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Copy a Store-Bought Sweater with Your Knitting Machine

August 2, 2025
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Can You Copy That Sweater?

Put It to the Test

A fellow knitter recently showed me a ready-to-wear sweater she loved — and asked if it could be copied on the knitting machine. That got me thinking.

Now, anytime I look at a store-bought or hand-knit sweater, I ask three questions:

Can it be done?
Is it practical?
Am I willing to do what it takes?

Understand Machine Limits

As machine knitters, we know our machines have their quirks and limitations. Circular construction? Complex shaping? Hand manipulation? These might be second nature for hand knitting, but not always practical on the machine.

Some knitters love the challenge of manipulating every stitch. Others (like me) prefer to simplify where we can. Knowing yourself is part of the process.

Analyzing a Real Sweater

Let’s break down the sweater in question: a fitted, tunic-length cardigan with short sleeves, empire styling, and a soft, shaped collar framing a low V-neck. It’s knit in basic stockinette with ribbed hems — except for the collar.

1. Can it be done? Absolutely. The structure and fabric are machine-friendly.

2. Is it practical? Mostly. The collar construction is the trickiest part — it’s shaped and wide at the back, so we’d need to get creative about how to knit it on the flatbed machine.

Are You Willing to Tackle It?

This is where you get honest with yourself.

Are you comfortable drafting pattern pieces from scratch?
Would you rather modify an existing pattern — like a Knit It Now cardigan — using shaping tools?
Do you use DesignaKnit, Knit Leader, or Knit Radar?
Do you enjoy hand knitting or hand manipulation?

There’s no wrong answer — but being realistic about your preferences helps you finish more projects (and enjoy them).

Workarounds and Options

Even the hardest part — the wide, shaped collar — has options:

Knit it by hand
Knit in sections and seam it
Use short rows to shape, even in ribbing

With a little planning, nearly any design can be adapted. You just need to decide how far you’re willing to go.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What if the sweater I love is knit in the round?

You can usually adapt it to flat knitting — but be aware of where seams will land and how shaping will work.
Check out the course "Hand Knit Yoke Sweaters"