So far, I have managed to avoid knitting sleeves on all my knitted projects. However my daughter has asked me to knit her a jumper with sleeves recently. I have started working on the back and I am about half way through.
I am now wondering what would be the best way to work the decreases to shape the armholes so it make a nice edge to sew the sleeves later on.
The pattern says to work 6 rows and decrease 1 st at each end of every row until the arm holes measure 17 cm. I think I have seen in the past a technique where you slip the first stitch before casting off so there is no ladder effect. Is it possible to apply such technique there as I have to do the decrease at end of a row? In your opinion what would be the best way? Thank you for your help !
Jumper with sleeves help with shoulder decreases
There are methods for casting off that leave a smoother, no-stairstep finish but you’re not casting off here at the armhole. You can work a one stitch decrease at each end of the row. A ssk at the beginning of the row and a k2tog at the end of the right side (RS) rows will work. (A p2tog tbl at the beginning of the WS row and a p2tog at the end of the WS row will continue the line of decreases.)
It’s nice to work the decreases one stitch in from the ends of the row to give you a convenient edge for seaming. Since you’re going to seam to a sleeve, a slip stitch really isn’t called for.
That stitch pattern looks fantastic. What is the name of your pattern please?
Thank you for your explanations, it is very helpful.
I found the pattern online, it has the same pattern jumper with different necklines. It is called family sweaters in Sirdar harrap tweed DK 7396.
https://www.lovecrafts.com/en-us/p/family-sweaters-in-sirdar-harrap-tweed-dk-7396-downloadable-pdf
Thank you for the information. Very pretty in all the versions.
I am getting very close to shaping the shoulders now as I understand it is done on only 4 rows for the teenager size.
I have 76 stitches on my needle and the pattern says to cast off 12 stitches in pattern at the beginning of next 2 rows (remaining 52 stitches on the needle). Then I need to cast off 12 stitches again at the beginning of the next 2 rows (28 stitches left on the needle. The remaining stitches will be left on a safety needle to make the neck.
Do I cast off the first stitches the usual way? I am a bit confused… Thank you !
You can use the stitch over stitch bind off as usual. Cast off 12sts, work to the end of the row, turn and cast off 12sts and again work to the end of the row. Repeat this once more.
Here’s a nice way to bind off smoothly if you you’d like to give it a try. It’s not necessary but it’s good to know about even if you don’t use it here.