Knitting

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Knit Mabel’s Sweater from Only Murders

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I didn’t expect to like the show “Only Murders in the Building” as much as I do, but one draw of the show, in which neighbors investigate murders for their true-crime podcast, is definitely the costumes, especially the knitwear.

Selena Gomez’s character Mabel wears a lot of great knits, and Joji Locatelli was inspired a yellow sweater featured in the very first episode of the show.

This top down waddle textured pullover is knit in Mabel’s signature yellow color, but you can use any fingering weight yarn you like. The design is actually pretty simple as it uses regular ribbing and fisherman’s rib, which looks like brioche but is a lot easier to do.

The pattern comes in 9 sizes, with actual bust circumference measurements ranging from 30.5 to 62.5 inches, or 76 to 156 cm. It’s meant to be worn with 2-4 inches/5-10 cm of positive ease, so you can pick the size that fits you best with that in mind.

The somewhat close fit and raglan sleeves make this sweater easy to wear and it’s sure to be a new favorite for fall and to layer with in colder weather. This one reminds me of some of my favorite textured tops that I’ve purchased, and I actually already bought this pattern so I can make one as soon as I make some room in my knitting schedule.

You can get your copy of the pattern on Ravelry. While you’re there take a scroll through the projects gallery so you can see how it looks in different colors and on different bodies if you’re not into the yellow. There are lots of really pretty options in there!

If you’ve never worked fisherman’s rib before, it’s really easy, but if you want some practice before you take on this project, check out my fisherman rib scarf, which is worked on big needles and is a super quick knit to get you comfortable with the concept.

[Photo: Joji Locatelli]

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Comments

  1. I’m just getting into Only Murders in the Building, and I’m loving every piece of knit wear. Mabel’s sweaters, Steve Martin’s cardigans, and Martin Short’s scarves and sweaters really make the show. I grew up watching Steve Martin and Martin Short, and they are the best comedic duo.

Have you read?

Vintage Baby Sweater Knitting Pattern PDF – Baby Cardigan and Crew Neck Jumper

There is something very sweet about vintage baby knitting patterns, especially the ones that still feel wearable today. This Vintage Baby Sweater Knitting Pattern PDF from the CraftGossipStore has that lovely old-fashioned charm without looking fussy or too dated, which is exactly what makes it a nice find for knitters who enjoy making baby gifts with a bit of heirloom feeling.

The pattern includes two classic baby sweater styles: a textured crew neck jumper and cardigan options with raglan sleeves. The stitch pattern gives the finished pieces that beautiful handmade texture we all love, but it still feels practical enough for real babies — not just the kind of outfit that gets worn for one photo and then carefully folded away forever.

You can find the pattern here: Vintage Baby Sweater Knitting Pattern PDF from CraftGossipStore.

This is a restored vintage knitting pattern delivered as a printable PDF, so there is no physical pattern posted out. After purchase, the file is available through Etsy as an instant digital download, which is handy if you’re the sort of knitter who gets an idea at 9 pm and wants to cast on before common sense has a chance to intervene.

The pattern is designed for 8 ply / DK weight yarn, which makes it a practical choice because DK baby yarn is easy to find in soft modern colours. It uses 3.25 mm and 4 mm knitting needles, along with stitch holders, buttons for the cardigan versions, a yarn needle, scissors, and measuring tape.

What I like about this pattern is the flexibility. Worked in cream, lemon, powder blue, sage green, oatmeal, dusty pink, or warm beige, it would suit either a traditional baby wardrobe or a more modern neutral nursery style. The cardigan version is especially practical because cardigans are always easier when dressing little ones. Anyone who has ever tried to wriggle a jumper over a sleepy baby’s head will understand that immediately.

Because this is a vintage pattern, it is worth remembering that older knitting patterns are often written more briefly than modern ones. They tend to assume the knitter already knows a few things, so I’d recommend this for confident beginners through to intermediate knitters rather than someone picking up needles for the very first time. If you’re comfortable reading shaping instructions, checking gauge, working textured stitches, and sewing seams neatly, this should be a very satisfying little project.

Before starting, make a tension square. I know, I know — no one wants to hear it, but baby garments are small enough that gauge really does matter. A tiny difference in tension can quickly change the finished size, and nobody wants to finish a beautiful baby cardigan only to discover it fits a doll or a toddler with very optimistic shoulders.

This pattern would make a lovely baby shower gift, newborn photo outfit, heirloom baby knit, or handmade market sample. It is also a nice choice for knitters who enjoy vintage patterns but prefer having them cleaned up into a more usable digital format.

If you need supplies, look for a soft DK baby yarn, smooth knitting needles, small cardigan buttons, stitch holders, and a blunt yarn needle for finishing. Mary Maxim is always worth checking for baby yarns and classic knitting supplies, while Amazon can be handy for basics like stitch holders, measuring tapes, button packs, and printed pattern binders if you like keeping your PDF patterns organised.

For anyone who enjoys traditional baby knitting, this is a sweet little pattern with plenty of charm. It has that “made by Grandma, kept forever” feeling, but with enough simplicity to make it useful for everyday babywear too.