A Knitter’s Blog

One of the most frequently asked questions that I receive regarding Sweater Wizard is “How do I generate a pattern for a short sleeve?”.

Some users are fooled because the default sleeve in Sweater Wizard is long. However, every sleeve can be adjusted in length. The sleeve can be made longer or shorter. And it is very simple to do.

At the right of the sleeve body, there is a measurement in a box. In the above schematic, the measurement is 14.25″. This measurements represents the length of the sleeve from the top of the cuff (wrist) to the underarm. It is the length of the portion of the sweater that is commonly referred to as the sleeve body.

The user can change this length to a preferred length. Type in the desired length, for example 1, for a very short sleeve. Press the Enter/Return key on the keyboard to recalculate and the sleeve will become a short sleeve and the pattern will be recalculated.

The user can make the sleeve full length, short or anything between. However, there are some considerations.

The circumference of the sleeve should be noted when shortening the sleeve. The forearm and the upper arm are both wider than the wrist. It is important to adjust the bottom width measurement when changing the length of the sleeve.

This morning, a user in Sweater Wizard Group, asked how to generate a pattern in Sweater Wizard with a sleeve to the elbow.

Here are the steps for a sleeve to the elbow.

1. Using a tape measure, measure the arm circumference just above the elbow. Add the amount of desired ease to that measurement.

2. Enter the measurement at the bottom of the sleeve schematic and press the Enter/Return key on the keyboard to recalculate.

3. Using a tape measure, measure from the middle of the back neck to the elbow. Write this number down.

4. Look at the schematic for the body of the sweater. Divide the back neck by 2. Write the number down and add to it both the shoulder width and the cap height.

5. Subtract the total in step 4 from the measurement in step 3. This will be the length of your sleeve to the elbow.

6. Subtract the length of the rib that you wish to use.

7. Enter this number into the sleeve body box and press the Enter/Return key on the keyboard to recalculate your pattern.

Once you have the basic “to the elbow” sleeve pattern, you can then customize it more. For instance, if you wish to have a wider sleeve, then add more ease to the bottom width, and then click the Options Menu and change the rib percentage for the sleeve from 90 to 80 percent. This will give you a close fitting rib with extra fabric above the rib.

Filed under: Knitting, Software, Sweater Wizard by cwulster