Any knitters around?

[mom2alix]

I need help with a bday gift for my sister. She's been learning to knit and I'd like to get her some nice yarn to make herself a sweater, but I don't have any idea how much to order? Can you help? About how many skeins does it take to make a sweater for a woman who wears a size medium? TIA!!!!

 

[RumpleMom]

May I suggest a gift card for your local store where she buys yarn?

The amount of yarn depends on the pattern, the amount of yards on a skein, the weight of the skein, and the type of yarn being used. Then I buy one more skein than I think I will need, some stores will let you return an unused skein.

I know I would appreciate a gift card for the store, so I could choose something I need like a pair of needles in a size I don't have, stitch holders, a new pattern book,stitch markers, a row counter, circular needles, a new tote for my knitting, or the yarn for my next project.

 

[PiperPizzaz]

A gift certificate is always great. Yarn for sweaters can vary greatly. If you really think you know her taste and really want to buy the yarn. I would suggest buying the pattern and following what is stated on there. (Also remember sometimes things are harder than they look so be aware of her knitting skill level).

Here are some links for you:
http://www.knitpicks.com/sweater+knitting+patterns_PL300201.html
some free patterns:
http://www.classiceliteyarns.com/pattern_detail.php?patternID=30
http://knitty.com/archivePULLOVERS.html

 

[Lisa]

If she is learning to knit then another vote for the gift card. She could use it to either buy yarns, needles or register for a class.

Typically a hank would make a sweater. A hank would yield about five skeins, but like the others said there are variables.

 

[azgal81]

Does your sister have a particular sweater pattern in mind?? There are so many different variables that can change the yardage for a sweater that it really is hard for knitters to predict how much yarn she would need. Also it could vary from the pattern if she is not using the recommended yarn for the sweater.

 

[rwrocksme]

I agree with the motion to get her a gift card to her favorite yarn store. It is nearly impossible to tell what yarn a knitter wants, even if you the knitter well, because one of the symptoms of knititus is complete unpredictability. I, with a strong oposition to bright colors such as orange etc, constantly feel gravitated towards colors that belong in the sherbert aisle. Buy her a gift card. Better yet, buy her a gift card and a book (I recomend anything by Stephaine Pearl-McPhee). Also, Lantern Moon has lovely bags, etc. They are Fair Trade as well.

Hope that helps! Wish your sis a very Happy Birthday!

 

[Dashzap]

Or you could get her a gift certificate to an online knitting store like knitpicks.com