Mastering Crochet Sleeves

By Nicki Byrnes

August 29, 2024

Design your own crochet sweater and ready to get your sleeves just right? The simplest ways to make a sleeve is either by crocheting a long rectangle, seaming it together, and then attaching it to your sweater body, OR attaching your yarn onto the already-assembled body panels where the armhole is, crocheting around the armhole, and continuing to crochet around until you reach your desired length. The one draw back to these methods is they will both be loose sleeves, the same width from the shoulder to the wrist.

If you want your sleeves to get narrower as they go from the shoulder to the wrist, you have to decrease as you crochet your sleeve. Decreasing for a crochet sleeve is like tailoring your own personal fit; it ensures your sleeve looks great and feels comfortable. Here’s a guide to help you determine how much and where to decrease, and nail that perfect sleeve shape:

1. Know Your Sleeve Measurements:

• Width at the Upper Arm: Measure around the upper arm where the sleeve will end (usually at the shoulder or armpit). (Image 7 here)
• Width at the Wrist or Desired Ending: Measure around the wrist or the point where the sleeve should taper off. (Image 12b here)
• Note: The Craft Yarn Council has published standard size measurements that you can use if you’re not seeking a completely custom fit. See all of the measurements they include here and look on the right for the different categories and respective measurements.

2. Understand the Sleeve Design:

• Set-in Sleeve: Fits into the armhole of the sweater and often requires more shaping.
• Raglan Sleeve: Continuous with the body and shaped with decreases that follow the raglan lines.
• Drop Sleeve: Wider and hangs more loosely, typically needing fewer decreases.
• Here is a helpful image. Click on it to read more.

3. Calculate the Decrease Rate:

• Determine Total Decreases: Calculate how many stitches you need to decrease to reach the desired width from the upper arm to the wrist.
  • Formula: Subtract the wrist measurement from the upper arm measurement to find the difference. Divide this difference by your row gauge (the number of rows per inch or centimeter) to determine how many rows you’ll need to decrease over.
• Spacing Out Decreases: Decide how frequently to decrease based on the total number of rows.
  • Example: If you need to decrease 20 stitches over 40 rows, you’ll decrease every 2 rows.

4. Implement Decreases:

• Start Decreasing: Begin decreasing at the point where the sleeve should start to taper.
• Even Distribution: Spread out the decreases evenly throughout the sleeve to maintain a smooth, tapered shape.
• Monitor Fit: Try on the sleeve as you go, if possible, to ensure it’s shaping up as expected.

5. Check Sleeve Cap Fit:

• If your sleeve is set-in, make sure the cap fits well into the armhole. Adjust decreases as needed for a smooth fit.

Here is an example for how to determine how often you need to decrease.

• Starting Measurement: 40 stitches at the upper arm
• Ending Measurement: 30 stitches at the wrist
• Decrease Total: 10 stitches
• Row Gauge: 5 rows per inch
• Decrease Frequency: Every 2 rows (10 stitches divided by 5 rows per inch equals 2 rows between decreases)

By following these steps, you can ensure your sleeve has the right fit and shape. To read more about how to design a crochet sweater, click here.