The new pattern I’m working on for a Family Crew Neck Pullover begins by knitting the neckband in the round. This is not the usual way to start a raglan pullover.
Usually you would cast on for the shoulder, back of neck and second shoulder and work back and forth to form the crewneck. You would work your usual raglan increases along with an increase at the beginning and end of the row to form the crewneck angle on the Front. Then cast on some centre front stitches and work your yoke in the round. Pick up the neckband afterwards.
Have you made a pullover that begins like this?
But of course, I am not doing this pullover like that. As my husband would say, “Have you met me?”.
I am starting with the neckband already knit in the round and to form the crewneck front, I’m going to work short rows. Why? Because I love short rows and they work.
Look at that. To me it’s a thing of beauty. I know, it’s a weird designer thing. But I do love looking at this stage in my pullover. The Back is raised. The Front is lowered. And now we’re working in the round for the rest of the yoke.
Now I have a question for you. Here it is with a colour change.
Is the angled edge of the Front with the short rows too messy?
Here’s a close up of both sides. Messy?
I don’t mind it at all but …
Would you like one round of grey knit before starting the short rows? Yes or No?
Thanks. I appreciate your opinion. Cheers, Deb
Any Gauge and Gauge-Free patterns by Deb
Deb Gemmell: Top Down, Gauge Free and more 
I like the idea of not having to pick up the neckline! But would prefer one round of grey first! That’s my vote 😊
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Thanks. 1 grey round vote.
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One round of grey would blend in better. Stitches would be more subtle.
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Yes, I agree.
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My vote is with Lyn. Going to try this. I am always looking for a new look.
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I know. No pick-up is great.
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I would do a row of grey, but that’s me.
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Great, thanks. 2 grey round votes.
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YES. I think the color change makes it look like a messy pickup. Not a biggie but will make a nice sweater look bad unless you’re using rustic yarns.
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Yes, you’re right.
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Yes a line of grey would make a smoother transition I think. Perhaps in another posting could you describe how you set up the short rows – where do you start, how many rows would you work, is there a formula? What is your favourite short row method. Thank you!
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Yes the explanation is coming. I’m knitting some samples now.
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Deb, I think a row of grey would make the transitions of short rows more blended. I love how you go about designing. I wish I had some of your talents!
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You have talents. This just happens to be mine. This patterns going to leave you room to play.
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I vote for 1 row of gray before starting the change . Keeps a cleaner line , same way you do the increases / decreases one stitch in keeps things neater .
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Yes, you’re right. It would be a lot neater. Good point.
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Yep, I’d do a round of grey as well
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Great. Thanks. One round of grey seems to be winning.
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I think the “messiness” would be almost undetectable when the crew neck band is knit in same color as the rest of the sweater. Which is often the case.
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Yes. All my other pullovers are in p e colour and it’s not a problem at all.
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I would start the blue earlier.
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You’re right. I added in an extra blue round which I agree will look better. Thanks for letting me know your thoughts.
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