Many knitters, especially those who are not very experienced, have difficulty when it comes to knitting armholes. Of course, when we knit a model from a magazine, the description says how to decrease the stitches. But what should we do if the pattern we are knitting is a product of our imagination and inspiration, or if there is no description for this pattern? After reading this article, you will see that knitting armholes with knitting needles is not at all difficult. Here I will show you a simple diagram for calculating stitch decreases for an armhole.
Methods for calculating loops for knitting armholes.
1. Firstly, you can knit the piece in a straight line, without making decreases for the armholes. You will get a model with a slightly lowered sleeve.
You will get a model with a slightly lowered sleeve.
Such an armhole is good in products with a loose silhouette. I will also note that knitting a sleeve will also not be difficult, since you will not need to knit the edging, the edging line of the sleeve will be straight, without bends, and you will just need to close all the loops of the sleeve. Here is an example of such a pattern.
2. Calculation of loops for knitting deep armholes
First we determine how many loops need to be reduced. As a rule, the width of the armhole is 4-6 cm. We count how many loops are contained in the number of centimeters we need. To do this, you just need to attach a ruler to the product and count the number of loops in the number of centimeters you need. Divide the resulting number of loops into 3 parts. If this number is not divisible without a remainder, then this remainder must be added to the first part of the loops, which is closer to the side seam.
This results in 3 blocks of loops, which we close as follows:
1.
2.
3.
The third part of the loops - we decrease one loop in every second row. Example: the number of loops that are decreased for the armhole line is 11. Divide into 3 parts of 3, 4 and 4 loops. We close the first 4 loops of the first part, then in each second row we close 2 loops (loops of the second part), then we close 3 times one loop (the loops of the first part).
Calculation of loops for knitting armholes of products with a high knitting density.
It is used if the number of loops being closed is more than 15. The scheme is similar to the one described above. 
First we determine how many loops need to be reduced. As a rule, the width of the armhole is 4-6 cm. We count how many loops are contained in the number of centimeters we need. To do this, apply a ruler to the product and count the number of loops in the number of centimeters you need. Divide the resulting number of loops into 4 parts. If this number is not divisible without a remainder, then this remainder must be added to the first part of the loops, which is closer to the side seam.
It turns out 4 blocks of loops, which we close as follows:
1.
We close the first part of the loops in one step.
2.
We close the second part of the loops in 2 steps: we divide the loops into two parts and close them in every second row. If you again did not get an even number of loops, then remember the rule: add the remainder to the part that is closer to the side seam.
3.
We close the third part of the loops in three steps: divide the number of loops by three. We close every third in every second row.
4.
The fourth part of the loops is reduced by one loop in every second row. If in the third part one loop was also closed in every second row, but the loops of the fourth part must be reduced by one loop in every fourth row.
Example: For the armhole line you need to cast off 25 stitches. Divide this number into 4 parts, we get 6, 6, 6, 7 loops in the block. First we close 7 loops of the first block. Then we close the loops of the second block: in every second row we close 3 loops 1 time, then 3 loops the second time. Next we close the loops of the third block: in every second row 3 times 2 loops. We close the loops of the fourth block 6 times, 1 loop in every second row.
Many knitters, especially those who are not very experienced, have difficulty when it comes to knitting armholes. Of course, when we knit a model from a magazine, the description says how to decrease the stitches. But what should we do if the pattern we are knitting is a product of our imagination and inspiration, or if there is no description for this pattern? After reading this article, you will see that knitting armholes with knitting needles is not at all difficult. Here I will show you a simple diagram for calculating stitch decreases for an armhole.
Methods for calculating loops for knitting armholes.
1. Firstly, you can knit the piece in a straight line without making a decrease for the armholes
You will get a model with a slightly lowered sleeve.
Such an armhole is good in products with a loose silhouette. I will also note that knitting a sleeve will also not be difficult, since you will not need to knit the edging, the edging line of the sleeve will be straight, without bends, and you will just need to close all the loops of the sleeve. Here is an example of such a pattern.
But if you are knitting a tight-fitting model, then in order for it to fit well, you need to make decreases for the armholes. In fact, there is nothing complicated in calculating how to knit armholes.
