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- Either get 30% off (no coupon code needed)
or
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Nowadays, with all those easy-to work dropped-shoulder summer shirts around, there seems to be not much interest for sleeve caps. However, I still think that a well-fitting sleeve cap gives a garment the perfect shape – no unwanted bulk at the underarm. This is why I have resumed the old-fashioned way – and finally came up with a top-down solution where you neither have to sew nor pick up sts from the armholes. The sleeve cap (after picking up a few initial sts once) is worked at the same time as the upper body, but some short rows leave out the sleeves, so its longer edge with the sleeve increases matches the shorter edge of the body.

This document is a complete pattern in itself, but it’s also a recipe for working a fitting upper body. On the lower body, you can do whatever you like.

Needles: Main needle size is 3,0mm; 2,5 mm and 2,0mm for edges.
Gauge: 28 sts x 38 rows in Stockinette after blocking.
Approx. 1000/ 1100/ 1200/ 1300/ 1400/ 1500 m of a Fingering weight yarn needed. For my sample, I used leftovers of the (sadly discontinued) Skudderia Pinta (60% Merino, 20% Silk, 20% Ramie; 425m/100g).

The shirt should fit at the shoulders – you could work more increases later if you need additional bust width.

Worked at a gauge of 2 sts less on 10cm, the piece will get one size bigger.

Overview: These are the steps to work the shirt, top-down:
• Step 1: Work shoulder pieces (using short rows for shoulder slant), picking up sts for front pieces from back pieces. Join back pieces first and work a few rows, then some rows on fronts. Join everything into a long row by picking up sts for sleeve caps. After the front neck is done, close to round. Shape sleeve cap with increases, while purl sts between body and sleeves create a visible dividing line. By working occasional short rows on body only, you ensure that the sleeves will not tear at the body.
• Step 2: Separate into body and sleeves. Work lower body with big CC stripes; end with a small rolling edge.
• Step 3: Work sleeves in the same color sequence, but with small CC stripes.
• Finishing: Add neck edge.
(This pattern was created for the more experienced knitters. But as it is described step-by-step, an ambitious beginner could follow it as well. The upper body needs concentration, but the lower body and sleeves are a relaxing knit.)