When choosing a sweater style the first consideration is the armhole / sleeve style.
Looking at any knitting pattern or even ready-to-wear sweaters, it’s important to be able to recognize the basic shape.
Let’s explore some common armhole/sleeve styles and the features of each in terms of knitting skills needed and fit.
Dropped Shoulder
The easiest sleeve style, the dropped shoulder sweater has no armhole shaping.
The sleeves can be picked up and knit down or knit from cuff up and joined with a simple seam.
Because of the shaping, there can be extra bulk under the arms.
Producing a casual sweater, this style works for quick kids and adult sweaters.
Square / Modified Dropped Shoulder
This style is also easy knitting.
Simply create an armhole with bindoffs and carefully “set in” the modified sleeve cap.
Also creating a casual sweater, this style has less bulk in the underarm and offers a better “fit”.
Set in Sleeves
The classic styling of set in sleeves offers the best fit.
The armhole shaping is fairly straight forward (bind off and decreases), but the sleeve cap shaping is more detailed.
Setting in the sleeve cap to the armhole can also prove to be a challenge.
Don’t hesitate to knit a set in sleeve sweater, but take time to practice the techniques needed for success.
Saddle Shoulders
The final bind off of the top of a standard set in sleeve is extended to the neckline.
The front and back body pieces are altered accordingly.
The biggest advantage of this style is the opportunity to carry a stitch pattern up the center of the sleeve carrying it all the way to the neck opening.
Raglan Sleeves
This style has the most armhole/sleeve shaping and the pieces can be knit top down or hem up.
The raglan shaping offers an opportunity for creative design elements along the seams.
