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Emily Wessel

Hi! I’m Emily Wessel, I design fun-to-knit patterns and helpful technique tutorials. I live in Edinburgh, Scotland with my husband and two kids, where I like to run, knit, learn languages, and hang out with friends. I am co-founder and designer at Tin Can Knits - www.tincanknits.com

55 Comments

  1. Gramps Cardigan: Body and Sleeves (4/6) – My Blog
    July 26, 2020 @ 9:04 pm

    […] Top down knitting: How to Separate the Body and Arms of a Top-Down Sweater on Tin Can Knits at blog.tincanknits…. […]

  2. Top down knitting: How to Separate the Body and Arms of a Top-Down Sweater on Ti... - KnittingMAXX
    November 30, 2019 @ 7:36 pm

    […] Top down knitting: How to Separate the Body and Arms of a Top-Down Sweater on Tin Can Knits at blog.tincanknits…. […]

  3. Top down breien: Hoe het lichaam en de armen van een Top-Down sweater van Ti scheiden … – knitting for beginners
    October 26, 2019 @ 7:20 am

    […] Top-down breien: Hoe het lichaam en de armen van een top-down sweater op blikje te scheiden blog.tincanknits …. […]

  4. Top down breien: Hoe het lichaam en de armen van een Top-Down sweater van Ti scheiden … – sjaals breien
    October 25, 2019 @ 3:48 pm

    […] Top-down breien: Hoe het lichaam en de armen van een top-down sweater op blikje te scheiden blog.tincanknits …. […]

  5. Nahid
    June 11, 2019 @ 2:24 am

    Hi
    I like to knit this elegant cardigan for ladies (Adults XS, S, S/M, M, M/L, L, XL, XXL).May I have the pattern? I want calculations for knit it.
    With thanks
    Nahid

    • alexaludeman
      June 11, 2019 @ 2:06 pm

      Hi – I’m not sure which cardigan you are looking for? Drop us an email at tincanknits@gmail.com and we can figure out what you are looking for.

  6. Heather
    June 11, 2018 @ 1:09 am

    have you any patterned yolks and patterned raglan shaping you can share please

    • alexaludeman
      June 11, 2018 @ 11:44 am

      Hi Heather – You can check out our help page for all of our full sweater tutorials.

  7. Anny
    November 30, 2017 @ 2:52 am

    Bonjour,

    Est-il possible d’avoir ces explications en français ?
    Merci d’avance.
    Anny

  8. fresia
    October 4, 2017 @ 1:15 am

    I have a question about picking up the underarm stitches. Typically, I have seen that stitches are usually picked up by inserting the needle directly into the “V”. I see that there are 4 “V”s in my work, which makes sense since I cast on 4 stitches. The pictures above seem to indicate that you should instead pick up between the “V”s. In that case, there are 5 spaces between the “V”s so I am a little confused. In the picture above, it looks like there should be another stitch to the left of the 1 – is it supposed to be asymmetric?

    • alexaludeman
      October 4, 2017 @ 7:52 pm

      Hi Fresia – I would say both will look fine, my underarm looks good the way I did it above, but your way is just as good!

  9. Mommo
    September 4, 2017 @ 1:56 pm

    Gramps cardigan is such a great pattern and sweater. But, I have big holes at the underarm where I added the 4 stitches. It looks like such a large expanse for only 4 picked up stitches. Any advice on how to avoid the holes? Thanks.

    • alexaludeman
      September 5, 2017 @ 12:32 pm

      Hi – the number of sts picked up is equal to the number of sts cast on at the underarm. Remember that you are going to pick up some sts, PM, then pick up MORE sts at the underarm.

