Joining Sleeves to Body Tutorial | Purl Soho

For an updated version of this tutorial, click here: • Joining Sleeves to Bod...
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[@isobelmiller5993]

Thank you so much for this video! I had no clue what the pattern wanted and I was about to throw my knitting into the corner but now I can actually finish it! :D

[@PurlSoho]

Wonderful! Thanks for writing!

[@gabistephens]

Me too thanks so much

[@martinerobertson5675]

Two desponent years on the needles. I tried with my friend to unravell the mysteries of a very badly organised pattern. We were actually cry/laughing with hysterics. Finally found your video, and were able to bypass the pattern's nonsense, and the knitting is not in the corner, but on it's way to being finished. Thank you so much.

[@mixedandknot5911]

Since 2019 I have bought a lot from Purl Soho online and in NYC store. Besides purchases I download and watch lots of videos for the ease and quick instructions. No time wasted is time gained. This is my favorite store. Thank you so very much.

[@fatdragon3616]

Thank you so much. Yours was the only video I could find that had a pattern the same as the one I'd followed with the sleeves knitted in the round. Great tutorial, much appreciated!

[@valentina1990]

Finally a video that shows you how to actually knit a sweater. Thank you

[@noratombaugh9440]

Hello from Alaska, I am a beginning knitter, about 7 years I have been making, hats, gloves, socks. Your sweat shirt sweater is my first sweater and I am loving it so far, thank you for this easy to follow pattern and this tutorial on joining sleeves. So simple.

[@WilliamsGail1]

I'm new to knitting sweaters in the round and was not able to visualise how to join the sleeves. Thanks to your excellent video it has all been made clear. Thank you so much!!

[@dianescott3515]

Thank you so much for this great tutorial! I now feel like I can knit a bottom-up raglan sweater and understand what I’m doing!

[@PurlSoho]

Thank you for your kind words! We're so glad that you're feeling confident with this type of sweater construction now!

[@harpriyamalhotra6319]

Thank you so much for the tutorial. You have made it so simple when I was so confused how to go about with the joining. GBU 🙏

[@gingermolinero8386]

Thank you for the very clear instructions for attaching sleeves to the body of a sweater and thank you for the excellent camera placement and color choices, made everything easy to see. I am starting my first sweater and sleeve instruction was confusing. Thank you again

[@PurlSoho]

Thanks Ginger!

[@chrisntiffany]

Thank you so much for this explanation! I was really stumped because I just couldn’t picture how this would work out! Haha! I am used to picking up stitches and knitting a sleeve top down. This video was so helpful and easy to understand. Seriously, thank you for taking the time to make it!

[@qldteacher]

I'm so glad I watched that because I didn't know that's how it was done & now I don't feel so scared of trying that construction out 😊🙏🏼

[@julieandjohndecker3990]

Thank you so much for this tutorial. I did not understand the Shawl collar Cardigan knit pattern by Bernal and Yarnspirations when I got to the yoke instructions. It did not explain how to attach the sleeves and you helped immensely!

[@yogeetag5618]

Oh this video is so good! I was knitting a baby jumper for the first time and was trying to figure out on how to join the sleeves to the body for like a month! of all the videos I have seen on KZbin this is by far the best. Thank you so much!

[@cindymswyo]

Thank you so much, I too was ready to stop my sweater. I am a fairly new knitter and you are an excellent instructor!

[@kathyfitz151]

Thank you so much for making this. I've been pondering making a Roslyn(Veronik Avery) and was so confused about how to join the sleeves, and this video shows exactly what I have to do.

[@Ketek131]

Great explanation, I’m doing my first sweater in the round and have been dreading joining the sleeves.

[@pester1estherherron509]

P]00ppp]

[@Lillysternchen5542]

Thank you so much! I didn’t understand my pattern at all. Now I do!

[@sderic917]

Thank you for making this step in my first cardigan crystal clear. ❤

[@courseofbeauty]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! ♡

[@gretchenvdc]

I would have NEVER figured this out on my own! Thanks for the perfect, easy directions!

