Neck Shaping on my Aran Sweater

In order to have a nice, slightly rounded neckline after I cut the front steek of my cardigan, I need to stop knitting about four inches short of the shoulder and set up a new steek.

The first step is to put the steek stitches and some stitches on each side of the steek to equal about three inches. Second, I use a backward loop cast-on to re-establish the steek stitches. As I knit around the sweater, I work matched decrease every other round for a few rounds. My plan was to eat up the seed stitch panel on each side of the steek and then let the braids continue on up to the shoulder.

Can you see how the seed stitches have disappeared? Once the neck shaping steek is cut, the neckline will open up beautifully. It always helps to think of steeks as space holders or, even better, not really being there at all. They don't influence any of the neck shaping.

I hope to get started on the sleeves this weekend because we are off to Sunriver, Oregon for a four-day vacation.

Comments

[Teish]

Wow! So, you actually CUT the front of the sweater. I don't think that I'm brave enough to do that! What would be the advantage to kitting and then cutting it? I learn so many new things from your blog, Kelly! Have a great little vacation!

[Janice]

Kelley - I'm currently working on my first steek project, thanks to your podcast a while back on this subject (yes, I now have the courage to do it). The pattern is the Ivy League vest from the Winter 08 Interweave. I'm using Palette, and I'm hoping it will all turn out. The knitting has been fun, so far! Thanks for showing this brief example of how it's done.

[Kara]

Hi Kelley, I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the "Many Shapes of Shawls" podcast episode! (Can't find a better place to leave a comment...) I'm making my first laceweight project -- Eunny Jang's Print o' the Wave stole -- using Knitpicks' Shadow. Yum.

I'm an audiobook fan, too. In fact, I volunteer at http://librivox.org, making free, public-domain audiobooks. You might find something there you like, and you can't beat the price ;-)

Looking forward to your next podcast episode! Thanks a lot!

[Kara]

Ugh, the comma got into my url :) that's http://librivox.org/

[Pam]

does anyone have a patttern for a V-neck aran mens sweater? My husband won't wear a crew neck. I am currently working off two patterns -one aran, one a patterned v-neck. Its taking a lot of calculation and trial and error! Loved the podcast on steeks-too late on this garment, definetly next time! Thanks!

[Abigail]

You are much braver than I.

The thought of cutting a sweater gives me the chills.....shudder. I think I'll stick with socks:D

[marilyn]

Hi Kelley! I have to read your blog every so often to keep up on your glamorous life! Hugs! Marilyn