2. Calculation of loops for knitting deep armholes
At first . As a rule, the width of the armhole is 4-6 cm. We count how many loops are contained in the number of centimeters we need. To do this, you just need to attach a ruler to the product and count the number of loops in the number of centimeters you need.
Divide the resulting number of loops into 3 parts. If this number is not divisible without a remainder, then this remainder must be added to the first part of the loops, which is closer to the side seam. This results in 3 blocks of loops, which we close as follows:
1. The first part of the loops close in one go.
2. Second part
3. The third part of the loops - Decrease one stitch in every second row.
Example: the number of loops that are decreased for the armhole line is 11. Divide into 3 parts of 3, 4 and 4 loops. We close the first 4 loops of the first part, then in each second row we close 2 loops (loops of the second part), then we close 3 times one loop (the loops of the first part).
Calculation of loops for knitting armholes of products with a high knitting density.
It is used if the number of loops being closed is more than 15. The scheme is similar to the one I gave above.
At first determine how many loops need to be decreased. As a rule, the width of the armhole is 4-6 cm. We count how many loops are contained in the number of centimeters we need. To do this, apply a ruler to the product and count the number of loops in the number of centimeters you need.
Divide the resulting number of loops into 4 parts. If this number is not divisible without a remainder, then this remainder must be added to the first part of the loops, which is closer to the side seam. It turns out 4 blocks of loops, which we close as follows:
1. The first part of the loops close in one go.
2. Part two We close the loops in 2 steps: we divide the loops into two parts and close them in every second row. If you again did not get an even number of loops, then remember the rule: add the remainder to the part that is closer to the side seam.
3 . The third part of the loops close in three steps: divide the number of loops by three. We close every third in every second row.
4. A quarter of the loops - Decrease one stitch in every second row. If in the third part one loop was also closed in every second row, but the loops of the fourth part must be reduced by one loop in every fourth row.
Example: for the armhole line you need to cast off 25 loops. Divide this number into 4 parts, we get 6, 6, 6, 7 loops in the block. First we close 7 loops of the first block. Then we close the loops of the second block: in every second row we close 3 loops 1 time, then 3 loops the second time. Next we close the loops of the third block: in every second row 3 times 2 loops. We close the loops of the fourth block 6 times, 1 loop in every second row.
If something seems unclear to you, or you are unable to calculate the stitches for knitting armholes, please contact us! I will definitely help you!
Beginning knitters are often afraid to take on the sleeves. In fact, there is nothing impossible about this. This article shows several simple ways to knit sleeves yourself using knitting needles.
Let's start with the simplest method of knitting sleeves, which is very convenient for children's models. Such sleeves can always be knitted to the desired length. An approximate pattern is given in this photo:
The photo shows that the back and front are knitted as a simple rectangle, without knitting the armhole. After connecting the shoulder seams, we cast on loops directly from the edge loops along the armhole line: half the width of the sleeve along the front, half along the back. It should be taken into account that when casting on loops, two loops are cast on from each edge, one behind the front wall, the other behind the back. If the pattern is very voluminous, then you can alternate the set: two loops from one edge, one from the other. Then the armhole will neither gather nor stretch.
Well, if you have no desire to fuss with sleeves, please yourself with a light and warm product.
Learning to correctly calculate rows for decreasing
The number of rows to reduce the sleeve width can be calculated based on the finished front or back. Mentally place the pattern on the shelf or back. The sleeve cuff will fit on the elastic of the main part. Using a ruler, measure the required length of the sleeve and half its width. Now connect the intersection point of these lines with the beginning of the cuff. It will be immediately clear after how many rows you need to decrease the loops.
Exactly the same calculation will be for knitting from the bottom, from the cuff. Only the loops will need to be cast on, not reduced. To avoid holes, it is better to knit an additional loop from the loop of the previous row, and not with a yarn over.
We knit sleeves using knitting needles using the raglan technique
You can quite simply knit a raglan sleeve on top. This method allows you to try on the product as you knit it: the location of the armpits, the length of the sleeve, the length of the product. The figure below shows an approximate diagram of a product with raglan sleeves:
Based on the pattern, calculate the number of stitches needed for the neckline. If there is no fastener, then you can start knitting on sock knitting needles. As the number of loops increases, switch to circular ones. If the model has a fastener, then you can knit on straight knitting needles.
