My Tip: How to custumize the Nordic Mix Sweater!

The moment I started this sweater, I knew I was in for something special. What sets the Nordic Mix Sweater apart is the way the motifs change so often—you’re never stuck in a repetitive rhythm. That keeps things exciting, but also means you need to stay pretty focused. At first glance, the knitting chart can feel overwhelming, especially if you're newer to colorwork. But trust me: if you take it one row at a time, it’s absolutely manageable.

The pattern’s inspiration is just as cool as the design itself. Laura Dalgaard collected old photos of Scandinavian sweaters, cut them up, and collaged the pieces together to create something entirely new. The result? A sweater that feels both vintage and fresh—kind of like storytelling in yarn.

Construction Details: Knitting in the Round & Steeking

One of my favorite things about this project is that the entire body is knit in the round—no endless rows of back-and-forth! Once the body is done, you steek (yes, cut!) the armholes open. If steeking sounds terrifying, you’re not alone. I hesitated too. But honestly, it went so smoothly, and the freedom of not having to purl every other row was worth it!

If you’re new to steeking techniques, my tip is to follow a simple prep guide: reinforce the stitches (crochet or sewing machine), take a deep breath, and snip. The fabric doesn’t unravel like you’d fear—and the results are so satisfying.

My Customizations: Adjusted Length + Improvised Skirt

Because I can’t help but tweak things to fit my own style, I made two key changes: I shortened the sweater and added a knitted skirt to the hem. Here’s how I made those adjustments without throwing off the design.

Adjusting the Length of a Knitted Sweater

When you’re working with a pattern that has texture or motifs (not just plain stockinette), it helps to plan with a bit of math.

Here’s the formula I used:

(Length to cut or add × row gauge) ÷ 10 = number of rows to cut or add

In my case, I measured how long I wanted the sweater to be, subtracted that from the original length, and converted that number into rows based on my row gauge. Then I spread out the decreases evenly across the body to keep the colorwork pattern looking balanced.

This method works great for any project where you want to personalize the fit, especially in more advanced knitting projects.

How to Improvise a Knitted Skirt

The skirt part of my sweater? Completely improvised—and surprisingly simple once you break it down. Here's the basic framework for creating your own:

1. Calculate Your Cast-On

Measure your waist and adjust for ease depending on how fitted you want it. Then calculate:

Waist (cm) × stitch gauge ÷ 10 = stitches to cast on

2. Plan for Hip Increases

To shape the skirt, you’ll want to increase gradually toward the hips. Use this formula:

(Hip cm − Waist cm) × stitch gauge ÷ 10 = stitches to increase

3. Distribute the Increases

I spread mine out over about 20–25 cm of knitting and placed the increases in 4 or 6 sections to keep the shaping smooth. Increasing two stitches at each point helps maintain the symmetry.

This approach gives you a flattering shape and the flexibility to make something truly unique—perfect for knitters who love personalized knitting projects.

Why This Pattern is Great for Intermediate Knitters

The Nordic Mix Sweater isn’t necessarily a beginner knit—but if you’re comfortable with knitting in the round, following a knitting chart, and want to experiment with modifying sweater patterns, this is a great next step. It offers enough challenge to keep you growing, while still being accessible if you take it one step at a time.

And because the design includes so many different motifs, you’ll get a little taste of everything—from geometric shapes to organic patterns. It’s like a knitting sampler that ends in a wearable, cozy piece of art.

Final Thoughts: Make It Yours

Knitting this sweater reminded me why I love hand-knit garments so much. There’s freedom in being able to adapt a pattern, blend tradition with creativity, and end up with something that feels uniquely you.

Whether you stick to the pattern or throw in a few twists like I did, the Nordic Mix Sweater is a perfect project for anyone who loves bold designs, heritage-inspired knitting, and making pieces that tell a story.

This post was all about the Nordic Mix Sweater and how to make it your own.

Now I’d love to hear from you—have you ever customized a pattern or tried steeking before? Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments below, or tag me on Instagram at @mittfargerike so I can see your take!