Big Baby Head

4429club · 07-15-2007, 07:44 PM

I am knitting a size 1-2 pullover for a little guy who has an 18" head. Is there a bind-off that is stretchy? I have re-done the sweater neckline twice and it looks sloppy with a loose bind-off. The neckline has a six row ribbing followed by six rows of stockinette that are to curl. The sleeves and bottom have the same finish. Thanks.

Jan in CA · 07-16-2007, 12:46 AM

You might have to start with a large neck and do fewer increases?

Knitting_Guy · 07-16-2007, 12:51 AM

I understand that there are techniques known to certain South American tribes that could shrink that head.

Ingrid · 07-16-2007, 01:00 AM

Originally Posted by Knitting_Guy

I understand that there are techniques known to certain South American tribes that could shrink that head.

I doubt Mama would approve!

4429club · 07-16-2007, 01:19 AM

Gee, thanks. Can't do much about the head size. I have the ribbing loose enough. It's the bind off that has no stretch. Isn't there a way to knit it off with stretch? I am not a very advanced knitter.

Knitting_Guy · 07-16-2007, 04:26 AM

Take a look at Silver's sock class, the toe up socks tutorial. She shows a stretchy bind off there that might work for you.

marykz · 07-16-2007, 01:33 PM

most baby sweaters button at the shoulder to accomodate their large heads. could you do something like that?

Yarnlady · 07-16-2007, 02:16 PM

Originally Posted by 4429club

I am knitting a size 1-2 pullover for a little guy who has an 18" head. Is there a bind-off that is stretchy?

Try using a sewn bind off.
http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEsummer06/FEATsum06TT.html
I have found it to be very stretchy if you resist snugging up the sewing as you go!

cookworm · 07-16-2007, 03:45 PM

I don't know if it'll help or not (it's not an advanced technique or anything), but I use a larger needle for my bind offs to make them more stretchy. Sometimes I use a needle just a size or two larger, othertimes I've used needles twice the size of the regular needle--it just depends on how stretchy I need it to be, the yarn used, etc.

I have a larger head than "typical" so I can identify with this situation.

jmp3775 · 07-17-2007, 12:12 AM

I was going to suggest the sewn bind off as well.

But I really dont think you need to worry too much about it. 18" isnt a big head for a size 1-2. My 8 mo. old's head is at the top of the growth curve, nut he has a 19" head. And he fits in 6-9 mo. size, no problem. Who told you that 18" was a big head for that age?