I completely agree! I love to make (and wear) elaborately cabled wool sweaters, and in my experience, seams are crucial for providing structure to that type of garment. It drives me a little crazy to see the proliferation of top-down, sweaters that start with the ribbon and don’t even have a seam at the neckline, especially when the design includes texture like cables) that will add extra weight to the garment.
And I’m so over the (often faux) seams that fall halfway down the back of the shoulder. I know that some tailored garments use similar seam placement, but woven and knit fabrics behave very differently. Especially when the woven fabrics in question are reinforced by very strong interfacing, as they would be in any well-made tailored jacket. It seems to me that a knit fabric, by contrast, will eventually stretch out over the top of the shoulder, since the weight of the sweater is being carried by a plain section of fabric.
Sorry to go off on a bit of a tangent/rant, but this is a great question and has been a topic of discussion among my knitting group on many recent occasions.
While I like the cleverness of a seamless garment, seams can be an important part of the structure of a sweater. Seams can provide stability, preventing the garment from drooping and stretching out of shape. Depending on silhouette, intended ease, and yarn choice, side seams and shoulder seams can make the difference between a sweater you wear for years and a disappointment that languishes in a drawer.
I completely agree! I love to make (and wear) elaborately cabled wool sweaters, and in my experience, seams are crucial for providing structure to that type of garment. It drives me a little crazy to see the proliferation of top-down, sweaters that start with the ribbon and don’t even have a seam at the neckline, especially when the design includes texture like cables) that will add extra weight to the garment.
And I’m so over the (often faux) seams that fall halfway down the back of the shoulder. I know that some tailored garments use similar seam placement, but woven and knit fabrics behave very differently. Especially when the woven fabrics in question are reinforced by very strong interfacing, as they would be in any well-made tailored jacket. It seems to me that a knit fabric, by contrast, will eventually stretch out over the top of the shoulder, since the weight of the sweater is being carried by a plain section of fabric.
Sorry to go off on a bit of a tangent/rant, but this is a great question and has been a topic of discussion among my knitting group on many recent occasions.
Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge on this topic Colleen. I've learned so much!
When I’m tired I make so many mistakes in my crochet work. Then I turn to reading or tv
Sometimes we have to put down our projects and return to them when our energy is stronger :) Reading is something I love doing too.
I also love completing puzzles. And have a puzzle table. That can be so relaxing
No sewing up for me, I’m hopeless at it so prefer knitting in the round
It's so good that there is choice in the construction of knitted garments!
Yes, currently starting out on a Flax sweater from Tin can knits
While I like the cleverness of a seamless garment, seams can be an important part of the structure of a sweater. Seams can provide stability, preventing the garment from drooping and stretching out of shape. Depending on silhouette, intended ease, and yarn choice, side seams and shoulder seams can make the difference between a sweater you wear for years and a disappointment that languishes in a drawer.
Thank you so much Sandi for sharing your expert designer knowledge about seaming and structure. I always learn something new from you :)
Love the cushion cover and your choice of projects. I prefer to knit seamlessly but I always put “faux seams” to give the garment some structure.