[@PurlSoho]

So excited you're excited! Thanks Gretchen and happy knitting!

[@Birdmom121]

Thanks so much for this video! I was tearing my hair out over how to do this, convinced I'd gotten something wrong, because the pattern instructions didn't make sense to me. Thanks a million for the clear explanation!

[@PurlSoho]

You're very welcome!

[@waverley610]

Thank you, it has been a while since my last jumper and this was a brilliant refresher. Mesmerised be your throwing finger; what lovely hands you have.

[@PurlSoho]

We'll be certain to pass along the compliment to Laura - thank you so much!

[@leemager128]

A bell rang in my head, oh I understand now! Thank you so very much! I have been battling on whether to tackle this method of pattern for several years. I started following your channel. Thanks again.

[@PurlSoho]

Thanks Lee, and happy knitting!

[@annea6367]

wow! thank you so much for this video! I have knitted sweaters before, but they did require joining the sleeve this way. now i can finish my sweater!

[@tori7635]

I love you. I thought I’d just wasted $ on a pattern I couldn’t understand. You saved my $6 and my sweater. ♥️👊🏼🙏🏼

[@PurlSoho]

Wonderful, Tori! Always happy to help!

[@mrswray]

I just typed this into you tube as a last ditch effort, thanks so much!! Glad to know I can actually finish my project ♥️ what a relief! What do we do with the under arm stitches tho?

[@PurlSoho]

You're very welcome, we're so glad to hear that this video helped you finish your project! After you complete the sweater, you will graft the underarm stitches together using the Kitchener stitch.

[@carolynstone5621]

Exactly what I needed! Thanks!

[@vulcanscorpio]

I love that you are a thrower. I did t even realize that until a few seconds of you knitting. I cannot for the life of me do continental.

[@MegaMindyLou]

I love spending knitting time with you guys. Your longer videos are my fav. ❤️

[@laurietcarlsenlmft4525]

This is a great video. Thank you! I'm knitting a simple sweater in the round, bottom up - but I don't have a pattern. Can you explain how to hold stitches under the arm pit? And how many?

[@ofirshorshy8281]

Thank it is so informative and helpful!! your sweater look amazing

[@bonnadowns524]

Thanks you So Much for this awesome video ( now I’m starting to put my knitting together and how to joint them👌❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏) almost give up… thank you again🤩💝

[@larlakay5034]

I wish you had shown the process of actually knitting all around the sleeve stitches! Because of the length of my needle tips, I can only get these knitted by severely stretching or by slipping onto dpns, knitting, then slipping back. Your circular seems to be about the same length in relation to circumference stitches, so I would really appreciate seeing how you manage it.

[@love_yourself_angel]

thank you! this was incredibly helpful.

[@jokalat1289]

Thank you! Excellent description and just what I needed.

[@elisakuratli1213]

Thank you for this video, it’s really helpful!

[@kathleenoctavio7824]

Omggosh!!!!! Thx sooo much!!!! Great video. Saved my project!!!

[@corindejong8975]

Thank you. I was lost, but now i know what to do❤

[@annieyoung4]

Thank you so much… love this one!

[@lascosasdeltejer]

thanks a lor for the vid.I was out of my mind with this, not being able to get it when explained in the pattern. you saved my sweater!

[@carolehenshall8316]

Thank you! This was doing my head in! 💗💗💗

[@9amStudio]

finally the perfect tutorial

[@amira1208]

I am beginner I am embarrassed to ask how to put sleeve the bottom up yoke at the Ravelry.But finally I understand it. Thank you very much for this tutorial.

[@PurlSoho]

Happy knitting!

[@sandratalarico]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@annmariebusu9924]

Excellent tutorial 👍🏿

[@mymusic4714]

thank you so much! you helped me to knit my sweater!!!

[@julieb2546]

thank you for easing my mind on this technique!

[@agnesadyana7344]

Thank you very much for this video 🙏

[@tinejnsson3485]

Useful

[@romyvz4266]

Very helpful, thank you! I'm knitting my first sweater 🤗

[@PurlSoho]

Wonderful! Happy knitting!