  10. Sweater Techniques Series – Gramps Baby Cardigan – 5 / 6 : Shawl Collar and Button Band | Tin Can Knits
    November 15, 2016 @ 2:13 pm

    […] 4/6 Top-Down Sweater Construction: Body & Arms: Separating sweater at the Underarm, casting-on stitches using backward loop method, and knitting in the round […]

  11. MİSİNALI ŞİŞLE DİKİŞSİZ ÖRGÜ BEBEK HIRKASI YAPMAK
    November 6, 2016 @ 11:42 am

    […] source […]

  12. hsoutar
    February 29, 2016 @ 2:48 pm

    I’m really confused! I have finished the body and am just starting the sleeves. The pattern I have here says to have 32 sts on hold for each sleeve and to then pick up 4 sts under the arm…but on this tutorial you have 33 sts and pick up 5 sts. I’m also getting a hole when I join the 32 sts to the 4 sts. I’m so pleased with the cardigan so far but this bit is throwing me :/

    Also, why do you have red yarn in two places on the neckline in the photos above? The only markers I have are the two locking markers – I’m now wondering if I’ve missed something and won’t be able to pick up the right sts later

    • alexaludeman
      February 29, 2016 @ 9:36 pm

      Hi – not to worry, I’m sorry, this tutorial has slightly different numbers than the current version of the pattern, the numbers in the pattern are correct. The original version (which only included childrens sizes) had a provisional cast on but the pattern no longer has that.

  13. Sweater Techniques Series – Gramps Baby Cardigan – 3 / 6 : Top-Down Sweater Construction | Tin Can Knits
    August 18, 2015 @ 2:53 pm

    […] 4/6 Top-Down Sweater Construction: Body & Arms: Separating sweater at the Underarm, casting-on stitches using backward loop method, and knitting in the round […]

  14. Sweater Techniques Series – Gramps Baby Cardigan – 2 / 6 : Beginning a Knitting Project | Tin Can Knits
    August 18, 2015 @ 1:42 pm

    […] 4/6 Top-Down Sweater Construction: Body & Arms: Separating sweater at the Underarm, casting-on stitches using backward loop method, and knitting in the round […]

  15. marta duarte
    July 11, 2015 @ 4:33 pm

    Muy bueno el tutorial, yo particularmente los saco mejor con el dibujo, poniendole los datos de cantidad de puntos y demas en el croquis mismo del dibujo, soy de Montevideo URUGUAY, FELICITACIONES, ME ENCANTA ESTA PAGINA !!!!!! Gracias!!!

    • Pascal Vera
      September 11, 2017 @ 9:08 pm

      Hola Marta de Uruguay… me puedes eyudar con la parte del cuello? No se bien cómo hacer las vueltas cortas en el punto elástico. SOS

  16. Mudd
    February 10, 2015 @ 2:15 pm

    Hi,

    I just put my DPNs through the armhole stitches that were on hold, but was wondering if I should knit these or purl them? If I’m doing stockinette, shouldn’t I be altering between knit and purl rows? The pattern says knit around…

    Thanks for the tutorial!

    • alexaludeman
      February 11, 2015 @ 11:35 am

      When you are working in the round, stockinette is achieved by knitting every round. Knit away!

  17. Jill
    February 1, 2015 @ 12:20 pm

    Hi, I’m knitting another Tin Can Knits pattern (Harvest) and have a question on the arm separating when you need a different arm size (1 size up from the body). Do I use the body size for the counts to hold and cast on extra and then pick up more stitches for the sleeve? Or use the larger size counts? It’s my first sweater so I’m just not sure where exactly to change it. Thanks! :)

    • alexaludeman
      February 4, 2015 @ 11:51 am

      When separating for the sleeves you want your extra sts to come at sleeves only (the sts you are putting on waste yarn), the body sts will stay the same and the cast on number at the underarm will stay the same. When you go to do the sleeves you can work the instructions for the next size up.

  18. Debbie Widner
    January 21, 2015 @ 1:02 pm

    I’ve made it through knitting almost all of yoke section. Have a question about directions (before separate sleeves and body), “place locking stitch markers or safety pins in the fabric at the beginning and end of this row.” ???? Which row do I do this— Is it at thebeginning of working # rows for size, in stockinette stitch/yoke depth measures etc., Then put marker/pin at end of this row too? Thanks for your help!

    • alexaludeman
      January 22, 2015 @ 12:03 pm

      The row that you are on, place a safety pin in the first and last stitch.

      • Debbie Widner
        January 22, 2015 @ 4:47 pm

        Thank You for answering. Don’t think my brain was thinking very clearly when posting! Just put safety pin and moved on! Am wading into waters unknown having put stitches on waste yarn to hold for sleeves!!! Looking so cute and taking shape of sweater! Thanks for being such a great and inspiring teacher!!!

