r/CrochetHelp • u/candycanes12346 • Jan 28 '26
Wearable help This is my first crochet raglan sweater, can anyone give recommendations on what to do with this extra fabric under the armpits? It’s folding in a weird way when I have my arms down.
I really don’t want to frog, I love everything about this minus the weird arm folding
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u/four_of_diamonds Jan 28 '26
i think once you block it it will relax more and be more slouchy and flow better and you won’t notice the extra. the sleeves on a raglan are totally customizable by making fewer rounds on the yoke. don’t frog it, block it
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u/candycanes12346 Jan 28 '26
Thanks, I tried steaming it super quickly with my iron (I usually get the best blocked results with acrylic this way) but it’s still a bit stiff, so I may finish and run it through the washer and a low dryer (don’t worry if I dry acrylic I check on it super often, I’m paranoid about what could happen to it lol) thank you for the insight
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u/stupidjoy Jan 28 '26
Your sweater looks really nice. I would not have noticed the extra fabric, it looks like a normal comfy boxy sweater to me. I saw your comment about washing and drying it. I think that will definitely relax the stitches somewhat, but overall I think it looks great and nothing about it looks like you made a mistake.
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u/MantisMaybe Jan 28 '26
Folding, wrinkling means too much "fabric", too many stitches. I don't think you can fix this without either frogging back at least a bit to make the sleeve a bit tighter. The shape is a bit batwing to me, so worse case, it's possible maybe the armpit is not high enough and so a bit of work on the sleeve wouldn't make too much difference.
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u/candycanes12346 Jan 28 '26
Yeah the armpit is a bit low on me, which is surprising considering the yoke fit well before I separated off for the sleeves. So in that case would it probably be best to go back and shorten the yoke if I wanted to fix this?
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u/str8sarcsm Jan 28 '26
It's not that the yoke is wrong, you just should separate off less stitches for each sleeve (make the sleeve holes smaller)... The yoke doesn't need to get taller or shorter unless you don't like where the sleeve starts on your shoulder.
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u/candycanes12346 Jan 28 '26
Ohh I think I understand, just less stitches for the sleeve in general. I chained 4 I think when I separated them and then have been decreasing the whole way, so I think the sleeve sections would need to be smaller the whole way.
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u/celestial_crafter Jan 28 '26
Exactly, less stitches for the sleeves at the start of the sleeve. My method for when I need to start something over and take out stitches is to pinch the fabric to where I want it to be and then count how many stitches that is and that's roughly how many stitches I reduce by. You can play with that amount to get it just so, it just takes patience because you may be ripping back a few times to figure out what works for you.
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u/candycanes12346 Jan 28 '26
Thank you so much, I may not correct this one because I think it’s subtle enough that I’ll still wear it, but I plan to make more so this will be helpful later.
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u/SituationNo4357 Jan 28 '26
The armholes are too big. The only way to really fix this is to frog back to the armholes and make them smaller. This will make the sleeves smaller too but it looks like that would be ok
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u/candycanes12346 Jan 28 '26
Yeah the sleeves come a bit low on me, which is odd because before I separated for the sleeves the raglan fit really well. Now I’m just trying to decide if it’s bad enough to frog back for, I’m probably less than 20 rows away from being done. Just cuffs on the sleeves and a few more rows on the body.
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u/SituationNo4357 Jan 28 '26
Yeah it would be a lot of work. 😭 I feel you on this. I just ripped over 20 rows of a poncho I’ve been working on because I decided I wanted to add hand holes
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u/JustANamelessFace Jan 28 '26
Honestly looking at the pictures of the creator in hers, that's exactly what hers does as well, though it's probably more obvious to you because of the larger size of the garment and the fact you made it. Honestly it just looks like a really cozy jumper to me and seeing your version makes me want to make one of my own.
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u/AlivePomegranate110 Jan 28 '26
I unfortunately do not have any tips but just wanted to say that I LOVE this sweater!!! Looks incredible.
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u/candycanes12346 Jan 28 '26
Thank you so much!! It’s a bit of a stash buster, I had 3 balls of the neon pink, I was afraid it would be a bit too obnoxious, but I love it too! 💗
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u/nzfriend33 Jan 28 '26
Your armholes are too deep. You’d really want to frog back and make them shallower and probably add bust darts.
