Picking Up Underarm Stitches for a Gap-Free Sweater Sleeve

Learn how to pick up the underarm stitches for a gap-free, top down sweater sleeve.
Featured in this Tutorial
Pattern: Wallflower Sweater - shop.thechilly...
Yarn: Hikoo CoBaSi
Needles: skacel by addi Natura Olivewood Circular Knitting Needles
Notions: stitch markers
#WallflowerSweater #TheChillyDog

[@wendyfletcher2891]

This is my 'go to' video every time I knit a sweater.

[@ppjctotoro]

Same!!

[@PFuchs-zl1yz]

Exactly what I was going to comment :-)!

[@TheActingEdit]

Same!!! Always ❤ Skip a lot but yeah hahaha

[@nataschaehlers1446]

I just want to say: I have knitted a LOT of sweaters and I ALWAYS watch this video tutorial. It works like a charm. Thank you so so much 💋

[@suel3216]

Every time I knit a sleeve, I watch your video. Thank you so, so much for your clear, easy to follow, instructions ❤

[@alexandra-pz6mv]

Came back to make a third comment! This fantastic video starts the pick-up at the start of the underarm stitches whereas some patterns begin picking up at the centre of the underarm stitches, but it can be easily adjusted.

[@MartiGuinta]

This is one of the best tutorials I have ever used! It came out perfectly due to a nice slow pace of instruction and excellent, excellent camera use. View was never blocked, large enough to easily follow and verbal explanations were so clear. Thank you SO very much!

[@thechillydog]

I'm so glad I was able to help you. Happy knitting!

[@rebecca-72]

This tutorial was SO clear and beautifully explained, thank you! Excellent camera view, excellent (and interesting) explanation!

[@lynnetownsend8945]

Hands down, the best tutorial on picking up stitches for the sleeve. Thank you!

[@alexandra-pz6mv]

So clear, and it works! Hint: the “closing the gap” stitches (2 each side of the gap) are “extra” and will be decreased later, so make sure you pick up all the specified number of stitches between the gap sections. The extra gap stitches get incorporated as we work the round.

[@krishnasaha141]

😊

[@kyclemons79]

Thanks!

[@maryryba8265]

Amazing tutorial. This is so clear - both verbally and visually. This will be a go-to video for me from now on. No more closing up those holes after the fact during finishing! Thank you!

[@Glowurmgirl]

This is the best, clearest explanation of how to do this without leaving a hole under the arm that I have ever seen. Thank you so much for such a great video...

[@hobscrk]

this is my favorite tutorial for handling the underarm gap stitches, I come back to it every time!

[@r.mensch5317]

You are an outstanding teacher. Thank you so much!

[@dawnmulholland5123]

This tutorial has become my go-to for picking up sleeve stitches. Thank you!

[@algarvestrikk]

Same. I just wish I could get it into my head so I could remember it. :)

[@KellyMcWaid]

This is the best video tutorial for picking up stitches to make a gap free underarm. I love it.

[@sarahlucille27]

This was the clearest and most informative tutorial I’ve found on how to close that underarm gap. Thank you!

[@kathleenschally8864]

Thank you for this excellent, easy to understand tutorial. I am amazed at how beautifully this works!!!

[@camilledavis7088]

This video and tutorial are excellent!! You explain things so very clearly and the camera is in the right spot to see exactly what's happening. Definitely a keeper! Well done.

[@lorribrines5255]

FINALLY a video that actually explains it step by step - so many others are unclear and give too many options. I'm going to tackle the pile of unfinished sweaters that have stalled at the sleeves - THANK YOU!

[@MizHearts]

Bookmarking this one for all future top down sweaters. It was clear and I could see exactly where to pick up my own stitches. Thank you!!

[@evabazan1966]

I’ve seen this before- but you explain it so much better and faster. I’m saving this video- to remind me how to pick up sleeves on top down sweaters

[@dzarate85]

You've helped me countless times. Whenever I'm knitting a sweater, I come back to your video because it's the simplest, clearest explanation I could find. You area great teacher. Thank you 🙌

[@lieslnew8247]

I have used other videos to do this but this is the BEST explanation about why the stitches have to be mounted and twisted in the way they are. Thank you. 😊

[@ewasmith3085]

I wish I could give this video a thumbs-up every time I use it! It's wonderful for mitten thumbs as well 👍❤

[@veenabala13]

One of the best tutorials for picking up sleeves! So clearly explained. Thank you!