Divide the number of cast-on loops by 4; the raglan line will run along these loops. If the sleeves are knitted on straight needles, then divide one of the parts in half for the fastener.
Mark the loops of the raglan lines with colored thread or pins so that you don’t miss them when you start working. This photo shows very clearly how to knit sleeves on top:
If knitting is done in the round, then increases are made in every odd row. If knitting is done on straight knitting needles, then increase in the front rows, knit the purl rows according to the pattern.
If you want the raglan line to be clearly visible, then always knit the marked stitches, and make additions before and after them, as shown in the photo:
Adding loops can be done either by yarn over or by knitting two loops from one. Yarns create holes in the pattern, while knitted loops maintain an even, smooth fabric. Depending on the chosen pattern, you can choose one or another method of adding loops.
In this way, knit to the level of the armpits. Next, the sleeve loops are removed using additional knitting needles or pins. Continue knitting the main parts of the raglan sleeve to the required length.
Such sleeves are used when, because this is a complex and painstaking technique.
Seamless knitting and unrolled fabric
You can continue making the sleeve in two ways: seamless and unfolded fabric, which is then stitched.
For seamless knitting, the removed sleeve stitches are picked up on sock or circular knitting needles. Mark a loop that will serve as a guide for reducing the width of the sleeve. Regardless of the pattern, the thickness of the yarn and knitting needles, or the size of the product, there is a general rule for decreasing (adding) the width of the sleeve.
For arms of normal thickness and length, decreasing (adding) stitches is done every 6th row. If the arms are full and short - in every 4th row. With thin and long arms, decreasing (adding) loops is done every 6-8 rows. In children's models, once the required sleeve length has been reached, the excess width can simply be collected before knitting the cuff by decreasing loops 2-3 together in the last row. Count how many stitches you need for the cuff and how many are left in the row in front of the cuff. Determine the difference in stitches and distribute them evenly across the row, calculating after how many loops you will need to decrease.
We try to hide the raglan line with our own hands
If you want to know how to hide the raglan line, then we answer - adding loops in the first row is done by knitting three from the marked loop: knit, yarn over, knit. The next row is knitted according to the pattern. In the third row, adding loops is done from a knitted yarn over: knit, yarn over, knit. Thus, the raglan line will always follow the knitted yarn over. The photo below clearly shows that the place where the loops were added is almost invisible.
This original method allows you to create the appearance of the integrity of the canvas; it is more suitable for openwork patterns with a large number of yarn overs. This will hide the raglan line.
This type of sleeve is ideal for knitting, which even a beginner can knit.
Schemes describing the creation of a figured armhole
And finally, it’s time to describe how to correctly knit a sleeve with a figured armhole. Since the article is intended for beginner knitters, for the first products I would advise choosing models from magazines with a detailed description of the sequence of knitting parts. Once you understand the principle of knitting various lines, you can begin to create your own patterns.
The good thing about things made with your own hands is their originality. Therefore, each model has its own sleeve shape and the calculation of increases and decreases is also different. But still, I will give several ways to knit the okat of a set-in sleeve.
Just as in the previous methods, the set-in sleeve can be started from the top and bottom. One of the ways to knit an okat from below is shown in the figure below:
- The principle of sleeve expansion remains the same as in previous methods of knitting sleeves.
- The numbers on the sleeve cap show how many stitches need to be decreased in each row.
- In the first row of the okat we immediately close off (do not knit together!) 4 loops. We knit the row to the end.
- Turn it to the wrong side and then close the same 4 loops.
- In the next row we already knit 3 loops together on each side.
- And so on according to the knitting pattern.
- The designation 1x18 means that in the next 18 rows you need to decrease 1 loop.
- In the last, top row, close off the remaining few loops at once.
Knitting an original pattern without using a pattern
If you decide to knit your model without a pattern, then this method of knitting a set-in sleeve cap may be suitable.
- In the first row of the okat we close off 3 loops.
- We make all the decreases in the front rows.
- In the 3rd and 5th rows we decrease 2 loops from each edge, i.e. knit 3 loops together.