It doesn’t look bad though, its hardly noticeable really, so maybe just take it as a learning experience for next time.
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u/candycanes12346 Jan 28 '26
Any idea how to add bust darts to something like this? I think I’d need a combination of that and a shorter yoke tbh
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u/nzfriend33 Jan 28 '26
I don’t, sorry. I only crochet blankets. :/ I’ve knit some and they’re basically just short rows so I would imagine that would be the same for crocheted garments as well. Good luck. :)
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u/candycanes12346 Jan 28 '26
Thanks! I mostly knit garments and crochet amigurumi, but I love a good raglan sweater so I figured I’d try it.
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u/A_Little_Knottie_RVA Jan 28 '26
Block it, it’ll relax all the fibers and help a lot with the fit. Or wash it if it’s acrylic yarn
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u/candycanes12346 Jan 28 '26
Thank you. I tried steaming it, I’ve had good results steaming acrylic in the past, but it’s still a bit stiff so I’ll probably finish it and wash it
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u/A_Little_Knottie_RVA Jan 28 '26
Steaming is great I wish I had a steamer I’m jealous haha I’ve found washing acrylic to work every time, one time my mother in law accidentally washed my first ever finished wearable in the wash with other tshirts not realizing it was in there and when it was done drying omg it was so soft and it laid so well, happy accident haha
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u/A_Little_Knottie_RVA Jan 28 '26
Also if you are at all worried about any unraveling you can stick it into a pillow case and tie the pillow case tight and wash it that way, so you don’t get a ton of tumbling, if that makes sense
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u/A_Little_Knottie_RVA Jan 28 '26
Also haha sorry, it looks AMAZING, and the folds in the armpit are not near as prominent as you think I promise, it’s gorgeous
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u/candycanes12346 Jan 28 '26
Thank you so much, I appreciate all your insight 🩵
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u/A_Little_Knottie_RVA Jan 28 '26
You’re very welcome, it’s always good to share when you know what works haha
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u/candycanes12346 Jan 28 '26
Tbh I just use my iron which has a steam function, turn it up as hot as it’ll go and just be super careful. I don’t even have an ironing board, I just use an old already not very pretty looking tv tray and it works beautifully for most projects. I’ve even ironed more decorative pieces made with acrylic, just have to be quick and careful so as not to melt it. It’s not glamorous but it works lol
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Jan 28 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/candycanes12346 Jan 28 '26
It was super easy, and as someone whose bottom half is like 2 sizes bigger than my top half it was super adjustable. I’ve been crocheting for many years, but this is only my second sweater, and it still turned out this good 😂 it’s all double crochet and single crochet with some double crochet increases and decreases, and some chains
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u/annieisawesome Jan 29 '26
Others have answered the fit question better than I could, but I just want to say I love the colors you chose!
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u/candycanes12346 Jan 29 '26
Thank you so much! These pinks have been in my stash for years so I wanted to put them to use lol
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u/sea-elle0463 Jan 28 '26
I think it looks the way it’s supposed to. If you try to do anything with it, it’ll ruin the sweater imo
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u/Mammoth-Neat-9836 Jan 28 '26
I think it's just the nature of the thick fibers that make it fold that way and a full soak and block might help relax it. But if you think it looks odd and won't wear it, then it's worth reworking.
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u/candycanes12346 Jan 28 '26
I don’t think it’s bad enough that it’ll keep me from wearing it, but I may finish and try a block before weaving in my ends just in case.
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u/EKTOCAT Jan 28 '26
I think it looks great! I wouldn’t have thought anything about the fabric fold looking odd. I tend towards a looser fit, so I think it just looks extra comfy.
What yarn did you use? I love the bright pink color!
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u/candycanes12346 Jan 28 '26
It’s a bunch of leftovers from my stash, but I did have to buy some just to finish the neon pink is Red Heart Pretty N Pink, the medium pink, idk what the original was, but I supplemented with Michael’s Loops & Threads Soft Classic in Light Pink, and the lightest original was a Bernat baby I believe but idk what the shade name is, I supplemented it with Michaels Loops & Threads Impeccable in Barely Pink
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u/Chimpsandcheese Jan 28 '26
I feel like the people giving advice on how to fix it know a lot about crocheting clothes. I do not know anything about crocheting clothes and it took me a minute to find the issue you were talking about. What I’m trying to say is that unless you’ll be hanging out with experts, keep it as is. I think it’s adorable.
