Projects
Wish Me Luck: The Twigs
There’s no easy way to say this: I’m knitting an oversized pullover on Size 1 needles.
I have a good reason: I really want this sweater.
Photo: Junko Okamoto
The Twigs, by Junko Okamoto, has been high on my list forever, and the longing is reinforced every time I see one in the wild. The Twigs has a magic to it. Forest and folklore, serenity for days, and a loose, enveloping fit—it’s a deep cleansing breath in sweater form. And those long, ribbed cuffs. I have not seen one I didn’t covet—1,273 projects on Ravelry, each more beautiful than the next.
So when we headed to A Woolen Affair two weeks ago, I had The Twigs in mind. Whenever you face into a whirl of amazing yarns, it’s good to have a specific project in your head and on your phone. It sharpens focus and reduces the risk of dying with the yarn you purchase still in your stash, loved but unknitted.
I confess that when I got home with an armful of my Twigs-intended yarn (indigo-dyed, California-grown Nibble from A Verb for Keeping Warm) I did a quick run through those Ravelry Twigses, to see if people really did knit it on the recommended main needle size, US 2 (which at my loose gauge, downshifts to US 1).
Alas, reader, they did. There is a smattering of US 3s and 4s among the project notes, but I know those are just tighter knitters than me; they don’t know my life.
The Twigs is a one-size pattern, and when knit to the recommended gauge it measures 51 inches at the chest and 55 inches at the hem. This is a size I would like to wear, but would not like to exceed.
I think it’s cool that given the simple, straight lines of The Twigs, an easy way to upsize it would be to knit it to a slightly bigger gauge. I can’t think of an easy way to downsize it!
Affirmations for Knitting a Big Sweater on Small Needles
All these incantations are helping me get right with the US 1s, but if you have any others, please shout them out in the comments!
- They’re only stitches. More than 500 stitches per round at times, but still: only stitches. I like stitches.
- The good old MDK Rule: No project is too ambitious if you crave the result enough.
- I have time for this.
- I like doing this.
- This is my hobby.
- I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and doggone it, I can knit this. (Hat tip: Stuart Smalley.)
- I am getting to spend so much time with this beautiful yarn.
- I will love this sweater forever.
- It’s one sweater, Michael, how much could it be—10 pairs of socks? (Martini tip: Lucille Bluth.)
- It’s so, so pretty.
It is going to be a stunner!
Beautiful sweater. I want to look it up myself.
In 1977 I knit a Norwegian sweater for my husband on 1s and 2s. It was the first sweater I ever steeked. My husband, sadly, is gone, but our son still wears it and it is a favorite. I loved every stitch – very meditative. Go for it.
Oh my goodness, the very definition of an heirloom. And a testimony to love.
These affirmations go to 11.
11. Indigo … gosh! (ND)
You will not regret it! It will be wonderful! I often knit sleeves before body on top down sweaters, but not with this, since you will need to work on it every chance you get. Enjoy!!!
So Beautiful!!! Great yarn selection!!! Thank you for the inspiration!
Can’t wait to see you wearing it! Such an inspiration, you go girl!
You’re gonna do us proud.
And remember, no one will notice little mistakes, so knit happy!
12. So many opportunities for Medknitation over the next few months!
Oh, bother.
*Winnie the Pooh
**just in case
Bwah ha ha! I agree.
The mantra, “this is quite possibly the most gorgeous fabric I have ever created” should make the knitting a breeze! I mean… there is life… and then there is a knitter… who imo lives the best life, wears the most amazing sweaters, and has knit them with her own two amazing hands!
“13. I will take care of my body by knitting with good posture, will stretch my hands and wrists much more often than seems necessary, and if I have even a twinge of pain will not ‘just finish this round’ but will immediately stop for the day.” This is a marathon of knitting on fine needles and you have to approach it like a knitting athlete. But it’s gonna be sooo beautiful!
It’s going to be beautiful! I would need to go heavy on the lifelines for this one.
This is two sticks and string. I can master this.
No one dies if I rip out a row or two. I just put them back.
Kay, you are intrepid! All of MDK World knitters are supporting you! We got your back!
Is that enough encouragement for now? If not, just sniff that lovely indigo and think of the privilege you have to work with that stunning yarn! You got this! You go, girl!
14. “Stitch by stitch, buddy. Just take it stitch by stitch.” (Is what Anne Lamott would say if she were advising knitters.)
Stitch by Stitch
Row by Row
Going to make this Sweater Grown
All it takes is yarn and mojo
And an inspired mind!
Adapted from John Denver
“Thanks to all that is holy it is not knitted flat!”