[@gardeniaassis3500]

Vídeo perfeito! Quando realizava a junção das mangas ficavam dois buracos extras em cada manga. Partirei para uma nova tentativa, seguindo cada detalhe explicado no vídeo. Obrigada!

[@PurlSoho]

Obrigado por escrever e boa sorte para seu próximo projeto!

[@Maya7790]

This is very helpfull. Thank you.🥰

[@BM-zq9kz]

Thank you dear very pedagogisk ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@MsPatgab]

Thank you so much! Life saver, this was my first time using circular needles. Great tutorial, much appreciated! Do you have any video showing how to finishing the under arm holes? Thank you!

[@PurlSoho]

HI Gabriela! We certainly do - we like using the Kitchener Stitch method to close off the spaces between the arms and body. You can view that tutorial here - www.purlsoho.com/create/kitchener-stitch-video/ Thanks for writing!

[@MsPatgab]

Thank you so much for getting beck to me, I follow the instructions to joining sleeves, but now I’m having trouble how to finish my sweater, which is the same shape as the one you are showing in this tutorial, if I keep knitting the shoulder will shape up until I get to the neck line? Thank you 🙏

[@PurlSoho]

@@MsPatgab Hi Gabriela! Are you working from a specific pattern? Without seeing that it's hard to help, but if the pattern you are working from indicates the shaping needed for the yoke of the sweater, you should have smooth sailing after joining the sleeves! Let us know and good luck!

[@MsPatgab]

@@PurlSoho thank you again for getting back to me! I created my own pattern, I 🤔 think I figured it out, and according to my measurements I’ll have to decrease to get the right amount of stitches to finish the opening of the neck , I’ll certainly let you know and I can send a picture after I finish! Thank you 🙏 I love the knitting 🧶 community 🥰

[@PurlSoho]

@@MsPatgab How exciting! Good luck!

[@avocadowitchknits6629]

Absolute lifesaver, thank you so much!

[@onwardbe]

Thank you so much

[@lenstorey7070]

So very helpful , Thanks

[@tinejnsson3485]

Thank that was udeluk👍🏼

[@debra9322]

Just what I needed. Thank you!

[@vioricaursache2831]

Interesant mod de lucru !Multumesc pentru tutorial !

[@meganconnoroot6796]

So helpful. Thank you!

[@emilysmith2784]

What do you do with the under arm stitches you had on hold?

[@PurlSoho]

Hi Emily - if you're working from a pattern, it may indicate what to do with those stitches. But conventionally, any underarm stitches will be grafted together. We particular like to use Kitchener Stitch as it appears seamless. Here's out tutorial for Kitchener: www.purlsoho.com/create/kitchener-stitch-video/ Thanks for writing!

[@dreamcatcher2557]

This is a vid that I've been looking for. I wish this was zoomed in a bit more...

[@bejai1962]

OMG! I just finished a top that, turned out amazing in the end, this video really would have helped with. I didn't know what the heck I was doing attaching the sleeves. I just gave up and sewed the pits with a length of yard afterwards. Who knew I was on the right track to begin with! This video will make the next one much easier. I made mine circular yoke, do you have one that explains the raglan decreases?

[@NorahsYarnArt]

Thanks, that was very helpful.

[@onwardbe]

Thank you so much, if really helped me. Would there be a pattern for this sweater?

[@PurlSoho]

Hello! The pattern we demonstrated on in the video is our Purl Soho Pullover: www.purlsoho.com/create/2022/03/14/purl-soho-pullover-in-plenty/

[@lauragillette4726]

Is there a tutorial for what to do with those stitches that were left on the stitch holders?

[@paulaguerra1838]

I had the same question.

[@sarahchellew8244]

Same

[@briantuma1502]

I think this would be a good first sweater for me. Is there a pattern? It reminds me of a favorite j crew sweater that I wore out and they no longer make it in wool.

[@PurlSoho]

Hi Brian! The construction and shape of this sweater can be viewed in our Purl Soho Pullover Pattern, which is available here! www.purlsoho.com/purl-soho-pullover-pattern.html Thanks for writing!