- In the next 12 front rows we decrease 1 loop (knit 2 together).
- Then 2 times 2 loops (3 together), once 3, once 4 loops.
- Close off the remaining stitches in one row.
Product creation short rows quickly and easily
If you know how to knit in short rows, then you can use the following method of knitting a sleeve cap.
- In the first row we close the same 3-4 loops.
- And you do not knit the same number of stitches to the end of each front row as indicated in the previous method.
- Those. Having not completed the required number of stitches to the end of the row, turn the work and go back.
- It’s better to write down the decrease pattern so that you don’t have to calculate again in the second sleeve.
- If you have enough thread, it is better to run both sleeves parallel at once.
It is a little more difficult to knit such a sleeve on top, but you won’t have to sew it in. Therefore, it is better to watch the master class in the video below.
If you haven’t mastered the technique of knitting sleeves, try knitting it yourself.
Video for beginners
We hope that the things you knit yourself will bring joy to you and your loved ones for a long time.
A set-in sleeve with a rounded shape is the most common type of sleeve in knitted items. Correctly calculating the curves of the sleeve and armhole is perhaps the most important thing in any knitted model. You have already read in more detail about how to construct a sleeve pattern and calculate all increases and decreases in the previous article. Today we will tell you how to make beautiful and smooth decreases for the armhole of a set-in sleeve .
As a rule, rounded armholes are made on classic models with a round neck and slightly sloping shoulders. To knit sleeves and a rounded armhole, it is enough to master the fastening and decreasing of loops.
Armhole, front and back measurements:
The front and back openings can be either the same or a little deeper in the front.
- The sleeve opening must be the same in front and back. After completing the armhole, decreases are made for the sleeve cap.
- In this case, the shoulder line can be either straight, slightly beveled or rounded.
How to calculate stitch decreases
To calculate the number of decreased stitches in the front and back armholes:
a) subtract the loops at the neck and shoulders from the total number of loops,
b) divide the resulting number of loops by 2, as a result you will get the number of loops that need to be removed to form a floodplain on both sides,
c) in the first row, cast off 3-4 loops at once, then in every second row, 1 loop 2 times, then cast off 1 loop until the required number of loops remains.
For knitting sleeves:
For the sleeve armhole, perform the same decreases as in point c). Then round the top of the sleeve. To do this, decrease 1 or 2 stitches in every second row until a few stitches remain.
To form an armhole, it is necessary to both decrease the loops and close them. Cast off the stitches at the beginning of the row. Reducing the loops that model the armhole can be done along the edges or inside the row, due to this a decorative effect is achieved - a thin side with a slope to the right or left.
When modeling an armhole, it is necessary to close and reduce a certain number of loops
The loops should be closed at the beginning of the row; decreases that form the armhole should be made inside the row or along the edges. This creates a decorative effect (eg a border pointing to the left or right).
How to bind off the loops at the beginning of the armhole
On the front side of the product, close the first loops (the number of loops is indicated in the description of the work). Remove 1 loop without knitting, knit the next one according to the pattern and pull it through the removed one. Continue knitting according to the pattern, turning the work after finishing the row. On the wrong side, close the loops in the same way. (Figure 1.)
Decrease stitches with knitting needles inside the row on the right
To complete the armhole, decrease 1 - 2 stitches after the 2 or 3 outer stitches of the row. On the right side of the work (at the beginning of the row), knit 2 - 3 loops along the pattern and then 2 - 3 loops along with a slant to the left. To do this, remove the loop as in knitting without knitting, knit 1, pull the knit stitch through the removed loop. (Figure 2.)
Decrease stitches with knitting needles inside the row on the left
On the front side of the work (at the end of the row), knit up to the last 4 - 5 stitches according to the pattern. Next, knit 2-3 loops together, then knit the last 2-3 loops according to the pattern. (Figure 3.)
Decrease along the edge of the canvas
This method of decreasing stitches is very convenient when knitting the neckline and armholes of a product.
Having knitted the row to the end, do not knit the last two loops.
Insert the right knitting needle into two loops behind the back wall and knit.
Another smooth way
Let's say we need to close the armhole loops on both sides in this order: first 4 loops, then in every 2nd row: 3 loops, 2 loops, 1 loop.
