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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
Luscious bulky yarns are so tempting to use because they work up quickly. However, care has to be taken to eliminate excess bulk. Streamline the shape by minimizing body shape and details. In this example, a simple collar and three-quarter-length sleeve is used.
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
- Approximately 460(474, 520, 560) yd/421(434, 476, 512)m bulky weight yarn
- Circular knitting needles (cn): 10 mm (size 15 U.S.), one 29"/73cm and two 16"/40cm, or size to obtain gauge
- Double-pointed needles (dpn): 10 mm (size 15 U.S.) or size to obtain gauge
- 5 stitch markers
- Tapestry needle
Gauge
- 8 sts = 4"/10cm in St st
- Always take time to check your gauge.
Pattern Notes
- This pattern begins like a cardigan in that you need to work back and forth on a circular needle to create the split yoke. Then it takes the form of a pullover when the yoke is joined and worked ITR.
Materials Used in Featured Sweater
- 14 (15, 16, 17) balls of Rowan’s Big Wool, 100% wool, 3.5oz/100g = approximately 33yd/30m per ball, in color #243 (cookie)
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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