Knitting is not just a practical activity for making winter garments but also a highly enjoyable hobby that can be very creative. Knitting was initially the domain of men out of necessity but has developed into a social activity for women on the most part. There are a number of documentations of the development of knitting and different styles of knitting. This article will look at the different types of sleeve you can create and help you to find a style you like the best.
Raglan Sleeve This style of sleeve shaping was designed in honour of the first Baron of Raglan who lost an arm in battle. It was designed so that it could be knitted in one piece from the neck down. The seam of the sleeve begins at the neckline and continues down in a diagonal line to the armpit. It can be knitted from the bottom up and in pieces that are sewn together but it is much easier to master if it is knitted on circular needles from the top down increase the stitches as you go.
If you are knitting in one piece then it is important to start at the neck and divide the stitches for the shoulders and the back and front. You can then increase stitches on every right side row where the seam will go to make the appearance of a seam and then when you get to the armpit you can divide the arms and the body and work those bits separately. This is a very smooth flat seam that does not need to be sewn so sits very comfortably against the skin. This is why you will often see it being used in designs for babies and children.
Straight Sleeve Straight or simple sleeve is a collection of simple forms which imparts a T shape to the garment. Usually these are seen to accompany tubular bodies. Although these are comfortable to wear, the overall looks are shabby at best. A dolman, dropped shoulder or an indented sleeve are three options that come under the ambit of straight sleeves.
1. Dolman Sleeve: These are made along with the body of the garment in one piece. The knitting is done on the front and back and finally seamed from the waist to the wrist. This sleeve is the choice for knitters catering for over sized wearers, since there is no underarm bulkiness and provides for a good draping effect on the wearer.
2. Dropped Sleeve: This is a simple way of making a sleeve and does not involve shaping. The seam will sit over the edge of the shoulder and on the top of the arm which is where the name comes from. This is great if you are looking to make yourself a casual garment for every day wear but there can be some bulking under the arm.
3. Indented Sleeve: The idea of this sleeve is similar to a dropped sleeve but it reduces the bulking under the arm. It is made by starting the sleeve opening lower down on the body so there is a lot more space for the arms.
This should give you the basics of the different types of sleeve and it will give you the opportunity to try different styles and find the one you like the best.
Raglan Sleeve This style of sleeve shaping was designed in honour of the first Baron of Raglan who lost an arm in battle. It was designed so that it could be knitted in one piece from the neck down. The seam of the sleeve begins at the neckline and continues down in a diagonal line to the armpit. It can be knitted from the bottom up and in pieces that are sewn together but it is much easier to master if it is knitted on circular needles from the top down increase the stitches as you go.
If you are knitting in one piece then it is important to start at the neck and divide the stitches for the shoulders and the back and front. You can then increase stitches on every right side row where the seam will go to make the appearance of a seam and then when you get to the armpit you can divide the arms and the body and work those bits separately. This is a very smooth flat seam that does not need to be sewn so sits very comfortably against the skin. This is why you will often see it being used in designs for babies and children.
Straight Sleeve Straight or simple sleeve is a collection of simple forms which imparts a T shape to the garment. Usually these are seen to accompany tubular bodies. Although these are comfortable to wear, the overall looks are shabby at best. A dolman, dropped shoulder or an indented sleeve are three options that come under the ambit of straight sleeves.
1. Dolman Sleeve: These are made along with the body of the garment in one piece. The knitting is done on the front and back and finally seamed from the waist to the wrist. This sleeve is the choice for knitters catering for over sized wearers, since there is no underarm bulkiness and provides for a good draping effect on the wearer.
2. Dropped Sleeve: This is a simple way of making a sleeve and does not involve shaping. The seam will sit over the edge of the shoulder and on the top of the arm which is where the name comes from. This is great if you are looking to make yourself a casual garment for every day wear but there can be some bulking under the arm.
3. Indented Sleeve: The idea of this sleeve is similar to a dropped sleeve but it reduces the bulking under the arm. It is made by starting the sleeve opening lower down on the body so there is a lot more space for the arms.
This should give you the basics of the different types of sleeve and it will give you the opportunity to try different styles and find the one you like the best.
About the Author:
The Knitting Shop is a brilliant place to get a wide choice of knitting wool and this article has been supplied by Mercedes Aspland