When knitting fabrics in this way horizontal stripes are formed. This can be clearly seen in the photo, which shows a men's sweater crocheted.
Conventionally solid are called patterns with a small number of openwork holes.
They are suitable for knitting sweaters made of thin warm yarn (for example, mohair or angora). Openwork patterns are used as the basis for knitting decorative sweaters or as an element that combines with dense ornaments. The latter option is often used to crochet a sweater for women.
Preparation for knitting products
If desired, you can change the direction of knitting of any pattern, and then the strips will be arranged vertically, however, such patterns require the attention of a craftswoman. Crocheting large products will be more convenient according to a previously prepared pattern.
Experienced craftswomen recommend starting with the manufacture of a pattern. After the control sample is connected, it should be measured and counted how many loops are 10 cm long and how many rows you need to knit to get a 10 cm high fabric. By compiling the mathematical proportion, you need to calculate how many loops or rapports will be needed to knit each part . These preparatory measures are needed not only for dense, but also for any ornaments.
Crochet sweater: tight pattern
The main condition for the successful use of dense patterns becomes relatively loose knitting. This is necessary to obtain softness and some elasticity of the product web. Otherwise, a female crochet sweater or other product will be knitted similar to armor. If you cannot adjust the density, you can use the hook two sizes larger than recommended for the selected yarn thickness. Below are suggested patterns for comfortable patterns for knitting sweaters.
Most of these schemes consist of elementary components and are completely simple to perform.
Their convenience is that they are easy to remember and quickly fit. In addition, such patterns make it quite easy to make cuts for knitting armholes, necks and ridges of sleeves.
Men's sweaters
To crochet a sweater for men, it is important to consider the features of each model. As a rule, men perceive with a bang the simplest patterns and modest colors of yarn. So here the fantasies of the craftswoman have nowhere to roam. However, there are several options for knitting sleeves and necks. The most popular is the classic set-in sleeve. Some knitters do not make armholes or rounds in the manufacture of male models, but such products do not fit well on the figure and look amateurish.
The neck can be connected with the same pattern as the other parts, or imitate knitted elastic. In the photo above, the neck of a man's sweater, the cuffs of his sleeves and the bottom of the product are connected in this way. The following diagram illustrates the implementation of this technique.
The main secret is that for the formation of the column, the hook does not enter the upper part of the column of the previous row, but goes directly behind it. Depending on which side of the canvas the hook enters (from the front or from the wrong side), the column emerges convex or recessed.
The use of such columns allows you to simulate even braids (arana), knitted with needles.
Crochet Women's Sweaters
That's where the real scope for the fantasy of craftswomen. You can crochet a female sweater from almost any yarn and using any pattern (focusing on common sense and your good taste).
Sweaters that are connected in the same pattern or include several types of ornaments look equally good. There are quite a few options for the distribution of patterns. To keep the product warm, you should use tight patterns for the manufacture of the main sections of the parts. Openwork can be located on the bottom of the sleeves or the main paintings of the front and back.
A special charm and mystery is crocheted sweater with an openwork pattern on the back.