The Flax Sweater by Tin Can Knits was the first sweater I ever knit. I first tried it out by knitting a child version for my niece, and then felt confident enough to make one for myself. Recently, this free pattern was updated to include more sizes, a cropped-body option, a new collar option, and a supplement for optional short-row shaping in the back.
I love this pattern and how well it’s written. It’s the perfect first-sweater pattern! I decided to make this Flax as a gift and I love how it turned out.
YARN
I ordered this amazing purple color — it’s the Purpuras color way from Malabrigo and it’s even prettier in person with all its color depth and variation. These skeins are hand-dyed, so the color isn’t always consistent with each skein. To combat that, I knit the entire sweater in helical knitting. Here’s the video that helped me with this process.
Basically, you are knitting with two skeins at a time. As you knit in the round, you slip a few stitches as you come back around to the next color. This type of knitting style helps prevent harsh pooling of color or obvious jogs as you switch skeins. I first found out about this technique when I was researching for my Astraeus sweater.
COLLAR OPTION 2
I chose to do the stronger collar option which is knit after the sweater is completed. I added the collar after I finished most of the body to give myself a break from the stockinette. I enjoy picking up and knitting because it’s a little bit of a challenge to make sure you pick up the right stitch and prevent any holes.
NECK SHAPING
I found the supplement on short-row neck shaping really easy to understand. This part is optional, but I wanted to use it since it helps your finished garment lay better on the body. I had to stop my helical knitting while working the short rows since I wasn’t knitting all around.
DETAILS
The garter sleeve panel is so pretty and was fun to knit. I used stitch markers to help me track the garter panel.
This yarn has such beautiful stitch definition and I love the color.
I used Jeny’s Super Stretchy Bind-off for the collar, cuffs, and hem for a comfortable fit.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
This is a great first sweater pattern for beginners or experienced knitters. It’s mostly stockinette, but the raglan sleeves and garter panel give a lot of interest and detail. I loved working with this yarn, and am using it for another sweater as well.
RATING
Layout = ★★★★★
Organization = ★★★★★
Clarity = ★★★★★
Value = ★★★★★
Final Product = ★★★★★
I have learned so much since I first knit this sweater for myself, and it was fun to come back to this pattern and apply everything. I really enjoyed knitting the Flax Sweater; it’s the perfect relaxed knitting project and makes a great gift!