[@dawnluera2839]

I am in total awe of your method ❤ As a perfectionist, and a newby to knitting this is as good as it gets. I knew this would be my biggest challenge thus far and could not be happier with the results. Thanks so much Dawn

[@ConnyNordlicht]

This is the best video l could find on YT to close up without gaps! Thank you so much! No question left!

[@thechillydog]

You're welcome, Conny. So happy to help.

[@ConnyNordlicht]

@@thechillydog l knit since over 44 years, teach some teens since ab.2 years. I watch vids to notice if anything changed and if my knowledge is on best line to teach. And, nevertheless, l love to watch the videos! Sometimes l really see something, a trick, a kind of handholding e.g., that helps me although knowing a lot throuoh the years. Who tells knowing ALL is stupid! Additional l've got a handicap - hands and arms plus vertebrals, legs, all joints and nervs and nervs- muscle - connections - that makes it difficult to knit the way l did before. So l began to knit with the best knitting - needles, in my eyes HiyaHiya (HH) and Chiaogoo (CG) and put them together, by dremeling the first step away that's needed to fit adapters/needles to cables. I did this only with adapters, first. So l could use Mini - and S - cables of CG with HH - needles! L - needles get the adapters to S and everything is in range. HH - cables l only use for parking while knitting with the former there needed cable. Uuu, l love these red lace and blue cables of CG! They're the waaaaay best cables one can find! One doesn't need a switching end cause the wired cable leds all ok. I prefer the Mini - cables. Only very heavy fabrics get a S - cable! Connectors of CG fit to HH - cables(sometimes dremel 2 srew - windings away :) ) , aL S and Mini - HH - cables fit to CG - needles. With all these needles, 2 sets 2,75 to 10,00 mm needles and 1 red twist short combo 2,00 mm to 3,25 mm and 1 blue twist short combo set 3,5 mm to 5,0 mm l feel like in heaven for knitters. Watching your and a few other wonderful teachers here, Nele, Very pink knit, Elizza mostly, l have videos to show my pupils to hand them out for home studies if l'm not in reach if they need me during the week.l'm a teacher by heard and want they feel well and never alone like l always was since l began to use YT for patterns and then cause of my handicaps. They got too heavy by 2 accidently failed surgeries. I love to knit! Be blessed!

[@Kathryn5072]

This is such a good tutorial, thank you! I've been using it for every stocking stitch garment I make. On my current project was feeling lazy and tried just following pattern without a closing technique - it looked so gappy I frogged back and returned to this tutorial! Worth it every time.

[@lauralandgraf8273]

Yours is the most comprehensive, clear and affective way of closing the underarm gap. I've watched numerous 'methods' and yours is by far the best. Thank you! I actually transcribed and printed your instructions. I prefer knitting top down, so this was excellent.

[@katet3648]

After years and many jumpers and cardigans and holes and different techniques to minimise them this is an absolute gift!! Worked a treat!! Thank you so, so much!!! Makes so much sense and such a clear and easy demonstration to follow along!! Bless you!!

[@christineturner6485]

Can’t thank you enough for this video. THE BEST one I’ve seen. You’re a great teacher. Clear instructions, great lighting and easy to see exactly how to do this. And it works! Thank you so much : )

[@yolo8285]

Thank you! Thank you! The clearest and most concise tutorial for picking up stitches for sleeves.

[@jacquelineslavich9594]

Just the absolute best tutorial on this topic ever. Such a neat finish and clearly shown. Well done

[@elift1411]

I wish I could give another like everytime I refer to this video. ❤ Thank you so much, you truly make my sweaters look better each and every time

[@teresacrain2060]

Thank you thank you thank you I don’t know what I’d do without your videos

[@nadzoll]

My new go to for the underarms! Thank you so much for your slow, concise and visually clear video!

[@lles6235]

So very glad I found this! I have been stuck at this point in my sweater for 2 weeks, looking for a clear video, and a good outcome! I feel so much more confident going forward! Thank you!

[@jobenoy8488]

This is a really well-organized, clear tutorial. Thank you!

[@judet2923]

Excellent! I just completed both sweater sleeves using this technique and they look fabulous darlink 😘

[@lilnelson4597]

I did watch this tutorial very slowly once I was ready to knit the sleeves but was successful following your directions. Thank you for your clear explanation.

