 |
- Step-by-step instructions
- A complete list of what you’ll need
- A helpful sizing diagram
|
 |
|
 |
|
Getting Started
Here, the capelet, or extended cowl collar, provides the focal point for this sweater. For added dash, you can make the sweater longer—just keep knitting! The body is simply
an understated pullover with a ribbed cuff hem—a simple detail that results in a more polished look.
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 from the top down 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
- Approximately 600(695, 780, 870)yd/549(636, 714, 795)m chunky weight yarn
- Circular knitting needles (cn): 4.5 mm (size 7 U.S.), one 29"/73cm and two 16"/40cm, or size to obtain gauge
- Double-pointed needles (dpn): 4.5 mm (size 7 U.S.) 10"/25cm
- 4 stitch markers
- Tapestry needle
Gauge
- 12 sts = 4"/10cm in St st
- Always take time to check your gauge.
Materials Used in Featured Sweater
- 7 (8, 9, 10) balls Muench’s Vamos, 100% nylon, 3.5oz/50g = approximately 87yd/80m, in color #7
Sizes
- Small (Medium, Large, X-Large)
Finished Measurements
- Bust: 36 (40, 44, 48)"/91 (102, 112, 122)cm
| Copyright © 2007 Cathy Carron | Acknowledgments & Disclaimer |
Tags
No one has tagged this page yet... Be the first.. Log in using the link below and return to add your tag
for just $2.95
► Handy, portable format
