The time it takes to knit a sweater will vary according to a number of different factors. A seasoned knitter making a simple, small sweater may complete the task in a few hours. But a beginner making a large sweater or using a complicated pattern may find it takes in excess of 100 hours. We look more closely at the factors that will affect how long it takes to knit a sweater, as well as some tips for completing this task more quickly.
Knitting a Sweater
It’s probably no surprise that the larger the sweater, the longer it will take to knit. But there are other factors that can affect the time-scale. Experience is one of them and those who have been knitting for a long time will knit more quickly. Experienced knitters can knit around 60 stitches a minute, while this reduces to around 25 for intermediate knitters. For beginners, this is even lower, which is why it may take over 100 hours to knit a sweater.
However, smaller knitting needles will reduce the time it takes to knit. The gauge of your knitting (the density of stitches) and the pattern will also have a major impact on how long it takes to knit a sweater. If time is of the essence, stick with a block colour sweater with simple stitches.
Beginner Tips
Luckily, there are lots of ways that beginners can create knitwear faster, such as using knitting kits. These come with full, easy-to-read instructions and everything else you need, thus reducing the amount of planning and the overall time it takes to complete a sweater. Take a look at the selection of knitting kits from Wool Couture where you’ll find a wide range of sweaters and cardigans.
You can also use easier patterns designed for beginners.
As you can see, the answer is not as simple as you think. Knitting a sweater can be completed in just a few hours, or it might take over 100 hours. Using faster stitches and simpler patterns or kits will help you knit a sweater more quickly.