Sagging Shoulders? Ways to Reinforce a Neckline | Part 1

Necklines are one of the hardest-working parts of a handknit, bearing the weight of the garment while enduring constant stretching and wear. Without a bit of reinforcement, they can easily lose their shape over time—especially in sweaters that are steeked, frequently pulled on and off, or knitted in heavy yarns.

Why Are My Shoulders Sagging?

The stunning Vintage Maple Cardigan by Lisa Lloyd is heavily cabled and roomy. The weight of the sleeves pull against the shoulder and neckline in one direction while the fronts and back pull in another. A bit of reinforcement helps this cozy knit keep its shape during daily wear. Find the pattern in our library. Photo by Gale Zucker

Not only is the weight of the sweater front and back supported by the shoulder and neckline, but the weight of long sleeves add horizontal tension on those same seams. If you’ve ever noticed that the sleeve length of a sweater or cardigan have become too long, or the point where the top of the sleeve meets the body is creeping down your arm, reinforcing the back neck (and possibly the shoulder line) can do wonders for fit.

Luckily, there are several simple finishing options to add along the inside edge of the neck (or neck and shoulders) that can add structure, protect vulnerable stitches, and extend the life of a garment, all while offering an opportunity for a thoughtful, even beautiful, detail.

So, how can you add a little extra support to your sweaters? Here, Pamela will first focus on embellished finishes, and in Part 2 next week, Kate will share a nearly invisible reinforcement method.

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Method 1: Ribbons & Bands for Embellished Finishes

Pamela K. Schultz

I love knitting in the round—no purling to see here—and I love cardigans. You might think that I’d have to choose one or the other, but that’s where steeking comes into play. As knitting author and designer Sandi Rosner explains, “Steek is a common term for an extra panel of stitches added to a project that will later be cut open to create armholes, necklines, and more. Steeks can be used for projects that will be knitted in the round.”

But how does one hide and protect that raw edge?