Twisted stitches and knitting pattern for Melton sweater

 Have you heard about twisted stitches? If not, there is a whole book with intricate beautiful stitches, called Twisted Stitch Sourcebook, written by Norah Gaughan. I bought this book a few year ago and already designed quite a few fancy designs with those stitches, including Trimetry socks, Trimetry Bucket Hat (read more about it here) and Trimetry vest (blog post here). Today I would like to share another design knitted with twisted stitches - Melton sweater.   

Twisted stitches is a great alternative to cable knitting. It is much easier, does not involve using a cable needle and it creates lovely geometric patterns. I highly recommend trying those stitches!

Now let’s talk about sweater.

Sweater Design

I knitted my sample in DK weight yarn in deep forest green colour, using 100% wool yarn. This comfy sweater is the perfect garment for any season! Moreover, the best thing – it is unisex design. One of my test knitters knitted this sweater for her husband and it looks fabulous! See the project here.

The beautiful intricate pattern gives the impression of cables without actually knitting them.

Design features include a boxy silhouette with plenty of positive ease, dropped shoulders, a nicely fitted round neck, and a slightly cropped length, which can easily be adjusted for a longer, classic look.

Yarn ideas

I recommend using any DK weight yarn in solid colour, as multi-coloured yarn or variegated yarn would not show the stitch out. Hovewer adding a contrast colour to sleeve cuffs, neck or bottom band might create beautiful effect. Here is the version of Melton sweater from my another test knitter Dieke (Ravelry ID: DiekeHarmsma) She created absolute master piece using bright orange yarn as a main and adding two shades of yellow to sleeves for extra wow effect! More photos and details are on her project page

Knitting pattern

The knitting pattern for the Melton sweater includes detailed charts for all sizes and row-by-row instructions. It is written for chest sizes ranging from 84 cm/33 inches to 172 cm /67¾ inches.

In my Instagram, I shared a quick tutorial for knitting of twisted stitches. So if you want to check it out, please follow the link: https://www.instagram.com/vitalinacraft/reel/C5ixBT9Im-j/

Knitting pattern for Melton sweater is available from Ravelry, Etsy and Lovecrafts

Happy knitting! Looking forward to seeing all your beautiful versions of Melton sweater soon! 

To see some behind the scene photos you can follow me on Instagram.

You are also welcome to join my Facebook knitting group to share your work and get some help with my patterns.

How to choose yarn for knitted hat

Knitted hat is a great way to stay warm and comfy in the winter. A well-chosen yarn can make all the difference in creating a hat that’s cozy, comfortable, and warm. However, with so many different types of fibre and yarn available, it can be hard to know which one to choose. In this blog post, we will discuss some key factors to consider when choosing yarn for your next knitted hat.

Wool Adventure Winter Hat Collection is available from Ravelry.

1. Fiber Content

The first and most important thing to consider is the fiber content of the yarn. Some common fibers used for knitting hats include:

- Merino wool: Merino wool is an excellent choice for hats. It is a natural fiber that is warm and durable. It is also naturally water-resistant, soft and has minimal itchiness. Extra fine merino is a perfect choice for baby hats.

- Alpaca: Alpaca is another natural fiber that is similar to wool but softer and less itchy. It is also warm enough for autumn and winter hats. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a luxurious, drapey effect. However, alpaca can be more expensive than merino wool or synthetic fibers.

- Acrylic: Acrylic is a budget friendly synthetic fiber. It is soft and machine-washable, which makes it easy to care for. However, acrylic is not as warm as wool and can pill over time.

- Cotton: Cotton is a natural fiber that is breathable and comfortable. Cotton is not ideal for winter hats because it lacks warmth and elasticity. However, it is a good choice for lightweight, breathable summer hats.

For baby hats and hats that will be worn directly against the skin, avoid coarse or scratchy fibers, like rustic wool blends or rough alpaca. Some lower-quality wool blends can also be itchy, so test the yarn on your skin to ensure it is soft and comfortable for you. 

Lace Charm Hats are knitted in combination of Merino and Alpaca yarns

2. Texture: Smooth or Fuzzy?

Smooth-textured yarns, like single-ply or tightly spun yarns, will show stitch patterns and textures (like cables or ribbing) beautifully, making them a great choice for hats with intricate designs. Yarns with a halo, like mohair or angora blends, offer a soft, airy look but can make detailed stitch patterns harder to see. Choose texture based on the look and feel you want for the finished piece!

3. Superwash vs. Non-Superwash Yarn

Superwash Wool: If you plan washing your hat in a washing machine consider using superwash wool. This yarn has been especially treated to be machine washable, making it easier to care for.

Non-Superwash Wool: Non-treated wool needs more gentle care and should be hand washed and dried flat or on a shape. However, it holds its shape better, therefore it makes a greater choice for most styles of hats, including bucket hats or berets.

Rainforest Hat and Cowl are knitted with super wash yarn. 

4. Yarn Weight (Thickness)

DK Weight: Light and versatile, DK-weight yarns are good for lightweight, fitted hats or hats for mild winters.

Worsted or Aran Weight: These thicker yarns offer warmth and structure, making them ideal for winter hats.

Bulky or Super Bulky Weight: Super cozy and quick to knit, bulky yarns are great for extra-warm, chunky hats.

When in doubt, choose a yarn that suits the climate you are knitting for.

Fancy Twist Hat and Cowl are knitted in rowing bulky weight yarn.

5. Ways to Make your Hat Warmer

- To maximize warmth, consider using yarn with a high percentage of wool, especially merino or alpaca blends. You can also add a lining of fleece as an internal layer to your hat. 

- Adding a strand of mohair or another soft yarn to your main yarn is also a great idea.

- Alternatively, you can knit the hat with a double folded brim for extra warmth. 

Trimetry bucket hat is not just double layered, but it is reversible too!

6. Additional tips to consider

- Pattern Requirements: Remember to check the yarn requirements in the pattern, which you are going to use for your hat project. Most patterns have the yarn recommendation and even mention the yarn brand. Personal Preference

- Personal preference: Ultimately, the best way to choose yarn for your knitted hat is to consider your personal preferences. Do you want a hat that is warm and cozy or light and airy? Do you prefer a hat that is machine-washable or hand-wash only?

- Think about the occasion. Are you knitting a hat for everyday wear or a special occasion? If you are knitting a hat for a special occasion, you may want to choose a more luxurious yarn, such as cashmere or silk.

- Don't be afraid to experiment. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing yarn for a knitted hat. Try different yarns and see what you like best. Play with colours and fibers. Try variegated or multi coloured yarn.

Colourscape hat is knitted with acrylic yarn. 

Summary

The best hat yarn is soft, warm, and has enough elasticity to hold its shape. Remember to knit a gauge swatch, especially if your yarn choice or gauge may change the hat’s size. With the right yarn, you would create a cozy, stylish hat that’s perfect for the season. I hope this blog post helps you choose the perfect yarn for your next knitted hat!

Happy knitting!

To see some behind the scene photos you can follow me on Instagram.

You are also welcome to join my Facebook knitting group to share your work and get some help with my patterns.