  19. Debbie Widner
    January 6, 2015 @ 6:57 am

    I’ve been knitting for few years but have never attempted a sweater. Have been “eyeing” different versions across web. Thank you so much for all the time and effort for these posts. I am so much a visual learner and all these photos of construction help me so much! I am seriously considering knitting this cardigan. Thanks again,

  20. Mary Hartwig
    November 29, 2014 @ 7:11 am

    Hi – I’m knitting the 4-6 yr old size – I’ve completed the body and am starting to work on the sleeves. Reading the instructions and your explanation in the tutorial of June 15 seems contradictory to me. I’ve placed my stitches back on the needles, THEN I knit a row, THEN pick up 6 stitches from the underarm .- is that correct? I end up with a hole between the stitches that were on the needle and the new picked up stitches. It almost seems as if I should pick up 8 stitches so I don’t have a hole. Or does knitting the row first and then picking up the 6 stitches leave a gap? I love your tutorials, they’ve really helped me through unknown territory.

    • alexaludeman
      December 3, 2014 @ 5:31 pm

      For the underarm there are a couple of options. I always think if you are getting holes, pick up another stitch or 2 and decrease on the next round. OR you can use your tail to sew up the little hole (if you work a bottom up sweater there is ALWAYS a little hole after you Kitchener the underarms for example)

      • Mary Hartwig
        December 5, 2014 @ 11:46 am

        Thanks – I did pick up an extra stitch on each end and still have a little hole, so will sew them closed when I finish.

  21. Linda Burrows
    September 27, 2014 @ 4:45 am

    Hi and greetings from S. Wales,UK.
    I have just found your blog and Google+ website from a link on Cats Rocking Crochet blog and must say I adore what I’m seeing so far (haven’t had a chance to check out the rest of what seems a fab blog yet).
    Thanks so much for this easy to follow pattern for the Gramps baby cardigan. I haven’t made one yet of course but I’ve checked out your instructions and they are so clear and precise that I know I will enjoy making this up for my newest baby grandson.
    I haven’t been able to keep up with my blog for almost two years due to ill health so I haven’t linked to it, also my blog is mainly cardmaking and papercraft. Funnily enough my I’ll health is the one thing that drew me back to my first loves of crochet and knitting. Isn’t it funny how things that happen in our lives can totally change our needs for a while. I haven’t given up papercrafting, will be back at it hopefully in the next few weeks as I’d like to make my Christmas cards again now I’m feeling a bit better.
    Anyway enough of me, thank you again for your kind gift of the free pattern to the web. I shall be back to look around the rest of your blog for certain.
    Best wishes Lindyloo xxx

  22. Sheila
    August 25, 2014 @ 4:46 pm

    Wow! Very impressive website.

  23. Disha
    June 26, 2014 @ 2:56 am

    I loved ur tutorial and the way u explain in detail please tell me after picking up the stitches in the armhole why did u mark center how does that help?
    What is center marking for ?
    Thank u soo much

    • Emily Wessel
      June 28, 2014 @ 11:44 pm

      You mark the centre stitch of the underarm stitches because it will be the first stitch of the round (your BOR or beginning of round). So when you follow the pattern, and work decreases at the sleeve, the decreases will be made either side of this marked stitch.

  24. Jessy
    April 28, 2014 @ 7:05 am

    Can you tell me what yarn you are using in this tutorial as well as the names of the colors? I love it!

    • alexaludeman
      May 2, 2014 @ 6:56 pm

      Debbie Bliss Rialto Aran in denim and dark grey

  25. Free Tutorial: How To Knit Top Down Baby Cardigan » Da'Knit
    November 28, 2013 @ 7:39 pm

    […] Top-Down Sweater Construction: Body & Arms: Separating sweater at the Underarm, casting-on stitches using backward loop method, and knitting in the round [Post HERE] […]

  26. Rockup
    November 20, 2013 @ 10:04 pm

    Why are the arm stitches inside of the raglan increases, rather than divided in the middle of them? In your photo on this page they appear to be divided in the middle of the “seam,” but in the Gramps pattern they are not. Is there a specific reason?

    • alexaludeman
      December 2, 2013 @ 6:55 pm

      just the way the numbers worked out for that particular pattern.