[@mnapier1142]

The absolute BEST tutorial for this technique! Thank you soooo Much!!! I will rewatch every time I need to do this.

[@julieknitsandspins]

My go to also! I’ve saved it and am doing a sweater with Plotulopi and dark blue 😅 but your tutorial is just for me. Thank you!

[@emmafrescura4280]

Thank you so much for this tutorial and the one about dividing the body and casting on the underarm stitches. I'm currently knitting my first ever sweater and you just made my life a thousand times easier! Thank you for sharing your knowledge, love from Italy

[@robertastewart2083]

Thank you for a clear method of avoiding underarm holes in top down sweaters. I have used this method several times. Yesterday I discovered a different way to accomplish this - I treated the long thread as a dropped stitch and picked it up with a crochet hook and pulled it through the adjoining stitch and put it onto the needle.

[@LottaSocks]

This Gap Closure technique is the best! I used w previous vid regarding Purl cable cast on … I’m sooooo happy! Using US#10 and LettLopi, and I’m absolutely speechless! No holes, gaps, etc. Thank you Ellen! Actually, all of your instructional vids are a Treasure! My first stop w questions or problems or how-to issues !!

[@nancycurtain9540]

So glad I found this tutorial! This technique worked beautifully on the baby sweater I’m knitting. I will definitely refer back to this for any sweaters I knit in future!

[@marianvanieperen1879]

Yay..no annoying background music! This was extremely helpful, I definitely will be watching more of your tutorials.

[@thechillydog]

No background music when teaching...ever! Although sometimes, if you listen very, very closely, you may hear my cat snoring. 😉

[@karenmacdonald8970]

Excellent tutorial. The slow pace was just what I needed along with clear instructions. Thank you!

[@mariannepost8383]

As I was finishing the body of a top down sweater, I needed a refresher on tubular bind off and found your channel. It was terrific. And then when it came time to pick up sleeve stitches, which I almost dreaded, because of those pesky holes that ALWAYS were a finishing problem. I found your video. Sleeves are perfect for the first time. I can't tell you how many times they always needed some finessing in the finishing. Thank you!

[@rosepark8970]

I've seen this method before but your tutorial is by far the best.

[@carrenjstika1506]

This video was EXCELLENT! So clear and easy to watch. I have watched several videos on picking up underarm stitches, and I have to say that this video was the clearest and most helpful of them all. I am excited to now know about this video series. What a wonderful resource! Excellent!! Two thumbs up! :)

[@lindseyhaas6639]

A long video but each second was totally necessary. Thank you so much for such clear instructions and good camera work. Your video saved the little jacket I'm making for my grandson.

[@BarbaraShuck-ql5gv]

Not only is there no gap...I can't tell where I joined! Thank you ❤

[@shirleydotts8472]

Excellent tutorial! Tried it, and I didn't have any problems following the instructions. Even better -- no holes! It worked! Best tutorial I found for closing the holes!

[@helenanoravitola5839]

Thanks

[@sguig51]

I love watching your demos & instructions. You make everything so clear & concise. My sweaters look so much more professional!

[@jand7782]

This method is brilliant, isn't it? It is my favorite method for closing the underarm gap. I first learned it from a 2017 video titled "Suzanne's Method of Avoiding Underarm Holes in Knitting." Kudos to Master Hand Knitter Suzanne Bryan for developing this technique.

[@ankehochheim934]

Thank you so much 😄😄 You explain so well that I now can do it on my own together with your video 😄😄🎉

[@susanmeyers2847]

Your video on closing the underarm gaps is one of THE best tutorial videos that I have ever seen! I don't always comprehend what the tutorials are telling me, and yours was so very clear. Thank you!!!

[@colleenadie7790]

This is the. Best video I’ve seen for this

[@pgabrielfreak]

I could watch and listen to you alll day. Another perfect video!

[@mariajohnson6686]

I looked at another video about this subject, and while the technique was basically the same, this video is much easier to follow and, for me, clearer.

[@rachaeleddy2945]

I'm knitting my first ever top and so glad I found this tutorial. It was very easy to follow and I'll be happy to avoid those gaps. Thank you!

[@like2makethings]

Brilliant! This is what I will use going forward for picking up sleeves. So well explained and filmed clearly and up close. Thank you.

