The present disclosure describes a knitted component configured to stretch. The knitted component includes a knit element that includes an auxetic portion configured to move between a first position and a second position as the knitted component stretches. The knitted component also includes a tensile strand formed with the knit element. The auxetic portion has an area when in the first position. The tensile strand engages the knit element proximate the auxetic portion. The tensile strand is configured to be manipulated for selectively changing the area of the auxetic portion to vary a stretch characteristic of the knitted component.