Why not in the round?

[phisch]

Is there a certain advantage to knitting something in pieces? I keep seeing things that seem (to a novice like me) they would be done more quickly and easily if done in the round.

Like the Latoya pattern here: http://www.berroco.com/item_fr/fr_top_ten.html

It looks possible to do in the round. Is it just easier to design patterns in pieces?

[Mariblue]

Good question. Sometimes I wonder if it is because it's easier to write out the pattern that way. Without having to explain where to place your markers, so you can keep track of where the front and the back is...I'm not really sure. But if I were to knit that pattern above, I would knit it in the round. And when I do get around to knitting my first sweater, you can be sure I will be knitting in the round!

[Braden]

Some sweaters are better done in pieces and some are better done in the round. Arans and other intricately textured sweaters are better done in pieces because you have to keep track of wrong side rows, etc.

Fair isles and colorwork (except intarsia) are better done in the round, because you always see the pattern.

Lace sweaters need to be done in pieces because you need that seam to keep them from twisting.

Any other simple sweater could be done either way.

[phisch]

Ah ok. The sweater I linked to did have an area with a cable, so maybe that's why the did it that way.

[Silver]

I think most pieced patterns are pieced just because that's the traditional way to make things. Knitting in the round is a more contemporary technique with the exception of old school fair isle and the like.

I routinely convert patterns so I can knit in the round whenever possible because it's faster and there are no seams to worry about. I just slip a stitch marker in between the front and back pieces so I know where I am. I think anything can be knit in the round if the finished object will be round.

[suzeeq]

Ah ok. The sweater I linked to did have an area with a cable, so maybe that's why the did it that way.

But it's only a small part of the pattern, not cable all over. I find most of the `designer' type patterns call for pieces. I think maybe because of the yarn type, the seams help give it some structure. But that pattern looks quite doable in the round because all the even numbered rows (which would be done on the WS in the flat) are just continuing the rib pattern and the cable rows are pretty easy.

sue

[Braden]

One thing I forgot to mention, if it's just a small cable area, than it's fine to do in the round. I meant arans with very intricate, allover patterns.

[Carla1019]

Contiknitter, You just amaze me with how much you know about knitting.

[ADAllen]

Contiknitter, You just amaze me with how much you know about knitting.

I'm also amazed that you get any knitting at all done, because you always seem to be around and ready to answer our questions

[Braden]

Why, thank you guys!