Knitting a sweater is super fun and when it is for your favorite pet you will love to knit one. In this blog, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about how to knit a sweater for pets with your favorite Mindful knitting needles. With basic knitting skills and measurement, you can make a sweater for your loved pet. Just gather supplies of yarn that suit your pet, knitting needles, tape measure and other accessories. If you have been knitting for years you can also do with a stash as long as you have enough to make a sweater.
So let’s begin.
1. Basic Knitting Skills
If you are a beginner in making a sweater for pets, you must know and have the practice basic knitting skills of cast on, knit and purl stitches and bind off. Understanding and practice of stockinette as well as rib stitches are also of great help.
A sweater pattern varies in the stitch techniques but most work in rib stitches at the neckline and bottom of a sweater to bring the stretch to the shape. To create shapes around the arms and neck you will also need to know how to cast off in the middle of your work as well as finish your project. Also, make sure you know your knitting abbreviations and how to read a knitting pattern.
2. Choosing the yarn and knitting needles
Choose the yarn according to your project. If you want a chunky sweater, choose bulky weight yarn or you can choose DK weight yarn for medium weight yarn. Make sure to check you have the right yarn weight for your pattern before you start!
3. Gauge Swatch
You will notice in your sweater knitting pattern there is a section about gauge or tension. A gauge swatch is an important step in knitting a sweater. With gauge, you get the measure against the size of needle you use and how tightly or loosely you knit. As every pet is different, the gauge swatch is a must as it will help you calculate the yarn needed.
4. Flat or in the round?
There are two methods you can use for knitting a sweater. Firstly, you can knit it in pieces and sew it together on single pointed needles or you can knit it in the round. Both of these methods are straightforward, but depending on your preference and for a pet sweater you can follow any method.
Circular knitting needles, especially interchangeable circular needles or sets are a great investment not just for your pet sweater but for many more projects to come. The needle tips can be connected with cables of varying lengths that allow much more versatility for your knitting.
5. Choose the perfect sweater pattern
Once you’ve decided to begin with garment knitting, the first thing you need is a knitting pattern to show you the exact steps. Choose a pattern that is suited to your ability with some easy ribbing and lots of garter stitch or simple stockinette. If you are planning to design one, go ahead with the measurements.
Knitting is fun and mindful, enjoy every moment!