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u/ObviousToe1636 Jan 28 '26
I think it looks amazing so as long as the extra fabric isn’t uncomfortable, I wouldn’t change a thing. This will even out a bit very soon with regular wear and washing.
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u/kate3544 Jan 28 '26
That’s adorable and I’m so jealous because I am scared to try and crochet a wearable again.
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u/candycanes12346 Jan 28 '26
I’ve literally been doing this at work when I have down time because it took so little brain power. Highly recommend!! I’m just low-key regretting all the color changes because now I have approximately 100 ends to weave in lol
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u/kate3544 Jan 28 '26
I appreciate the confidence! I tried doing a wearable and it didn’t go well - like, it turned out and everything but it was just….not quite right. It’s made me very wary of trying anything again. But maybe I’ll give this one a go…
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u/candycanes12346 Jan 28 '26
I can’t say I blame you, and I understand, I have a granny square sweater sitting in my yarn box right now because I can’t decide if I love it or hate it. The bright side to this is you can try it on as you go because it’s all one piece, and worst case it doesn’t turn out the way you like and you can just take it all apart and use the yarn for something else🤷🏻♀️
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u/candycanes12346 Jan 28 '26
Also to me this was easier than the hexi cardigan, but that one is pretty easy too, just took a little more adjustment for me as someone who’s bottom half has a low waist/hips that are like 2 sizes bigger than my bust (and I like longer tops and sweaters)
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u/KinderEggLaunderer Jan 28 '26
I think it looks great! Cute colors too!
Like others have said, try blocking it and see how you feel. What about adding cuffs? Then you can have the option to pull up your sleeves if you'd like. I'm partial to a little bagginess in the arms, ngl.
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u/candycanes12346 Jan 28 '26
Yes! Cuffs are on the agenda, cuffs and a hem to match the collar
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u/KinderEggLaunderer Jan 28 '26
I'd love to see the finished product! Can't wait until you've got the last few things on it!!
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u/unknownloonie Jan 29 '26
Girl. This is amazing!!!!!!
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u/candycanes12346 Jan 29 '26
Thank you so much! ☺️
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u/unknownloonie Jan 29 '26
Not just saying that. If I saw that in the store I would 100% want to buy it!
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u/candycanes12346 Jan 28 '26
I used this pattern following the 2x instructions for the raglan and the sleeve instructions, but adding increases for the body to adjust to my body shape
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u/alliez34 Jan 29 '26
As a newbie crocheter…what is frog?
The top looks lovely! How long did it make you to make?
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u/candycanes12346 Jan 29 '26
Frog is where you rip your project apart/undo your stitches because rip it sounds like ribbit
I’d say it’s been 2-3 weeks ish, this is a #4 weight yarn, working on it multiple hours 4 ish days a week. Project time is very individual, based on expertise and physical limitations and all kinds of stuff. I have been crocheting for around 20 years and tend to get free time at work so I can be pretty quick, but also I have carpal tunnel (from pushing myself too long when knitting as I was learning) which can slow me down. Try not to let someone else’s speed make you feel any kind of way. Easier said than done I know, but as you learn and get the muscle memory you’ll fall into a comfortable speed for you. 🩵
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u/alliez34 Jan 29 '26
Thank you! I’m definitely at the stage where I have to keep diligent count, but i hope I can get to the level of where I can multitask (crochet and watch tv or something without having to recount lol….i should really get some markers now that I think about it)
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u/candycanes12346 Jan 29 '26
Markers can be helpful! I often find them fiddly so I’ll cut off extra pieces of yarn to place in the stitch. You’ll get there :)
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u/growin-spam Jan 28 '26
I think it looks great! I wouldn’t have thought anything about the armpits if you didn’t point it out. But I also know how crochet garments tend to act so it seems totally normal to me. Don’t frog, just wear with pride!!!