Shortening a jumper

[KnickerlessParsons]

Can I shorten a hand knitted (by me) jumper from the bottom up? And could I cut it or would I unpick it?

@KnickerlessParsonswas it knitted from the bottom up and was it knitted as a separate back and front or in one piece?

If it is one piece then it is slightly easier. I would add a lifeline (a length of yarn in a contrasting colour passed through each stitch) at about the point at which you want your bottom hem to start. You could then cut a row or two below this point and unpick until you reach the lifeline. Thread your stitches back onto your needles and knit whatever hem you want. You might see a demarcation line between where you knitted upwards and where you begin knitting downward if you are planning to continue in stocking stitch for example - maybe work a row of different stitches like garter stitch. It shouldn't be obvious if you are switching from stocking stitch to rib (for example) though.

You can do exactly the same thing with a sweater that's knitted as separate front and back but you will have to unpick the seams and knit each piece separately. Then sew it back up.

Unpicking work from the wrong direction is a bit more tedious than ripping back so cutting it will take less time but is a bit daunting.

First thing to ask is how is the jumper constructed? Assuming it’s knitted top down then yes. I think you probably could if knitted bottom up but may be a slightly different process. Would be trickier if you’ve knitted in panels and seamed together.

Assuming it’s knitted top down, if it’s not by too much I would just find the end and cut along the first couple of stitches and then just unravel.

Before you start unravelling you may want to insert a retrospectively lifeline a little higher than where you want your new end to fall (look on YouTube for instructions on this, it’s very easy and means you don’t risk getting in a tangle with trying to pick your stitches back up once you’ve unravelled).

Once you’ve ripped back to a point you’re happy with you’d then just need to pick up the row of stitches and finish with your hem at your preferred length. In theory I think people suggest you steam the yarn that’s already been knitted with before you re-knit so that the kinks in it don’t affect your tension, but I’ve never done this and haven’t had any issues.

Thanks both. It’s knitted bottom up, front and back separately.
I’m a fairly experienced knitter but I’ve never shortened anything from the bottom before. The jumper is finished and sewn up, but too long and I don’t really want to unpick the whole thing unless I have to.
I’ll try cutting it and putting in a lifeline.
The jumper is just stocking stitch and I’d be ribbing from the point I’d shorten it to, so no problem with demarcation.