To do this, close groups of loops (except for the first of 4 loops) in parts: 1+2, 1+1, 1.
The first part - 1 loop is closed at the end of the row when knitting 2 loops together, the remaining loops are closed at the beginning of the next row. Well, now in more detail:
1. From the front side at the beginning of the row we close off, as the pattern shows, a group of 4 loops, then we knit the remaining loops to the end of the row.
2. On the wrong side at the beginning of the row, we also close 4 loops, knit a row and at the end of it, we knit the last 2 loops (edge and previous) together with a knit loop - this way we close 1 of the 3 loops necessary for closing.
3. Close off 2 more loops on the front side. At the end of the front row we knit the last 2 loops together.
4. From the wrong side at the beginning of the row we close 2 loops - the closure of groups of 3 loops in the armholes is completed. At the end of the same row we knit the last 2 stitches together.
5. From the front side we bind off 1 loop, at the end of this row we knit the last 2 loops together with the front one.
6. From the wrong side we close 1 loop - the closure of groups of 2 loops is completed. At the end of the row we knit the last 2 stitches together.
7. On the front side at the beginning of the row we no longer close the loops, but at the end, as usual, we knit 2 loops together with the front one. All necessary loops are closed!
Closing loops without "steps"
Suppose that to form an armhole line, you need to close the part on each side in every 2nd row 1 time 5 loops, 1 time 3 loops, 1 time 2 loops and 1 time 1 loop.
1.Tie the piece to the point where the armhole line begins to form.
2.From the front side of the work, begin to form the right armhole. Cast off 5 stitches and knit the piece to the end of the row.
3.On the wrong side of the work, purl 5 loops and knit to the end of the row, except for the very last loop.
4.Slip the last stitch from the left needle to the right one without knitting the thread before work.
5.From the front side of the work, without knitting, remove the 1st and 2nd loops.
6.Pull the first loop through the second, thus closing one loop out of the three required. Cast off 2 more stitches in the usual way and knit to the end of the row, except for the very last stitch.
7.On the wrong side of the work, repeat steps 5 and 6.
8.On the front and back sides of the work, bind off 2 loops, applying the rules described in steps 4.5.6.
9. Instead of closing 1 loop, use the technique of knitting two loops together with a tilt to the right on the right side of the part and with a tilt to the left on the left side of the part at a distance of one or two loops from the edge.
Armhole tying method
It is done like this: a set of loops from the front side along the edge of the entire armhole, turn the product to the wrong side. side. 1 row is knitted from the wrong side (it forms the edge while simultaneously closing the loops): knit 2, remove 2 loops separately as knit stitches, knit these 2 loops together behind the back wall, slip all 3 resulting loops from the right needle back to the left. repeat first until the last 3 loops remain, then knit 1, knit 2 together, pass through the first. tighten the thread. At first it’s not clear what’s happening, but after 10-12 loops everything becomes clear! the result is that it looks like a lace of three loops is sewn on with an edging, but in fact nothing is sewn on, and the edge is neat and tight. I noticed that my foreign colleagues never crochet the edges, but use this method. Suitable for armholes, necklines and even front panels.
/ 12.12.2015 at 21:31
Greetings, friends!
Today’s article is devoted to a narrow but relevant topic from the category of technology for processing parts of knitted products, namely, we will look at how to design an armhole line by decreasing loops for this. Beginning knitters, as a rule, do not bother with armholes when they begin to create their first knitted products . Fortunately, the soft and elastic texture of the knitted fabric allows you to cut the sleeve in the armhole area simply in a straight line (Fig. 1), or knit a raglan sleeve, which is also not very difficult (Fig. 2).
Knitting a thing with a set-in sleeve is really not so simple in the sense that the sleeve must perfectly “fit” into the armhole, and for this you already need to knit according to a more complex pattern and make some calculations. But if you do everything correctly, then any problem is not as difficult as it seems.
Let's look at decreasing the stitches for the armhole with knitting needles in the case when you want to knit an elegant product with a set-in sleeve. Let's focus on two main methods.
