How To Knit Off Shoulder Top Tutorial For Beginners

Let's Knit your own off-shoulder top that can be a fun and rewarding project. This simple guide shows you how to turn basic yarn into a fashionable piece that looks great everywhere, from casual outings to more dressy events. It's perfect for anyone looking to add a personal touch to their wardrobe. With straightforward stitches and a bit of patience, you'll end up with something truly unique and stylish. So, let's pick up those needles and start knitting your new favorite top!

Knit Off Shoulder Top Tutorial

Materials Needed

12mm circular knitting needles
Scrap yarn for casting on

Starting Your Project

Casting On: Begin by making a loop and placing it on your knitting needles. Consider this loop as your first stitch and cast on 37 more stitches, giving you a total of 38 stitches on your needles.
Checking for Tangles: Ensure that your yarn is properly arranged to prevent any tangles or twists in your project later on.

Knitting the First Row: Your first row will consist entirely of knit stitches. Insert your needle, wrap the yarn around, pull it through to create a loop, and then slide it off the needle. Repeat this for all the stitches.

Continuing the Pattern

Purl Side: After completing the knit row, turn your work around. You are now on the purl side. The entire next row will consist of purl stitches. To purl, insert your needle in the front of the stitch (as opposed to knitting where the needle is inserted from behind), wrap the yarn over, and pull it through to the front.

Repeat: Continue with knit stitches for the knit side and purl stitches for the purl side, alternating each row. This creates a stockinette stitch pattern.

Panel Length: Work up your project until the panel is long enough for your body, taking into consideration the lengths for the armholes and the desired overall length.

Creating Panels

Switching Needles: If needed, switch your work to another set of circular needles to free up your 12 mm needles for the creation of the second panel. Alternatively, you could temporarily cast off the stitches onto a piece of yarn or another set of needles.
Second Panel: Repeat the above steps to create a second, identical panel.

Assembly and Finishing Touches

Easier Method Hint: The video suggests an easier method which involves continuing to knit upwards without creating separate panels.
Joining Panels: Use a crochet hook to weave the sides of the panels together, creating the armholes in the process. Make sure the knit sides of the top are facing each other as you want the purl sides to be on the inside.
Shoulder Flap: For a folded shoulder detail, continue working in purl stitches on the purl side to ensure that when the flap is folded down, the knit side is displayed outwardly, creating a seamless look.
Casting Off: To finish your knitting, cast off loosely to ensure comfort around the shoulders and arms.
Sleeves (Optional): If adding sleeves, pick up stitches around the armhole using your 12 mm needles. Knit in the round for the sleeves, maintaining knit stitches throughout.
Final Weaving: After completing the sleeves (if applicable), securely weave in all loose ends to prevent unraveling.