Knitting modifications (mods) are changes made to a pattern. The happy outcome of knitting regularly for a few years is that I now have some confidence to make my own mods.
Often a knitwear reviewer will tell others what types of modifications they have made and why. Sometimes this information is helpful, such as if a wider sleeve is preferred, or making a different cuff ribbing, or wider neck opening. They may have a suggestion to make a particular stitch in the pattern easier to do.
In the beginning of my knitting journey, I had to follow a pattern exactly. If I made a mistake of any kind, I would try my best to get past it, hoping it wouldn’t be too noticeable.
Now, it is nice to know the basics of how a sweater (for instance) is put together. I know that I can pick up extra stitches under the arm to close up the holes, and then compensate by decreasing as needed. It’s a very simple thing, but beginner knitters have enough on their plates without having to figure something out in a pattern!
Truth be told, I am not advanced enough to make changes other than simple ones, but the more I knit, the more confident I have become to change things up.
Re-knit Some Favorite Patterns Using Mods
I’ll bet that most knitters end up having a few favorite knitting projects. I certainly do. And, I have favorite parts of patterns I’d like to use for something else.
I mostly knit sweaters, but this applies to anything. A good length sleeve with a pretty rib can be applied as an alternative in a different pattern.
For example: I’ve re-knit the Calliope sweater in gold, and added different sleeves and body ribbing. I also added a split hem because I had just finished knitting a sweater that had a pretty split hem (Blueberry Vodka Lemonade Pullover – gray sweater below). I took some of the information from one pattern and incorporated it into another. The Calliope has a beautiful neckline. I may knit this one again one day.
![Blueberry Vodka Lemonade sweater](https://newenglandsnarrowroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/bvl-side.jpg?w=763)
![Split hem twisted rib with longer ribbing in the back.](https://newenglandsnarrowroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/c-on.jpg?w=768)
The more patterns I acquire, the more I learn. Usually, when looking for a new pattern to buy, I try something different to expand my knowledge. Every pattern gets printed out, and I make handwritten notes all over it. I try to keep track of favorite parts to possibly use elsewhere.
Remember, do not share specific pattern notes and instructions written by a designer. They work hard to come up with patterns that knitters will want to buy. Patterns are relatively inexpensive. Support designers by purchasing a pattern you love.
Making a Second Warm Up Sweater, With Mods
I already have plans (yarn on the way) to knit another Warm Up sweater (link goes to pattern page at Ravelry). This time I will do a different neck opening. I’ll also do a little colorwork among some stripes. My plans for this are still rolling around in my head.
The Warm Up Sweater is a pattern by Espace Tricot. I highly suggest it if you like a roomy “sweatshirt” type garment for cool days. It is a very basic pattern and includes short rows for a comfortable fit. See my review blog post here.
![Warm up sweater](https://newenglandsnarrowroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/warm-up-fire.jpg?w=876)
![Warm up sweater sleeve](https://newenglandsnarrowroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/warm-up-sleeve.jpg?w=980)
My brown and tan striped Warm Up is a fabulous and warm pullover. It came out nice and big, and the Lettlopi wool is one of my favorite yarns. I chose this pattern to use up some yarn I already had. (The pattern used to be free, but no longer is.)
Even though I live in Florida, I wore this sweater on cold evenings by the fire in our yard. We took a January camping trip, which turned out to be cold and rainy, and I wore it all the time. Wool is wonderful for repelling water, and it drizzled for most of our trip! I love the big, roomy style… and now, I want another, but with a new type of neck opening.
Do You Make Mods to Patterns Frequently? Which are Your Favorite?
One modification I have begun doing more frequently is on sweater sleeves. I don’t like a fitted sleeve. A little roominess is needed if the sweater is layered. I changed the sleeves on my Field sweater, and I’m glad I did.
I’m currently knitting the Rebel Cardigan and I’m also making the sleeves a bit wider. Wider sleeves simply means I am not doing all the recommended decreases. The sleeve won’t taper as much as called for.
![right sleeve knit on Field sweater](https://newenglandsnarrowroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/field-sleeve-1.jpg?w=901)
![knitting a sleeve](https://newenglandsnarrowroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/sleeve.jpg?w=1024)
Once you have some knitting experience, don’t be afraid to make little changes to patterns. It will build knitting confidence!