First way
Let's assume that you have a product pattern that suits your size. Usually in such cases, all parts of the product begin to be knitted from the bottom. We knit the back or front part evenly until the beginning of the armhole. Then we apply the knitted fabric to the pattern and use it to determine how many loops need to be closed. We begin to close the loops at the beginning of the row. For example, in order for the edge of the armhole to fit exactly according to the pattern, you first need to close 3 loops, then 2, then 1, and then maybe you won’t even have to close all the way to the shoulder line. Or maybe you still have to close off 1 loop at a time, but after 3 rows - it all depends on the shape of the armhole line on the pattern - you just need to check it. Sometimes you have to close more loops: 4, or even 5 at first, then gradually reduce them. I repeat, it all depends on the pattern, and also on the thickness of the yarn and the density of the knitting.
It is clear that the loops need to be closed on both sides of the part symmetrically, and we close each time at the beginning of the row. Therefore: we knit, for example, the back - we closed 3 loops for the armhole for the first time at the beginning of the front row and knit the row to the end, then we turn the knitting and at the beginning of the purl row we also close 3 loops. We continue - at the beginning of the front row we close 2 loops, and 2 loops we close at the beginning of the next purl row, and so on. I think everything here is extremely simple and clear. If we knit the fronts separately, then for the armhole on the left front we close the loops at the beginning of the front rows, and for the right front - at the beginning of the purl rows.
And if suddenly you don’t have a pattern, or don’t want to bother with it, then we do it even simpler. We just take our factory blouse that fits you well and use it instead of a pattern. We apply the knitting to the armhole line and figure out how many and where loops need to be closed.
Second way
This method is somewhat more complicated than the first. In it, the loops are not closed, but reduced, knitting 2 or 3 loops together. But in this case you can get a beautiful shaped line of decreasing loops, like on factory items:
- Note: It makes sense to do such a shaped line for decreasing loops along the armhole line if this happens against the background stockinette stitch. If your main pattern is more complex, then it is better to use the first method - simply close the loops.
How to reduce loops along the armhole line using a shaped line? We do this (a pattern or a finished blouse will still be needed instead). Using the pattern, we determine how many centimeters you should remove as a result of bending the armhole. Let's assume it's 6 cm. Next, using your knitted piece, determine how many loops you have in 6 cm - let's say 12 loops. Therefore, you need to decrease 12 stitches. Then we divide: 12: 3 = 4. We found that we need to decrease loops by knitting 3 loops together 4 times. For beauty, this can be done every 3 rows, or first after 3, then after 5 - to reduce the steepness of the bevel line (see photo 1). Moreover, if the armhole line is more curved, for example in the front, then we decrease 3 loops. And on the back this line is smoother - we decrease 2 loops. We make calculations accordingly.
Before decreasing the loops, it is advisable to close 2 or 3 loops on each side of the part at least once in order to get a kind of “serif” and make it easier to sew in the sleeves later. Then, after 1 row, we begin to directly decrease the loops.
- Let's look at how to decrease 3 loops at a time. To decrease at the right edge We knit the front details at the beginning of the front row: 1 edge; 2 facial; then 3 together in this way: knit 2 knit stitches together with a slant to the left, return the loop formed as a result of this to the left knitting needle, pick up the next loop with the right knitting needle from below under the back wall and pull the re-cast loop through it (the loop going along the top should lean to the right – photo 2). Next, we knit a row as usual, and after 3 rows (or after 5 rows) at the beginning of the front row we do the same, and repeat this the required number of times (in my example, 4 times).
To decrease stitches left edge details we do like this. Not reaching the end of the front row by 6 loops, taking into account the edge loop, we knit: 3 loops together like this: we remove the first loop, we knit the next 2 stitches together with a slant to the right and pull them through the removed loop (the loop going along the top tilts to the left), then 2 front loops and an edge loop. We do the same after 3 rows (5 rows) at the end of the front row the required number of times.
- Decrease 2 loops at a time is much easier. Simply decreasing at the right edge, we knit through 3-5 rows not 3, but 2 knit stitches together with a slant to the right, and decreasing at the left edge - 2 knit stitches together with a slant to the left.
These are the 2 ways to decrease the loops for the armhole that we looked at in this article. As you can see, everything is simple. It will be a little more difficult with the sleeve, and we will talk about this in the next article.
