Dawn Brocco's Life & Design Blog

So, now we're at the underarms and need to insert steeks, so that we can continue working in the rnd. To do so, first we BO the underarm sts, then on the next rnd, CO steek sts.

Now I generally BO about 5% of C (the total # of body sts), which in this size is 10 sts. So, BO 10 right underarm sts,

patt across the front to 10 sts before side marker, BO 20 sts (10 front and 10 back underarm sts),


patt across back to last 10 sts and bind these off.


Insert ndl into first BO st, pull up a st and BO the last st on the right-hand ndl. Break yarn and end off.


Join blue yarn to first st, patt across front sts, working last front st in blue, CO 9 twisted loops for the steek, alternating white and blue,


patt across back sts, working first and last back sts in blue, then CO 9 steek sts, alternating colors. It will make a pouch shape at both underarms.


First and last front and back sts will be kept in the background (predominant) color throughout.

Now to insert the steek sts for the v-neck.

Patt 38 sts, k2tog, k1, CO 9 v-neck steek sts, (a snug fit for the first few rnds)


k1, ssk, patt around, purling the other steek sts.

Why purl? Because purled steeks will *want to* fold to the WS after being cut. And don't fear, you won't need to try and sew along the purl side of the steek sts. We'll turn the sweater inside out and sew along the knit side of the steek sts.

Work 2 rnds even, purling all steek sts throughout.

V-Neck Dec Rnd: Work to 3 sts before center front steek, k2tog, k1, purl steek, k1, ssk, patt rem of rnd.

Rep last 3 rnds 18x MORE = approx 8.5" from underarm.

Now, I usually use about 15% of C (about 6.25" for this size) for the back of a v-neck width before edging, but as this edging will be much wider than my typical ribbed or crocheted edging, I've gone with about 19.5" of C, which is 8" wide before edging.

21 shoulder sts rem on each side, not counting any steek sts.

BO all sts.


Next up - Sewing and Cutting Steeks, Sleeves

Labels: Fana