How to Knit a Top

Learning to knit your own clothes can be a great way to make sure you get clothing that fits you perfectly. This is important if your body size and shape aren't average and you have trouble finding clothes that fit you well. A knitted top can be made of wool, cotton, linen, hemp or silk, among other fibers. It can be as simple or complex as you like. You choose the yarn, the color and the pattern and create a garment from two sticks and string.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Pattern
• Knitting needles
• Yarn

Knit a Top

1. Choose a pattern. There are hundreds of possibilities for knitting a top, so choose one based on your skill level and how much you like the pattern.
2. Choose yarn for the top. It's important for you to do your homework and find a compatible yarn for the project. Most patterns recommend a yarn or yarn weight, so if you substitute a yarn, make sure it's suitable for the pattern.
3. Select knitting needles in the appropriate size. The needles should be a size that works well with the yarn you've chosen.
4. Knit a gauge swatch. This important step helps determine if the top will fit you. If your gauge doesn't match the pattern's gauge, you'll have to experiment with different needle sizes until your gauge matches exactly.
5. Begin knitting by following the pattern's instructions.
6. Knit the pattern as written, unless you need to make modifications.

Tips & Warnings

• Choosing patterns that you know will be flattering on you will yield the best results.
• If you're knitting a top for someone else, having the person's measurements ensures that the top fits them.
• It's helpful if you have all needed items close at hand before you begin knitting.
• Wool is a good choice for most sweaters, while cotton or cotton blends work well for warm weather tops.
• You can modify a pattern if you want to change a feature or to fit a certain size.
• Don't skip the gauge swatch. If your gauge is terribly off, your top won't fit you or the person you're knitting for.