How to Shape the Sleeves, Make the Sleeves Longer and Add a Neat Edging to the Top Part of the Tee
In the first part of the knit-along, we cast on stitches, made the edging at the bottom of the tee and then worked in the colour stripe pattern adding perfectly jogless stripes until we finished the body part of the tee.
Now it’s time to shape the sleeves and make the back part of this summer top.
The shaping of the sleeves is done in a very simple way – we’ll make steep increases at each side of the tee. First, we’ll work a preparation round that will help us find and mark the sides of the project. Then we’ll move on to working an increasing round 6 to 9 times depending on the size of the tee.
When the sleeves are shaped, we’ll work one more round. This time, we’ll cross stitches at the underarms to prevent the holes from forming in that area.
From then on, we’ll work only with one half of stitches – the ones that will make the back of the tee. The other half of the stitches (the stitches of the front) will stay on the additional circular needle waiting for its turn.
Before we start making the top part of the back, I’ll explain how to make the sleeves of the tee longer. This adjustment is not a part of the pattern, but since the pattern was released I received this question a number of times. I thought I’d add this explanation to the knit-along. Now, if you do plan to make the sleeves longer, you will know what to do.
I will also address another common question – is it possible to make this project on one long circular needle using the magic loop technique. The short answer is – yes, it is possible but not comfortable. So I still recommend using two circular needles when you knit this summer top. I explain why in this part of the knit-along.
Because the side edges of the back also serve as the sleeve edging, we’ll use slim i-cord and a bit of ribbing to make sure the edging stays flat and looks nice.
Click here to watch this part of the knit-along as a detailed video tutorial.
Next time, we’ll finish the top part of the front. There will be some more relaxed knitting and purling before we get to shape the neckline. We’ll do it with the help of short rows, without cutting the yarn and re-attaching it again.
The instructions are quite straightforward and written out row by row in the pattern. So if you haven’t got a copy of the pattern yet, you can download it at the pattern page.
If you enjoyed this tutorial,
here’s something else you might find helpful:
“Neat Side Edges” Book
Learn twelve ways to make side edges of a knitted project nice and tidy. Plus, ways to fix side edges, and a way to improve edges of finished projects.
Happy knitting!
