Tegna Sweater Mod: How I Added a Lace Collar & Raglan Fit

What happens when a favorite pattern becomes the springboard for something uniquely yours? That question inspired the heart of this month’s knitting update. I took the beloved Tegna sweater by Caitlin Hunter and gave it a custom twist—introducing a lace collar, contrasting hem, and raglan construction that made it feel deeply personal. This post is all about how small design changes can completely transform a project.

My Tegna Sweater: How I Made a Beloved Pattern My Own

The Tegna sweater has long been a fan favorite, known for its elegant lace hem and lightweight feel. My first version in soft purple yarn, knit at a looser gauge, became a wardrobe staple. But for this second round, I wanted more.

I stayed close to the original pattern in terms of gauge, but played with contrast—adding a lace hem in a different color to make the scalloped edge pop. The real showstopper? A lace collar, knit separately and then joined at the neckline. This extra touch brought in a romantic, vintage-inspired feel that elevated the whole piece.

Instead of following the original construction, I reimagined it with raglan shaping. This choice wasn’t just aesthetic—it made the knitting process smoother and gave the final garment a more relaxed silhouette that suits my style.

These kinds of knitting modifications are where the magic happens. Whether it’s changing construction, experimenting with color, or inventing a new detail, the freedom to customize is what keeps my creativity thriving.

Creative Works in Progress: From Tegna Hacks to Future Patterns

My current WIP, the Isabella Sweater, continues this theme of personalization. It echoes the lace collar idea from Tegna, but this time features a cable-meets-lace motif on both the neckline and planned bell sleeves. I'm using La Bien Aimée Felix in the colorway Ichigo for contrast—a dreamy blend that adds texture and depth.

I also tweaked the raglan shaping formula to fit my preferences, balancing body, sleeve, and yoke increases for the perfect fit. There's a good chance this will evolve into a published pattern, so if you’re curious about creative sweater hacks or interested in test knitting, stay tuned.

New Cast-Ons Full of Summer Vibes

On my needles right now is the Diona Tee by Sari Nordlund. With its clean cable motif and structured 2x2 ribbing, it’s the kind of summer knitting project that feels effortless but polished. I’m using a silk blend from The Wool Kitchen, rescued from a frogged project and finally getting its time to shine.

Another new love is the Vanelia Tee, also by Nordlund, worked in Yellow Brick Road Graffiti on the Rosa Pomar Mondim base. Its delicate lace yoke brings to mind my Zweig sweater and gives the perfect balance of softness and structure. Both of these projects are a reminder that knitting with intention means giving second chances to yarn and exploring new construction methods.

Exciting Yarn Acquisitions That Spark Inspiration

Books like Summer Knits and Neons & Neutrals have been rich sources of knitting inspiration this month. The designs inside feel mythic and modern all at once, and I can already tell they’ll shape my future makes. And as always, new yarns like Holst Supersoft and that magical skein of Felix in Ichigo bring so much possibility to the table.

These yarns aren’t just about color or fiber—they’re about texture, memory, and creative spark. And that’s exactly what I love sharing: the emotional journey behind every stitch.

Why Personalizing Patterns Matters

Personalizing a project like the Tegna sweater isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about building a handmade wardrobe that reflects your creativity, body, and lifestyle. Whether you’re trying your first modification or diving deep into design, know this: your creativity deserves space.

If you’ve been dreaming about making a pattern your own, let this post be your nudge. Try a lace collar, add some contrast, change the construction. You don’t need permission to tweak a pattern—you just need curiosity.

This post was all about Tegna sweater modification. I'd love to know: what's the boldest change you've ever made to a knitting pattern? Let me know in the comments, or tag me in your next creative project!