Knit down? up?

karne · 08-30-2007, 06:34 PM

I've seen a lot of patterns lately for sweaters - knit down. I'm assuming that means knitting from the neck down, instead of the bottom up. What's the advantage to that? Is is easier?

I usually knit socks 'down' - from the top down, but recently tried one from the toe up. I did fine on the toe and the foot but completely got lost on turning the heel. It was a lovely sock, cabled ... snif...but after frogging the heel 4 times, I had to admit I couldn't do it. it was such a pretty sock...

anyway, I would hate to get into the same kind of trouble with a sweater.. more yarn and time invested.

Just curious as to the feelings about the up or down thang.

Thank you

Ingrid · 08-31-2007, 01:10 AM

Knitting from the top down usually results in a sweater that isn't seamed--always a nice thing.

However, you can also knit seamless bottom-up sweaters.

I'm not sure if there is really an advantage of one over the other, though.

losnana · 08-31-2007, 01:18 AM

It may a bit easier to try on a top sweater. You have the shoulders to hold the rest up, rather than stepping in it and trying to hold it and measure at the same time.

Jan in CA · 08-31-2007, 01:18 AM

Top down sweaters can be tried on as you knit whereas bottom up can't, but other than that I don't see a huge advantage. I've done both on baby sweaters.

giedre11 · 08-31-2007, 03:09 AM

But doesn't NOT having a side seam make the sweater hang differently? Wouldn't it be more like a balloon? I've never tried it, but currently am working on one. It's one concern I have.

suzeeq · 08-31-2007, 03:35 AM

Nope, the ones I've made hang fine.

Ingrid · 08-31-2007, 04:31 AM

Mine do, as well. But if you every want to add a 'seam' you can drop a stitch all the way down to the edge and then pick it up every other bar--an EZ idea.

Limey · 08-31-2007, 02:15 PM

Sometimes it depends on what you want to knit - the seamless little cardies I've made for babies, toddlers and small children turned out fine.

However, being of a 'delicately ample' build, I'd hate to wear a cardi or jumper that hadn't got side seams. I'm knitting myself a long, duffle-style cardi in worsted wool, which would look a bit rum without the structure of side seams, not to mention the risk of being picked up and blown away like a balloon in a stiff breeze.

All the Best

suzeeq · 08-31-2007, 02:32 PM

A cardigan maybe would need something to structure it a bit, but a pullover, especially at zero or negative ease, doesn't need it. Rather than `hanging' it conforms to the body's shape.

PugMom · 08-31-2007, 03:56 PM

I've been addicted to top down raglan sweaters for the past 2 months (I'm on #4 for myself, with #5 waiting to be cast on...). It's great to be able to try it on as I go to see where waist shaping should be and to make sure I like the length - the customization factor is great. Plus, they're so simple and quick! And they do all conform to my body, so no worries of "balloon" issues.