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Child demonstrating why proper neck opening size matters in children's knitwear

Kids Heads are Big!

When knitting pullover sweaters for babies and kids, it's important to make sure the neck opening will fit over the head.

Looking at sizing charts, 3 month heads are 15". Neck openings are 4.5". Yes, knitting stretches, but leaving one shoulder open is the answer.

Make it easier for Mom and baby - leave a shoulder open and add a designer element!

garment shaping neck shaping

Easy on and off kids sweaters

When knitting pullover sweaters for babies and kids, it's important to make sure the neck opening will fit over the head.

Looking at sizing charts, 3 month heads are 15". Neck openings are 4.5". Yes, knitting stretches, but leaving one shoulder open is the answer for a sweater that won't be a struggle for mom and baby.

For Kids pullovers, it's a good idea to leave one shoulder open to allow the sweater to go over the head. Use this technique with any knitting pattern




1 Plan Ahead

Before you start knitting the sweater, plan for the open shoulder

  • Knit the front and back pieces as instructed, removing the left shoulders (as worn) on waste yarn.
  • Join the right shoulder
  • Re-hang the left back shoulder stitches and knit in ribbing, flat rib or garter/seed stitch (by hand or machine)
  • re-hang the left front shoulder stitches and work the same style of band, adding buttonholes
  • Pick up the neck band, including the edge of the shoulder bands and work as directed in your pattern.
neckline finished for kids sweaters
Don't forget the sleeves!

Let's say you knit 1/2" bands at the left shoulder. Overlap the front over the back and you will be adding 1/2" to the armhole opening. Depending on the size sweater you are knitting and the gauge of your yarn, you may be able to just work this into the sleeve cap seam.

If not, you may want to adjust the sleeve cap slightly or knit fewer rows on the garment pieces at the left shoulder.


2 Afterthought Method

You've knit the sweater pieces, added the band and realized that an open shoulder would be useful.

  • Knit the front and back pieces as instructed
  • Join the right shoulder
  • Knit and attach the neck band per the pattern
  • On the left back shoulder pick up stitches and knit in ribbing, flat rib or garter/seed stitch (by hand or machine)
  • On the left front shoulder work the same style of band, adding buttonholes

neckline finished for kids sweaters

With a little thought and planning, adding a finished shoulder opening for a kids sweater isn't hard.

Watch the Video

The extra effort will be greatly appreciated!

Use Knit it Now Perfect Fit patterns for your kids knitting.

Butterscotch: Set in Sleeve

Strawberry: Square Armhole

Prickly Pear: Drop Shoulder
ANY Yarn
ANY Machine
ANY Stitch Pattern
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1 COMMENT
Cynthia Q
 Apr 19, 2022
Love these tips. With me, it is usually after thought ??.

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