I love sleeveless knit tops, but sometimes the straps grow once you put the garment on… and sometimes they grow a bit too much.
No need to panic! If you’re willing to do a little “Sweater Surgery” you can fix it in just a few minutes.
1) How much?
First, you need to try on the top and determine how much length needs to be removed. Here’s our strap. Let’s say I’ve tried it on and I need to take out 2 inches.
2) Where?
If you happen to have a seem or previsional cast on, then you’re in luck. Unravel the cast on and skip to step
Figure out where you will need to cut. You don’t want to cut right at increases; stay at least a half inch (1 cm) if you can. Now figure out where you want the unraveling to end and mark it. Trust me, it’s easy to lose track. Mark it.
3) Cut
Now, one of the edge stitches. Either edge is fine, it doesn’t make much difference, and carefully unravel. A crochet hook or tapestry needle can help you unravel.
After the cut. You did it! You can start breathing again.
4) Needles
Put the stitches from both sides back on needles. Thread the unraveled end onto a tapestry needle. If you’ve unraveled multiple inches, you may need to shorten it. Leave 12-18 inches [30-45 cm] to be safe.
5) Kitchener
Using the needle and thread, hold the needles so the needles next to each other with Right Sides facing the same direction and start your kitchener stitch.
Done!
Nice work, you’ve done it. This also works for bottom-up cuffs and hems. I’ve even used it on the body of a children’s sweater where the colorwork I designed just didn’t look as good as it did on paper.