You are in for a big surprise! It is such a lovely pattern to knit and there’s always something new on the horizon so it quickly turns into a can’t-stop-won’t-stop situation. I finally find mine (it’s been missing since January) and I’m going hard on it.
Next year at Rhinebeck we will be The Twigs The Twins!
It is going to be beautiful! A big beautiful blue hug! My admiration knows no bounds for people that dive into these projects! Go Kay!!
You don’t need luck. It’s your favorite/signature color. You will be entertained by the pattern xo
Looks like your dog approves.
I love your affirmations. I LOVE indigo (obvs). Just want to check in and ask if you are alternating two skeins with the solid to avoid banding. 😉
Believe it or not I never do that. I like to let the indigo be indigo! And I’ve found that any banding gets softened almost immediately with a wash and bit of wear.
Like the stacks of beautiful handknit sweaters one of you had accumulated over the years, I now have stacks of scarves, cowls, & shawls (the many sweaters I knit before this phase I’ve parted with over time). I now choose projects I know will take time because I can’t stop, won’t stop—it’s the actual knitting I love to do most. Of course it must be a project I’m also excited to do. Enjoy the knit!
I was on board with ‘indigo’
Fabulous!
My advice for knitting with the smallest needles is to alternate with a project on bigger needles. Your hands will need a break. I can only manage 20-30 minutes at a time on size ones
It will be gorgeous
The yarn you’ve chosen is gorgeous. It’s going to be a beautiful sweater.
I’m curious about what needles you’re using. I started a scarf with 430 stitches per row on size 2 tulips, but they kept unscrewing. I switched to chiagoo and it’s better, but I have to be vigilant. Maybe it’s just the way I knit, but I’m curious if others have the same problem. Any suggested solutions?
My interchangable needles often come “undone” on me. I’ve tried about a half a dozen different brands so I know it must be something I am doing. So frustrating. Tulip and Lykke (sp?) do it the least. I keep grippy things ( like I use to open jars) in my knitting supplies and I sometimes wrap the threads with a bit of teflon tape ( plumber’s tape). Quite the frustration.
Size 1 (2.25 mm) is just a number. Just forget what it says! Pretend you’re knitting on size 2, or 3. It would still be the same number of stitches in the pattern–it would just be too big for you!
Someone down the page suggested having another project alongside so you could take a break, which could be a good idea. But once you get used to the 2.25 mm (see, it sounds bigger already!), you won’t mind. It is going to be a needle full of absolute gorgeousness!
Looking amazing so far. Love those dreamy blues. FOMO is high. I may have to cast on the Twigs too in 2026.
The Twigs is your kind of sweater!
11. I love making beautiful things with my own two hands and I will enjoy the time I get to spend making this masterpiece.
You can do this! (I want one too!) Last year, I knit an all-over colorwork sweater by our friend Helene Magnússon on US 1 needles and stitch by beautiful stitch, it came together and I could not love it more. So worth it. Now I want to knit Twigs. #annandkaymademedoit
I don’t think I realized that your beautiful Helene sweater was at that small of a gauge Jen, that’s so impressive! No wonder you needed the lazy Susan! And I am definitely using your Baggu tip when it’s sleeve time. #jenhelpedmedoit
Jen, great idea! #annandkaymademedoit
WOW! I can’t wait to see the finished sweater (on you, of course.)
Think of all the entertainment value you’re getting from this yarn! Hours and hours…..
You’re certainly off to a beautiful start, and I’m inspired!
The yarn is gorgeous so I’m sure it will turn out beautifully. Can’t imagine on US 1s…oh my! I’m sure we will see the finished sweater very soon. Good luck and enjoy!
Once I split for sleeves it becomes more manageable but it is a definitely one of those types of projects where I wonder how people knit fingering weight sweaters all the time!
I wholeheartedly agree that it is better to have a specific project in mind when looking at yarn. Solid advice!! Alas the road to hell/oversized unused stash is paved with good intentions/great project ideas! I look at my stash and rack my brain “what did I intend to do with this yarn ??” If I could finish one project before I buy yarn for a new one I would be saved. But Kay, that oversized twig patterned sweater which you have started will be just fabulous in that gorgeous yarn combo.
This made me laugh! You just wrote about my dilemma!! What pattern did I buy THAT yarn for?!?!
My affirmation: it’s just more knitting. I love knitting!!!!
I predict that the combination of gorgeous indigo and new little images growing before your very eyes will keep you going— “just one more row”
The way the pattern is written really encourages the “one more row” kind of compulsion. You finish a stripe of pattern and then you want to rush through the increases so you can get to the next stripe of pattern….and before you know it it’s 2 am.
