Knitting Top Down in The Round
It is only a few years back that knitting in the round top down became a thing in the UK. And we have found that the demand for these patterns has exploded in the past year and a half.
But this construction doesn't come naturally to everyone so let me give you some advice to where to start.
Firstly Why Knitting Top Down?
The top three reasons why you should consider knitting garments top down
1. No sewing up
This is for most knitters the biggest advantage of the top down construction.
I constantly hear from my customers that they hate sewing up probably because they don't think they are very good at it but also because it can take a long time to finish a garment off neatly when sewing it up.
2. You can try the garment on as you knit it up
This is a big advantage because you will quickly be able to tell if the garment you are knitting is going to fit. It also gives you the opportunity to knit the body and sleeves to the perfect length for your body.
3. Stylish and Modern Designs
The top down construction has been embraced by many young a modern designers so the most popular designs these days are knitted top down, it is definitely a trend that is here to stay.
So how do I get started?
1. Get Comfortable Knitting on Circular Needles
First of all I suggest you become comfortable with knitting on circular needles, you don't have to do anything fancy it can be a simple garter stitch square knitted with some leftover yarn from another project and then move on to do a small project in the round like a snood or a hat. If you pick a hat project you also have the opportunity to practice using DPNS (Double Pointed Needles) or using the magic loop method.
2. Pick the Right Project
For your first Top Down Project it is important that you pick one without short rows.
Short rows are a more advanced technique that is used to give a garment a better fit at the back, but as a novice it is best just to focus on a simple top down design before adding more complex techniques to the mix.
Here are my top 3 suggestions for a first top down garment
1. PetiteKnit Novice Sweater
I have lots of experience helping my customers knitting this garment and I know that the pattern is very easy to follow. It is a chunky knit so you see progress straight away.
Another bonus is that it can be knitted without having to use DPNS or magic loop which many beginners is a bit daunted by. Just pick circular needles that fits the circumference of the par you are knitting. NB for the cuffs you can use 25cm long circular needles.
2. Step by Step Sweater by Florence Miller
This top down sweater is another great option as a first garment project.
It is knitted up in an aran weight yarn so it too can be works up fairly quickly.
This garment has raglan shaping's so there are a few more easy techniques required than the Novice Sweater. I am not as familiar with this pattern but as it is one of the top 10 top down garments on Ravelry I think the numbers speaks for themselves.
This too can be knitted without DPNS or magic loop if using shorter circular needles for sleeves and cuffs.
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/step-by-step-sweater
3. Anker's Sweater
I have personally knitted this sweater several times and it is an easy one to do.
As it is knitted in DK (double knitting) weight yarn it takes a little longer to knit up for an adult, however the children's version is much quicker to do.
Last year we did a KAL (Knit-a-Long) for this pattern we recorded all the sessions so you have the option to follow along to the videos.
NB: If you fancy doing a children's / baby version of this sweater you have to be prepared to use either DPNS or magic loop for the sleeves. for the adult version short 25cm circular needles can be used.
What if I can't knit in the round?
Your options are slightly limited but I suggest you look at the Rowan, Mode at Rowan and WYS patterns there are some lovely modern styles that are knitted bottom up on straight needles.
I hope you found this helpful Happy Knitting
Tilde xx
