Free Pattern Spotlight: The Flax Sweater by Tin Can Knits

A Slow Make I Love: The Flax Sweater a Free Pattern by Tin Can Knits

I finally finished my Flax sweater from Tin Can Knits — the one we started during our January KAL — and I love it so much.

I’m not going to lie… this one took me a while.

Not because the pattern is hard, but because I’m the kind of knitter who usually has at least three projects going at once. I like having a slow make, a quicker make, and a pair of socks on the needles at the same time. Lately that rhythm has been working really well for me, and I don’t fight it anymore. Alongside those, I usually have a crochet project floating around too.

The Flax sweater definitely became my slow make.

The yarn I used

For my sweater, I chose Yarn Citizen Harmony DK in Natural.

The Flax pattern has both worsted and DK versions, and I decided to go with DK, which meant more stitches and more rows… and yes, a slower knit. But I really love the feel of the finished fabric, and I’m glad I went that route.

Harmony DK makes a soft, comfortable sweater that feels warm without being too heavy, which is exactly what I wanted.

What I love about the Flax pattern

One of my favorite details is the garter stitch panel that runs from the neck all the way down the sleeve to the cuff. It adds just enough texture to keep the knitting interesting, and I love how it looks in a solid color.

I also made a few small adjustments for comfort.

I prefer a looser neckline, so my twisted rib for the neck expanded the neck line, giving me a little more room. I like having space at the neck so I can wear a cowl, scarf, or neck warmer, or just keep it open.

After blocking, the sweater grew a bit, which I actually love. The sleeves are long enough to cover my wrists (and then some), and the body length is nice and long too. For me, that makes it extra cozy.

The free pattern

The Flax sweater is a free pattern from Tin Can Knits, and it’s one I recommend all the time.

They also have a fantastic app that lets you track your size, row counts, and progress as you knit. If you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend it.

Other Tin Can Knits patterns I have made

I’ve knit several of their designs, including:

• Rye Socks
• Everyday Socks
• Baby Lush sweater (currently on the needles in Sarasota DK)

Their patterns are clear, well-written, and great for both newer knitters and experienced ones.

What’s next on my slow-knit list

Even though the weather is warming up, I know my pace with sweaters… so if I start now, it will be ready just in time for fall.

I’ve been eyeing Homeward, a cabled cardigan for a while:

We’ll see if that becomes my next slow make.

Your turn

Are you a one-project knitter, or do you like having a slow knit, a fast knit, and socks going at the same time?

I’m pretty sure this is my rhythm now, and I’m sticking with it.

— Marni
The Yarny Way