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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
An easy and stylish way to use a novelty yarn in a sweater is by making a basic body shape, then adding a simple detail or two, such as the contrasting yarn used for the cuffs and collar in this featured sweater.
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
- Beginner
You Will Need
- Color A, approximately 490(530, 608, 675)yd/448(485, 556, 618)m bulky weight yarn
- Color B, approximately 70yd/64m bulky weight yarn
- Circular needles (cn): 8 mm (size 11 U.S.), one 29"/73cm and two 16"/40cm, or size to obtain gauge
- Double-pointed needles (dpn): 8 mm (size 11 U.S.), 10"/26cm, or size to obtain gauge
- 4 stitch markers
- Tapestry needle
- 2 yd/1.8 m, 1"/2.5cm-wide ribbon
Gauge
- 10 sts = 4"/10cm in St st
- Always take time to check your gauge.
Materials Used in Featured Sweater
- Color A, 7 (7, 8, 9) balls of Classic Elite’s Rave, 42% mohair/31% microfiber/27% poly, 1.75oz/50g = approximately 76yd/69m, in color #7913 (black)
- Color B, 1 ball of Bernat’s Boa, 100% polyester, 1.75oz/50g = 71yd/56m, in color #81104 (mocking bird)
Sizes
- Small (Medium, Large, X-Large)
Fitted Measurements
- Bust 36 (40, 44, 48)"/91 (102, 112, 122)cm
| Copyright © 2007 Cathy Carron | Acknowledgments & Disclaimer |
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