Hi! :waving:
I’m on a crusade this week to finish up all those projects that have been waiting for their non-knitting parts to be completed - blocking the pieces, sewing up sides, shoulders, etc.
I haven’t done many sweaters and would like to know which method is best for sewing in set-in sleeves. I’m just finishing a cardigan and am nearly ready to set in the sleeves.
What’s the best way to do this?
Thanks in advance for your advice!
Happy knitting,
Ruthie
I like to finish the shoulder seams and then safety pin the sleeve into the space between the armhole decreases (or into the correct measurement for the armhole if it’s a dropped sleeve). I use safety pins or clips to distribute the sleeve cap in the armhole space and then try the sweater on to make sure it all looks right. Last thing is to sew up the sides and sleeve seams. Congrats on finishing these projects and enjoy wearing them!
Hi! :waving:
The problem I’m having is that once I pin in the sleeve, easing it as salmonmac mentioned (thanks!) and then start to set it in, no matter what stitch I use I get this bulky seam. Is there some magical stitch that will help reduce the bulk.
On a side seam the mattress stitch seems to make a nice smooth join but I’m just really frustrated with this bulk thing going on with the stitching.
Any suggestions will be appreciated!
Ruthie 
I’ve always done top down or bottom up seamless, but I found this link that looks very helpful!
http://www.mariegracedesigns.com/marie_grace/2008/01/blocking-and-se.html
Jan, Thanks for the tutorial site. I’ve never tried mattress st on set in sleeves before. Will try next time.
Ruthie, The tutorial has step by step pictures for setting in sleeves and I think the mattress st is a great idea. I always seam as close as I can to the edge so that there is only one st from the body and one from the sleeve in the seam. If your yarn is bulky, you might try a thinner yarn in a compatible color for seaming.
Hi! :waving:
I really appreciate the help! Jan, that tutorial is super and I’m sure it’ll be a big help as I do more garments. Although I had a certain amount of bulk in the set in sleeve seam, I somehow managed to get the project finished and it looks pretty OK! Next time, with the help of this tutorial, I’m sure my sleeves will be set in much better.
Salmonmac, I agree about the mattress stitch joining. I tried that but wasn’t actually doing it right so I still wound up with the bulky seams. BUT, knit, live and learn! Next time it’ll be better. Meanwhile, the sweater (for my 80 year old godmother) will be enjoyed anyway!
Happy knitting,
Ruthie