  27. Cheri
    September 1, 2013 @ 7:55 am

    I haven’t knitted in years, and am picking it back up. This is the first time, however, where I have done raglan sleeves this way. What I am confused about is how to add in the new yarn to work with for the sleeves.

    • alexaludeman
      September 3, 2013 @ 6:09 pm

      Hi Cheri

      Place your stitches on your double pointed needles (or a long circular for magic loop). Using new yarn in MC knit across your stitches. I do this by leaving a long tail and just knitting with the new yarn. The first few stitches are a bit loose but you can tighten them up later.

  28. tasha lee
    June 15, 2013 @ 12:19 am

    Hi, i purchased gramps baby cardigan!

    I’m so glad this pattern is very easy to follow!
    However, i’m stuck at arm part!!
    I saw the pattern over and instructions

    i know how to pick up stiches but i’m so confused how to do next step.

    Knit around
    33 (35,36,37) held sts, and 2 (2,3,3) of the 5 (5,7,7)
    picked-up sts, to the new start of the round

    I’m using circular needle and there are 5 pickup stiches on my right needle and 33sts on hold.

    do i have to knit 33sts? so 38 sts on right needles together? i mean 5 pickup stiches goes bottom and 33sts on top of right needle.

    then, what is the exact meaning of 2(2,3,3)of the 5 (5,7,7) picked-up sts??

    I’m so confused! please help me!

    • Emily Wessel
      June 15, 2013 @ 10:18 am

      Hi Tasha – what you do is:
      1) Pick up 5 (5, 7, 7) stitches to begin (these are the only stitches on your needles at the start)
      2) Place the held stitches back on needles, then knit around on them, so you will have the picked up stitches + the stitches that were on hold, and be at your total stitch count for the upper arm.
      3) Lastly, knit 2 (2, 3, 3) of the picked-up stitches once more. Then stop. Then is the new beginning-of-round point, at the underarm.

      From there you proceed to work the sleeve following the instructions. Does this help?

      • tasha lee
        June 15, 2013 @ 2:47 pm

        thank you for quick reply!! :)so there are pickedup stitches on bottom and other stitches on top.and as you mentioned, [to knit 2 of pickedup stitches] , my all 5 pickeup sts are already on the bottom part so do i need to move sts to other side needle to 5pickedup sts goes on top part? sorry!

  29. jam jar
    May 28, 2013 @ 8:15 am

    the reason I am confused is that first schematic says to knit across the back, put the arm on hold, then cast on the underarm, but below second schematic says “you will then knit across the back, then cast on stiches for underarm and put arm on hold” – opposite order than before.

    • Emily Wessel
      May 30, 2013 @ 7:59 am

      See my comment below regarding the order of casting on underarms and placing sleeve sts on hold.

  30. jam jar
    May 28, 2013 @ 8:10 am

    not sure, are the 5 underarm stiches staying on the needle to be P on WS or do they get put on hold with the arm?

    • Emily Wessel
      May 30, 2013 @ 7:58 am

      The underarm stitches become part of the body – so you knit across the front, place sleeve stitches on hold, then cast on 5 stitches at the underarm. I suggest using the backward loop method to cast on these stitches – it is simple and effective, and you don’t need to turn the work. Then simply continue across the back, place the other sleeve stitches on hold, and cast on the underarm stitches at this side, then knit across the front to the end of the row. It doesn’t matter whether you cast on the underarm stitches THEN place sleeve sts on hold, or place the sleeve sts on hold first, and THEN cast on the underarm stitches. It makes absolutely no difference! I hope this helps. Here’s a link to the

  31. Andrea Charlton
    February 19, 2013 @ 2:48 pm

    This set of instructions was EXACTLY what I needed today. I’ve been puzzling over the instructions for my first top down cardigan. Your photo How To Separate At Underarm was just what I needed to see. I think the cardigan you are knitting is very cute, and I’ll put it in my queue. Picked up your site from Pinterest.

    • Emily Wessel
      February 21, 2013 @ 7:10 am

      Glad to be of help! Top-down garments are my favourite! It makes it more likely that you will really finish! Good Luck ~ Emily

  32. The Modern Home Economist
    March 29, 2012 @ 4:20 am

    Such an informative post! And what a cute sweater.

  33. buubok
    March 28, 2012 @ 8:14 pm

    great tutorial. well done.