I have just about finished knitting a baby cardigan - “Sophie’s Sunday Best” - https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sophies-sunday-best-cardigan
my last step is to sew in the sleeves. No sure what method to use or exactly the best way to sew the sleeves in. I’ve pinned in one sleeve. Would appreciate any suggestions. Thank you so much!
Charlene
I’ve added this sweet sweater to my favorites. You’ve worked it so nicely.
Here’s a video for mattress stitch to set in the sleeve. You’ve dont the right thing by pinning this in. The pins help keep you on track with the seam.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urOn3DSHBlc
The example has the side seam open so that you can seam the sleeve and body at the same time but you may just have to set in the sleeve into the armhole opening.
You could also seam with a backstitch from the wrong side but if you can get the mattress stitch to work it seems neater.
The sides are not open unfortunately. I prefer mattress stitch also but it’s a little difficult to lay the sleeve and body flat since the sides are not open.
Thank you!!!
Charlene
Mattress stitch will still work as will the sewn backstitch. Just take it slowly and carefully. It’s small so there’s not so much seam to work on the other hand it’s small and not so easily spread out.
It’ll be worth the time it takes!
Slow and steady. I’ll try mattress stitch. That’s my preference. Thank you’
Let us know how it goes.
When the sleeve cannot be laid flat it’s a bit harder to pull on one end of the mattress stitch yarn to tighten it up because it’s travelling around the curve. I saw a tip I love and like to use now and thought I’d share.
Instead of starting at the underarm and working all the way around and back to the underarm at the other side, begin the seam at the top of the shoulder with half the yarn length, then go back to the shoulder pick up the other half length of yarn and seam down the other side. Both sides are easier to “zip up” the mattress stitch as there is a clearer path of travel, less curve.
When I begin this I cut enough yarn for the whole seam, find the half way point, put in a slip knot in the seaming thread and place a removable marker into the slip knot. This acts as a visual marker so I don’t accidentally draw too much yarn to one side, it also prevents accidentally pulling the entire strand through the seam.
I like to leave the marker in there whilst I seam the second half, it gives me a clear place where I can pull out the yarn strand if I didn’t get the seam just right. Once I know its right I undo the marker and slip knot and just draw through that last bit of slack.
Tails are at the underarm as usual for weaving in or faux grafting any little gap.
This cardigan is lovely someone will be a very well dressed baby.
Great tip. I will definitely use your suggestion. Thank you!!!
Happy knitting.
Charlene
Whew! Sleeves in. I used your advice and mattress stitch to sew in the sleeves. I just need to block and add the buttons. Thanks again.
Best,
Charlene
It turned out great.
So beautiful congratulations 
It’s beautiful!! I may make this for my granddaughter-to-be!!
And I’m going to use the suggestion for the sleeves on my two sweaters I’m knitting for my kids.
Love this forum!!
Thank you so much!!! I love this forum too. The pattern was pretty straightforward. I always get great advice/tips here. Enjoy and congratulations on your new grandchild joining your family. Nothing better!!!
Happy knitting. 
Thank you!
Thank you and thanks again for your help!!!
You’re welcome. It’s nice to be able to help here and there.
Hi:
This sounds like a great tip since I too always have difficulty with the sweater sleeves I make for my grandchildren . Is there a video to show this I’m much better understanding with a visual then reading. Thanks
Sorry, I have no idea which video I saw this tip in but this one looks good
It does show the direction of seaming from shoulder to underarm, with half the yarn. It doesn’t show placing a slip knot and stitch marker in the slip knot to prevent pulling the yarn out by mistake, I just started doing that after pulling my yarn so much I undid my seam and needed to prevent it happening again. I also do this with straight seams too now.
Thank you I’ll take a look, any advise will help. Cheers!