[@mafic3351]

How many stitches should be bound off for the underarm? Is there a formula for the stitch count vs underarm stitch count?

[@PurlSoho]

Hi there! If you're following a pattern, then the pattern will specify exactly how many stitches to bind off for the underarm. Depending on the size you're making, it will be a different amount. Hope this helps!

[@JennCrafts]

Do you have a video on how to graft the body and underarm area where the stitches were put on hold?

[@PurlSoho]

HI Jenn! Great question! We always rely on trusty Kitchener Stitch to graft the body to the underarm and have a video for that tutorial here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5_PiH6sp6yjY5Y Happy Knitting!

[@JaneSmith-mt7gt]

Perfect!!!!!

[@cathybardenstein8032]

This is really helpful! So if I knit a smaller size sleeve than the size of the body, is my only concern making sure I just have the proper number of stitches for the color-work pattern repeats?

[@PurlSoho]

Hi Cathy - If you're working with a charted pattern, yes! This is a handy method for updating sleeve sizes with the ratio numbers given in most patterns! We'd recommend adding in some life-lines if you're testing the waters - enjoy!

[@ThePreparedMother]

Awesome tutorial, thank you. Do you happen to remember what yarn this is?

[@AzPrincess14]

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@marlenesommer6653]

So how do you connect the stitches under each arm? Could you please show that?

[@PurlSoho]

Hi Marlene, after you complete the garment, you will graft the underarm stitches together using Kitchener stitch! We have a tutorial right here: www.purlsoho.com/create/kitchener-stitch-video/

[@melvinbeli1]

Thanks for the great video. I've been close to getting over my nervousness at making either a top down or bottom up ITR sweater as I've only learned in the round (and only on Magic Loop) about a year ago after knitting only flat forever. Do you have a tutorial on how to attach ITR sleeves to a flat knit body? That'd be a huge help!

[@christinacruden886]

Cathy just.see you back and front together. Now you have your sweater in a Circle. Magic your all ready now to follow instructions. ❤️🇨🇦

[@saharnilecrochet1632]

Very beautiful💐👍

[@noneyadambidness_1]

Can you do a video on how you work the arm/neck decreases theres really no videos on youtube that i can find. Thanks for the video's

[@PurlSoho]

Hi Deatra! Thanks for writing in! This one can be a challenge because every pattern is worked differently in this area depending on the construction of the sweater. We will certainly keep your request in mind!

[@meenakshisahai9533]

Yes pls

[@vasanthashettyilanthila9955]

I am finding how to increase the knitting in sleeves .....but i didn't find it

[@SomeGirlsRandom]

Still nothing

[@reecechia1404]

Hello, thank you for the clearly explained video which was just what I needed as pattern instructions are still a bit of a mystery for me. Could you explain what happens with the bits left on the stitch holders please?

[@PurlSoho]

Hi Reece! Once you're finished with the majority of the knitting, you'll close off those stitches using something like the Kitchener Stitch method to close off the spaces between the arms and body. You can view that tutorial here - www.purlsoho.com/create/kitchener-stitch-video/ Thanks for writing! And let us know if you have any other questions!

[@reecechia1404]

@@PurlSoho thank you! I will try that out. So much to learn 🙂. You are wonderful!

[@jamesthelass6331]

@@reecechia1404 Thank you for asking this question! My pattern didn’t explain what to do with them and neither did the video. I knew it couldn’t have been that you’re supposed to leave them open, haha.

[@mikebiggs1934]

Ok - questions I hope someone can answer. If a pattern calls for bind off 12 on the body for sleeves - does that mean we use 12 sleeve stitches to line them up together? As well as do you just sew the “holes” under shut? @purlsoho

[@PurlSoho]

Hello! If your pattern is asking you to bind off stitches at this point, it may be using a different method of construction. Would you mind sending a copy of the pattern you're referencing to [e-mail]? We'll be able to take a deeper look into your question if we can see more of the context!

