Shorten a sweater already knitted?

Mary anneM wrote

on May 24, 2008 6:15 AM

 This is probably a stupid question, I have a V-neck simple pullover that has   2 1/2" ribbing which is K2 P2 that I would like it shorter.  Due to time issues for a  upcoming trip  I cannot take it  apart and start over.  The other choice is to leave it at home.

I really like the new forum, I wish many of the posters were my neighbors.

Thank you,

Mary Anne

Terry Morris wrote

on May 24, 2008 5:23 PM

I'm assuming you want to shorten just the ribbing right? First question: Was this pullover knit from the bottom up or top down?

If knit from the top down - simply snip a thread in the bindoff edge and unravel to your desired length. Carefully pick up the live stitches with a much smaller needle size than was used to knit the ribbing originally and with sharp points. Knit one row of your ribbing (2x2) then bind off as usual.

If knit from the bottom up - requires surgery:

1. Carefully select a stitch in the ribbing row that would make the ribbing the length you desire from the cast on edge.
2. Pull up this stitch (loop) HARD - gathering up the fabric.
3. Snip the large loop and carefully unravel stitch-by-stitch insterting a much smaller needle size than was used to knit the ribbing originally (sharp points too) into every stitch on both sides of the surgery site. Separate needle for each side.
4. Separate the 2 pieces; ribbing & pullover body undoing side seams if knit in 2 pieces originally.
5. Slip the stitches from the smaller needles onto the correct size for the ribbing.
6. Line up the pieces matching seams and GRAFT the two together. Use the Grafting with your Needles technique as seen in Knitting Daily!

I've done this surgery many times both to lengthen and shorten - usually sleeves. Hope this helps!

Terry Morris 

Mary anneM wrote

on May 24, 2008 6:51 PM

 WOW!!! It really worked Thank you very much.

Mary Anne