Mastering the Set-In Sleeve: How to Knit and Seam a Cardigan Sweater for a Tailored Fit

It’s back to school time, and we mean Sweater School!  This fall, elevate your garment kitting by mastering the ultimate classic silhouette – the seamed, flat-kit cardigan.  Throughout this class we will learn how to knit a cardigan flat in traditional pieces and sew them together.  While the set-in sleeve might seem daunting, we will unlock the hidden superpower of seaming.  The result is a structured garment, which provides additional support to keep your sweater from stretching out of shape.

We will be knitting the Quintessential Cardigan from Churchmouse Yarns and Teas, which uses seamed pieces and set in sleeves for a classic, tailored look.  Every knitter's library needs a versatile, dependable wardrobe staple, and this iconic pattern delivers exactly that.  Designed with an elegant, simple canvas that showcases your yarn choice beautifully, it serves as the ultimate introduction to traditional English tailored knitwear.

Class will start with a discussion on choosing a yarn and swatching and cover the construction of set-in sleeves and seaming to give a sweater with a perfect fit.  You’ll learn everything you need to make a couture sweater you’ll wear constantly.

Materials: A printed copy of the pattern, yarn for your sweater, needles to get a gauge of 22 sts/30 rows for 4” with your yarn, needles two sizes smaller, locking stitch markers, a tape measure, a tapestry needle and a row counter if desired

What We’ll Cover: Knitting a cardigan in pieces, seaming it together, mattress stitch, working set-in sleeves, blocking, button bands and button holes, sewing on buttons

Prerequisite Techniques: Comfortable knitting and purling, casting on, binding off, standard increases and decreases (k2tog and ssk), and general sweater construction

Homework for First Class: Complete a swatch following the directions in the email you will receive after enrollment