[@israaman6929]

Pls tell how I knit half sleeves sweeter with circular needle

[@PurlSoho]

If you're looking to knit short sleeves, the method would be the same! If you have questions about specific tutorials, you can find more information on our website, here! www.purlsoho.com/create/knit/tutorials/ Happy knitting!

[@cp1198pc]

Nice tutorial. I wish you guys would put the name of the yarn/colour in the info section--the yarn is often beautiful and makes me want to buy it.

[@PurlSoho]

Thank you so much, and what a great idea! This yarn is out Worsted Twist in the discontinued color Honey Pink. More color options can be found here: www.purlsoho.com/worsted-twist.html Thanks for writing!

[@debdamico9973]

My pattern says to put the first six and the last 6 stitches on a stitch holder? When I do that my working yarn is not in the right place?

[@PurlSoho]

Sometimes for joining sleeves to the body, we have to cut our working yarn and rejoin in. If you're working from a pattern, it should indicate where they yarn cuts occur. Be sure to weave in your ends once you're done! Happy knitting!

[@francesgillotti1378]

Thank you. I’m making my first sweater and I have no pattern . I don’t know how many stitches to save at armpit .

[@hollyo4140]

Fantastic tutorial! Exactly what I was looking for! One question. For the second sleeve that was just on hold, do you re-place the needles when you've completed attaching the first sleeve?

[@PurlSoho]

Hi Holly! Yes exactly! After you finish integrating your first sleeve, you'll need to move the second sleeve from waste yarn back onto needles. Happy knitting!

[@paulaguerralombardi1413]

Thank you for this. I had no idea how to follow the pattern I bought (I am a novice knitter). I still have a question: my pattern does not say anything about leaving those "under arm stitches" there. I think as a result everything will be REAL tight. Is this possible? What do you do with those stitches? Are they already "closed"? Thanks everyone for any help you can provide.

[@PurlSoho]

Hi Paula - without seeing your pattern, it's tough to say! But generally the process of joining the sleeves to the body should not create any un-necessary tension in the underarm area. Many patterns will have you close up these spaces once the knitting is done, using a process called a Kitchener Stitch for example. Let us know how we can help, if you have questions still! We're here for you!

[@francescacovell1551]

Maybe this is a really stupid question but do you end up with a big whole in the armpit where the cast offs were? I'm at the point of attaching sleeves on a cardigan and you've shown clearly what my pattern is saying but I don't understand how the armpits will work if they've been bound off?

[@PurlSoho]

Great question! You will have a small opening under each arm. We recommended using the Kitchener Stitch to close those up - a common step in finishing sweaters! Thanks for writing and here's a link to that tutorial: www.purlsoho.com/create/kitchener-stitch-video/

[@Rose-xd9ul]

what do you do with the leftover stitches on the underarm???

[@PurlSoho]

Hi Rose! The underarm stitches on hold will later be grafted using a method like the Kitchener Stitch. You can view our tutorial for that technique here: www.purlsoho.com/create/kitchener-stitch-video/ Thanks for writing! Let us know if you have any other questions!

[@carmelaconsole5887]

per sprone voglio dire la parte superiore del maglione sia dietro che avanti,bisogna fare i ferri accorciati?grazie

[@PurlSoho]

Vedo! Sì, un ago più corto renderà quelle sezioni più facili!

[@maerose6292]

if my pattern has me putting aside 16 stitches on the body for each underarm, do i set aside the same number on each arm piece? pattern didn’t say anything about that

[@PurlSoho]

Hi Mae, yes! You'll need the same number of on-hold stitches for each sleeve as you have on each side of the body. This is because they need to be equal in order to work the kitchener stitch to close up the underarms.

[@beepbopboop3221]

What happens to the underarm live stitches? Just Kutcher stitch them?

[@PurlSoho]

Every pattern will have a different means of closing the gap - but kitchener is a steadfast method, that we always love it for its tidiness!

[@GabrielaLtc]

Is there a video how to finish the top?

[@PurlSoho]

There is not at the moment but I'm happy to pass along the suggestion! You can find a full list of tutorials on your website (as well as many bottom up sweater patterns) to grow your skillset! www.purlsoho.com/create/knit/tutorials/ Happy knitting!

