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- Step-by-step instructions
- A complete list of what you’ll need
- A helpful sizing diagram
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Getting Started
This sweater is easy to make, the only catch being that you’ll have to make sure that the seed stitch pattern is maintained throughout, especially during transitions, such as when the yoke gets divided into the sleeves and front and back portions.
Top-Down Knitting
This sweater was designed to be knit from the top down in one complete piece versus being knit in pieces and then sewn together. Knitting in this manner is a logical progression: yoke follows neckline, hem follows body, and finally the sleeves and cuffs. After the neckline stitches are cast on, there’s only one direction to go, and that’s down to the hem. Seams are eliminated, which leads to a better fit and more finished appearance. There’s little to sew together (usually just the underarm holes), and there are no unsightly seam lines running up and down the sides of your garment.
Top-down knitting also allows for easier fitting and shaping. You can try on your sweater at various stages and make adjustments along the way. Need your sleeves longer? Just keep knitting. Need them shorter? Just rip out and bind off. It’s fun to see the garment evolve as you make it.
What’s Different About Top-Down Knitting?
The biggest difference between top-down construction and traditional piecemeal knitting is that the former is worked in one piece, whereas piecemeal sweaters are by definition completed piece by piece. Pullovers made using the top-down method are worked entirely in the round (ITR). For cardigans, the sleeves are worked (ITR), and the body is worked back and forth (B&F).
Your knitting equipment will be different, too. To achieve the seamless perfection of a top-down sweater, circular needles (cn) and double-pointed needles (dpn) are the tools of the trade. Lastly, traditional (B&F) knitting is worked in rows (r), whereas top-down (ITR) knitting is worked in rounds (rnds).
Skill Level
- Intermediate
You Will Need
- Color A, approximately 450(475, 540, 585)yd/412 (435, 494, 535)m bulky weight yarn
- Color B, approximately 45yd/41m bulky weight yarn
- Circular needles (cn): size 10 mm (15 U.S.), one 36"/91cm and two 16"/40cm, or size to obtain gauge
- Double-pointed needles (dpn): 10 mm (size 15 U.S.) or size to obtain gauge
- 4 stitch markers
- Tapestry needle
- Crochet hook G or H
- 2 large buttons
Gauge
- 8 sts = 4"/10cm in St st
- Always take time to check your gauge.
Pattern Stitch
- Seed Stitch (multiple of 2)
- Rnd 1: *k1, p1, repeat from *
- Rnd 2: *p1, k1, repeat from *
- Rep Rnds 1 and 2.
Materials Used in Featured Sweater
- Color A, 10 (11, 12, 13) balls of Blue Sky Alpacas’ Bulky, 100% alpaca, 1.75oz/50g = approximately 45yd/41m, in cream
- Color B, 1 ball of Blue Sky Alpacas’ Bulky, 100% alpaca, 1.75oz/50g = approximately 45yd/41m, in black
Sizes
- Small (Medium, Large, X-Large)
Finished Measurements
- Bust 36 (40, 44, 48)"/91 (102, 112, 122)cm
| Copyright © 2007 Cathy Carron | Acknowledgments & Disclaimer |
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