Uploaded March 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
In today's episode we discuss how to modify the sleeve size (increasing the circumference) of a circular yoke style sweater without changing the body size of the sweater.
*Are you ready to knit your first sweater but don't know where to start?* I've created a FREE guide with everything you need to be successful in your first hand knit sweater! Check it out, here: unapologeticknitter.com/mfs
Want to check out Episode 4 about modifying the collar of a top-down sweater?
Click here: youtube.com/watch?v=XRj1f3W7GBs
Have you got more burning questions? Submit a form for future discussion topics:
Click here: unapologeticknitter.com/knit-talk
Want to receive weekly reminders right in your inbox about new tutorials, vlogs or pattern releases? Sign up for my newsletter, here: unapologeticknitter.com/newsletter
DOWNLOAD THE SCHEMATIC and SAMPLE PATTERN: unapologeticknitter.com/knit-talk-downloads
MATH DETAILS FOR CHANGING YOUR SLEEVE SIZE
To determine the number of ADDITIONAL sts to increase on your final increase round (before the sleeve divide) and the rate of spacing, follow these steps:
1) Determine the difference in the number of stitches to place on hold for each sleeve: 52 (for size 3) is 6 sts more than 46 (for size 2) so we need to add 12 extra sts before we divided for the sleeves (6 for each sleeve).
2) Add these extra stitches (12) to your target stitch count for the end of your final yoke shaping round: 256 sts (for Size 2 at end of Inc Rnd #5) + 12 (for the extra sleeve sts) = 268 sts.
3) Subtract your existing stitch count (224 sts) from the target sts (268) to determine how many stitches you now need to increase on your final increase round: 268 - 224 = 44.
4) Divide your existing sts (224) by the total number of sts you need to increase (44) to determine your rate of spacing: 224 / 44 = 5.1 (rounded). We’ll need to round up and round down to find our upper and lower rates of spacing: 5.1 rounded up is 6 and rounded down is 5. So our intervals of shaping are 5 sts and 6 sts.
***Please note: I reversed the X and Y in the video - this following text is correct. Sincere apologies***
5) Next we need to figure out how many of each interval of shaping we need: 5X + 6Y = 224, where X + Y = 44. For this sample it works out to be that X = 40 and Y = 4.
6) Once you’ve figured out the rate of spacing of your increases, you can work this in place of Inc Rnd #5 and when you’re done, you’ll be at the target stitch count of 268 stitches. Now you can maintain your target body stitch count for size 2 (164) and have the correct number of sts to place on hold for size 3 (52 sts per sleeve)!
7) **Important:** when you're casting on stitches at each underarm, be sure to follow instructions for size 2 (to maintain your body circumference) and then, when you knit your sleeves, be sure to pick up and knit the number of stitches required for size 3 (if the numbers aren't the same for every size) to make sure you have the total number of stitches you need!
To see more Moo use #MMP :)
To keep an eye on future videos from me search #knittalkwithatecheditor or #unapologeticknitter
In today's episode we discuss how to modify the sleeve size (increasing the circumference) of a circular yoke style sweater without changing the body size of the sweater.
*Are you ready to knit your first sweater but don't know where to start?* I've created a FREE guide with everything you need to be successful in your first hand knit sweater! Check it out, here: unapologeticknitter.com/mfs
Want to check out Episode 4 about modifying the collar of a top-down sweater?
Click here: youtube.com/watch?v=XRj1f3W7GBs
Have you got more burning questions? Submit a form for future discussion topics:
Click here: unapologeticknitter.com/knit-talk
Want to receive weekly reminders right in your inbox about new tutorials, vlogs or pattern releases? Sign up for my newsletter, here: unapologeticknitter.com/newsletter
DOWNLOAD THE SCHEMATIC and SAMPLE PATTERN: unapologeticknitter.com/knit-talk-downloads
MATH DETAILS FOR CHANGING YOUR SLEEVE SIZE
To determine the number of ADDITIONAL sts to increase on your final increase round (before the sleeve divide) and the rate of spacing, follow these steps:
1) Determine the difference in the number of stitches to place on hold for each sleeve: 52 (for size 3) is 6 sts more than 46 (for size 2) so we need to add 12 extra sts before we divided for the sleeves (6 for each sleeve).
2) Add these extra stitches (12) to your target stitch count for the end of your final yoke shaping round: 256 sts (for Size 2 at end of Inc Rnd #5) + 12 (for the extra sleeve sts) = 268 sts.
3) Subtract your existing stitch count (224 sts) from the target sts (268) to determine how many stitches you now need to increase on your final increase round: 268 - 224 = 44.
4) Divide your existing sts (224) by the total number of sts you need to increase (44) to determine your rate of spacing: 224 / 44 = 5.1 (rounded). We’ll need to round up and round down to find our upper and lower rates of spacing: 5.1 rounded up is 6 and rounded down is 5. So our intervals of shaping are 5 sts and 6 sts.
***Please note: I reversed the X and Y in the video - this following text is correct. Sincere apologies***
5) Next we need to figure out how many of each interval of shaping we need: 5X + 6Y = 224, where X + Y = 44. For this sample it works out to be that X = 40 and Y = 4.
6) Once you’ve figured out the rate of spacing of your increases, you can work this in place of Inc Rnd #5 and when you’re done, you’ll be at the target stitch count of 268 stitches. Now you can maintain your target body stitch count for size 2 (164) and have the correct number of sts to place on hold for size 3 (52 sts per sleeve)!
7) **Important:** when you're casting on stitches at each underarm, be sure to follow instructions for size 2 (to maintain your body circumference) and then, when you knit your sleeves, be sure to pick up and knit the number of stitches required for size 3 (if the numbers aren't the same for every size) to make sure you have the total number of stitches you need!
To see more Moo use #MMP :)
To keep an eye on future videos from me search #knittalkwithatecheditor or #unapologeticknitter
