I finally finished michiyo’s Cable V-Neck Pullover.
I started knitting this sweater last September, and yes — it is finished.
But this project became a very clear reminder of one important lesson:
Ignoring a gauge warning leads to sizing problems.
I did knit a gauge swatch.
However, I did not adjust the size based on my gauge result.
Because of that, the finished sweater is wearable, but smaller and tighter than I expected.
This is an honest finished review, focusing on fit, size, and a knitting gauge mistake.
About the Pattern (For International Knitters)
There is no English edition.
Foreign-language editions are mainly Korean, with some Chinese issues.
However, digital patterns can be purchased individually.
If you are familiar with Japanese knitting charts, you can knit this pattern even if you live outside Japan.
The digital pattern is available here:
If you only want to knit one design from the magazine,
buying a single digital pattern is a very convenient option.
Finished Cable V-Neck Pullover – Design and Construction
The knitting itself is not difficult.
You can follow the chart almost exactly as written.
One small construction note:
The pattern does not clearly say to put the front shoulder stitches on hold, but in practice:
- The front shoulder stitches are held
- The neckline is worked first
- The shoulders are seamed later
Once you start knitting, this structure is easy to understand.
(Hanging photo)
The overall silhouette is clean and elegant.
The cable detail around the neckline has a slight twist, which adds interest without being too bold.
Honest Fit Review – Too Small Because of a Gauge Mistake
Now, let’s talk about the fit.
…The sleeves are short.
They are not unwearable, but the sweater feels tighter and smaller than I planned, especially in the sleeves and body.
When I looked back at my gauge notes, I found this:
“My gauge is smaller than the pattern gauge.
I expect the fabric to grow vertically, so I hope the final size will be fine.”
I clearly wrote that my gauge was smaller.
I knew there was a risk.
And I still ignored it.
This is a very common knitting gauge mistake.
I Had All the Information — But Made the Wrong Choice
I also wrote this during swatching:
“I tried a larger needle size, but the gauge became too big.
I will use the smaller needle size because the difference is smaller.”
From a technical point of view, this decision sounds reasonable.
But my personal preference is a relaxed fit with more ease.
If I had prioritized how I actually like to wear sweaters,
I should have chosen the larger needle size.
In this project, I trusted numbers more than my own taste.
That decision caused the final sizing issue.
If you prefer a fitted sweater, this size might feel perfect.
But for me, it was a clear gauge-related fit mistake.
I Could Fix It — But I Won’t
The sleeves are worked by picking up stitches from the shoulders.
Because of this construction, fixing the sleeve length is actually easy:
- Unravel the cuff ribbing
- Knit the sleeves longer
Technically, it is not difficult.
Instead, I will hand it down to my mom —
or, to be more honest, foist it upon my mother, because this size fits her better than it fits me.
Still, I Love DARUMA “GEEK” Yarn
Even though the size did not turn out as planned,
discovering DARUMA “GEEK” yarn was a big success.
The yarn feels soft and fluffy against the skin.
When you wear it, it gently wraps around you.
And through that fluffy halo, the core yarn shows just enough to give the stitches a nice, balanced look.
I liked it so much that I bought another color during a sale.
DARUMA GEEK is incredibly popular in Japan right now and often sold out.
You Can Buy DARUMA GEEK Yarn from Overseas
DARUMA GEEK is also available from shops that ship internationally.
For example, amirisu’s overseas store sells Japanese yarns to customers outside Japan:
If you want to try Japanese yarns but feel unsure about ordering directly from Japan,
this is a good option.
My next project will also use GEEK yarn.
If I start soon, I might still finish it this season.