Wow! I am overwhelmed, stunned and inspired. I cannot wait to see the finished sweater. The yarn is gorgeous. The colors are perfect. Please post photos of the sweater in progress.
You can do this! For all of the reasons, including 11! I covet this sweater but have not been able to convince myself that I could do it/would finish it. Cheering you on!
Also, I hate to even bring this up, but I may have just seen your NEXT sweater after this over on Ravelry: the Sucker Punch sweater. I’m. Dying. O.M.G.
You know that one has my name on it. I’m in awe of Sucker Punch. Absolutely floored by it.
Hi Kay,
I suggest giving us updates every 3 or 4 inches of sweater so we can admire your work and continue cheering for you. Team Kay Kan Knit Twigs!!
Good luck! I am envious. After ten years, I’m still at scarves and dishcloths.
I love everything about this post
You’re right, it is so, so pretty. You’ve got this. You’re cranking along, already. I’m working on the Ribby Swing dress, in sock yarn. I’m the fastest knitter I know ( not bragging, just stating a fact), and it’s been about six months now. Each row of the skirt takes me at least an hour (it’s voluminous), in sock yarn on size 4 needles (because the 3’s broke, and I didn’t have another). I see the finish line in the distance. Ten more rows, then the sleeves. Color work, to me, seems to go faster, because you’re seeing the different patterns, and it’s exciting to see them come along. So you will enjoy this knit, no matter how long it takes!
I salute your bravery. Best of luck
“If I screw up this sweater, I’ll use the yarn to make an entire wardrobe for Enrique.”
If he doesn’t eat the yarn first. He’s a yarn chewer, it grieves me to report.
The greater the number of stitches, the greater the color work detail. Beautiful!
I knit a queen size lace blanket on addi’s 00 knitting needles. It took a year and I don’t have enough space to block it but it was fun! I love knitting on smaller needles since I knit loosely. Hard to find the tiny needles. Enjoy your project and when you get discouraged, think of all the pleasure you will have with your finished sweater!
I was crazy in love for this yarn when you first posted about it. Someday when it’s back in stock . . . sigh. This will be a stunner!
Size US 1s are large compared to triple zero’s – it’s all relative!
TWIG in Nimble Indigo is your stairway to knitting heaven. We’re with you all the way!!!
Go Kay, go! I love this post and all of the comments. It’s going to be a gorgeous sweater and all of us are cheering you on. I may never tackle as challenging a project as The Twigs, but I’m saving all of the affirmations for times when the knitting mojo eludes me. Looking forward to updates on this beautiful project!
I see many an hour of serene deep-diving into a perfect winter project! And with that collection of aspirations in your pocket – the sock comparison is the one that sings to me, personally, but you’ve wisely covered a lot of range – you won’t need luck 🙂 Enjoy!
Will root you on Kay
Kay, did I really just email and say The Twigs is in my queue? Ten pairs of socks versus one sweater though… on US 2s (2.75mm) needles… and 500 sts? Yikes!
I am a ‘firm’ knitter; maybe I can sneak up to 3.something mm dpns? (Yes yes, I know, gauge )
See, I’m a sock knitter, dreaming of becoming a sweater knitter.
Then again… it’s one size – no agonizing over fit – so tempting!
Can I really trade ten pairs of socks for one sweater?? When all my queued sweaters somehow end up in the too hard basket ?
Oh… the dilemma
I bet it’s more like 5 or 6 pairs of socks. I’m bad at sock math!
Way to go Kay!! I have one question; are you going to be using ladderback? I am ambivalent about the allover fairisle. But it is so very gorgeous!! And indigo! I am swooning.
There’s only a few spots where ladderback will be helpful or needed, so it’s perfect for us ladderback beginngers! Most of the patterns are traditional stranded with short floats.
And it’s Indigo!
It’s New York’s hottest club!
I use size 1 needles all the time – to knit socks. I could see doing that for a sweater, if it were one that would fit me (Twigs would not), and one that did not involve color work. The last one of those I tried was a failure. What you’ve shown so far is gorgeous. I hope it turns out well for you.
So is so, so right!
She is so, so right!
It will be a treasure. And it will keep you busy for a while.
Going to Maine again tomorrow so I excavated a banker I started a while ago. It will be cozy travel knitting. I have to find the directions though …
It will be with the effort.
I knit this sweater, and I love it. Your colors are so beautiful I may need to make another, even on size 2 needles.
It’s beautiful!
Good luck!!