[@patricialeitner6217]

Your pleasant and encouraging voice, slow and steady pacing, clear and full explanation of the technique, close and clear camera work made this an excellent tutorial. So happy I found you.Thank you!

[@snvazquez724]

One of the best tutorials I’ve seen! Thanks for sharing 👍❤️

[@karenlynnwiebusch4597]

This is brilliant. You are a great teacher. After years of closing those holes by circling and cinching we now have a nicer way. Thank you!

[@siewyeepang173]

I think this is the most helpful and clear video I have seen for picking up sleeve stitches with minimal gaps. Thank you!

[@christelvanhouwelingen543]

Im new at top down knitting and this video is helping me so much! Thank you for explaining so clearly. Definitely going to try this. Regards, Christel

[@indranichaudhuri4678]

Thankyou for this tremendous knowhow ! Love your tutorials. Indrani from India

[@Enig_Mata]

Excellent tutorial. I like what you did with the mock seam at the sides.

[@denubug]

Great video, thank you. I always forget how to pick up those two extras stitches...you explained the leg mounts so concisely....

[@ateaseknitting]

Thank you so much for this video! I just tried this out on my first raglan sweater and the sleeves look great. I’m so amazed by how much your technique minimizes gaps, especially considering that I’m working at a larger gauge, and I appreciate your explanations throughout. :)

[@bridgetcave7736]

This is the BEST and clearest explanation and it works beautifully! Thanks!

[@annieraven9461]

The best tutorial ever! Very clear, very easy to understand and follow! Thank you so much for sharing

[@noornenay]

Amaaazing ❤️❤️ you rescued my sweater 👏🏼

[@carolestes8373]

Love this tip!!!

[@francineottnod6926]

This has to be the best tutorial for this! Thank you!

[@swissmiss221]

Thank you so much for taking time to make this video!

[@twistedpixie8299]

Well done! Saving! This is the first and last video I'll need! ❤

[@maryherbert9082]

I can hardly wait to use this technique. thank you so much for sharing it with us.

[@maryherbert9082]

I found this at the perfect time. I just used it on my new sweater and it worked perfectly!!! I'm so excited.

[@karensmith2837]

Thank you thank you! I can’t wait to sit down and try this tonight! I’ve been struggling with the sleeves for so long.

[@marlynanderson8564]

Your video was very well shown and explained. I watched it many times in order to do my sweater justice. Thank You!

[@sharynallott7332]

Thank you. I am knitting my first top down sweater. This video is very well presented and so clear

[@tonnieschmidt796]

This is the BEST tutorial. Thank you so much for making it 🙏

[@kathleenmccrory7166]

I will definitely save this video to refer back to each time I need to do this. I always struggle with this ! Thanks

[@reneej6579]

I’m a new subscriber. Your tutorial is wonderful, I shall use this in future. Thanks so much from Australia. ❤

[@karenbellotti4192]

Thank you for a clear and concise explanation. I finally understand what is supposed to happen and why. I think with a couple more viewings, I’ll be ready to try it!

[@deidrestewart3675]

So helpful. Great explanation so we understand how and why this works.

[@debbieelliott5985]

Wow! Thank you so much for this super clear video. I'm knitting my first sweater in the round and will use this method on my second sleeve. Love the pace of your voice and explanation!

[@apriloregan8837]

This was amazing and I was able to follow it perfectly! Thank you!

[@cynthiajohnson1124]

Oh thank you!!!! I was at wits end!!!

[@jengee_ca]

Super helpful video! Use it all the time to keep my underarms from having gaps. Thank you!

[@corgikat21]

This is so fantastic tutorial. I have always been anxious about this part of knitting a sweater but i did the cabled cast one from your video and then this decrease and it looks SO much better than what I have done in the past. Thank you for making such a big difference in my knitting life!❤

[@thedomesticexplorer]

Thank you so much, this tutorial absolutely SAVED me!

[@EvieO1950]

Good concise clear instructions!!

[@shelleydraper-luchini8254]

Best tutorial, step by step! Thank you

[@hannahanderson6956]

Thank you for such a clear tutorial! Very helpful and I learned why it works to close that pesky gap! 😊

[@trishaquinn7176]

I found a comment on Ravelry which mentioned this tutorial (thanks Craftynanaweston!). So glad I looked it up. Many thanks. Beautifully explained. X