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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 was designed to be knit from the top down in one complete piece versus being knit in pieces, and then sewn together. The yoke is made the same way as for all other top-down sweaters, altering only slightly as you work the body downward. When working with bulky yarn, it’s a good idea to slim the silhouette as much as possible, keeping a trim look and reducing the amount (and therefore the weight) of yarn on the body as well. The yarn stretches to accommodate the decreases that are taken in along the body sides.
Top-Down Knitting
Knitting a sweater 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?
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
- Experienced Beginner
You Will Need
- Approximately 500(560, 586, 663)yd/457(512, 536, 607)m bulky weight yarn
- Circular knitting needles (cn), 9 mm (size 13 U.S), one 29"/73cm and two 16"/40cm, or size to obtain gauge
- Double-pointed needles (dpn), 9 mm (size 13 U.S), 10"/26cm, or size to obtain gauge
- 4 stitch markers
- Tapestry needle
Gauge
- 10 sts = 4"/10cm in St st
- Always take time to check your gauge.
Materials Used in Featured Sweater
- 10 (11, 12, 13) balls of Karabella’s Barbados, 68% nylon/32% polyester, 1.75oz/50g = 51yd/47m, in color #565 (green)
Sizes
- Small (Medium, Large, X-Large)
Finished Measurements
- 36 (40, 44, 48)"/91 (102, 112, 122)cm
| Copyright © 2007 Cathy Carron | Acknowledgments & Disclaimer |
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