[@GabrielaLtc]

@@PurlSoho Thank you! 🙂

[@jilliehearth6679]

Where's the next tutorial on how to shape the bodice?

[@PurlSoho]

Hello! I'm afraid that we do not have a tutorial on yoke shaping, since it can vary significantly depending on the construction of the pattern (e.g. raglan yoke, circular yoke, etc). But the way that the yoke is shaped in a bottom-up sweater is always through decrease stitches! You can find our tutorials on k2tog and ssk decreases below: www.purlsoho.com/create/knit-two-together-k2tog/ www.purlsoho.com/create/slip-slip-knit-ssk/ I hope these help, and as always, you're welcome to reach out to us directly if you have any specific questions by sending an email to [e-mail]!

[@meteorockogist]

Hello, so I am sort of improving a dress and I’m well versed in bottom up tops. I added my sleeves and I noticed they’re rather tight when I try it on, in that I can’t move my arms much. I left a decent amount of stitches for both sleeve and top to seam. Should I have started the underarm hole lower for more flexibility to move my arm?

[@PurlSoho]

Thanks for writing in - sorry to hear you're having issues with your sleeves! Have you taken gauge measurements to ensure that the stitch count for your sleeves makes the width needed for your upper arm? Also if you're knitting a dress, it may be adding some bulk which are pulling down on the yoke of the garment, causing some constriction to occur in the upper arm area. We're happy to help brainstorm so let us know how we can help!

[@ligeiapg]

I need help :( My pattern does not call for "underarm" stitches. It just says "knit all the sleeve stitches" When trying to do that, the last stitches are impossible to knit. The tension between the first and the last is huge. Any suggestion? What am I missing??

[@PurlSoho]

It's possible you're not missing anything! Some patterns don't take into consideration the tension that's required to make a strong underarm join. If your pattern doesn't treat these stitches in any special way, it's probably fine to continue as is. If tho, you notice there might be a better way to finish the underarm stitches, this might be a way to alleviate some of that first and last stitch tension. Let us know how we can help - but possibly, after blocking, the issue will resolve itself! Happy knitting!

[@MamaTiger4747]

So when do the parallel underarm stitches get sewn up? You don't mention that. Is it after you finish the sweater, and you just sew them up with a three-needle bindoff, or is it something different you do?

[@PurlSoho]

Hi Laura! The armpit stitches will be grafted together using the kitchener stitch once you have completed the rest of the knitting for the sweater. We have a handy tutorial for the kitchener stitch here: www.purlsoho.com/create/kitchener-stitch-video/

[@mollybachert1654]

Is this a Purl Soho pattern? And which yarn is this in your video?

[@PurlSoho]

Hi Molly! Thanks for writing! This is our Purl Soho Pullover using a discontinued color of Worsted Twist called Honey Pink. You can view the yarn and the pattern here! Thanks! www.purlsoho.com/worsted-twist.html www.purlsoho.com/purl-soho-pullover-pattern.html

[@Gr8fldeadhead]

It wouldn’t make a difference if the sleeves were also on circulars right? And how do you put the stitches on hold 🥺😅🥰

[@PurlSoho]

Thanks for writing in! Having your sleeves on circular needles will certainly make the step of adding them all together a bit easier! And putting the stitches 'on hold' simply means putting them on scrap yarn or a stitch holder - simply setting them aside until you're ready to graft them back onto your working needle! Let us know if you need any more help!

[@Gr8fldeadhead]

@@PurlSoho thank you😌 what’s the best way to slide your stitches onto the yarn for holding... simply running a needle through?

[@PurlSoho]

@@Gr8fldeadhead Yes exactly! We like to use something like a cotton yarn or thread on a darning needle, as it glides easily, especially through wool!

[@debbiechristensen5259]

w do i knit the raglan part

[@PurlSoho]

Hi Debbie! In a bottom-up construction, you'll begin the yoke of the sweater (raglan seams, circular yoke, etc.) after joining the sleeves to the body.