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Return To ShopAdvantages of Top Down Knitting
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When you knit a garment there are two approaches you can take. You can either knit it from the bottom up or from the top down. What we are going to consider in this article is what the difference between these two techniques are and which is the best to use. The best way to answer this question is to examine both of the techniques looking at the pros and cons and it will be easier to make a decision.
1. The first major advantage that we can see with top down knitting is the flexibility that it allows the knitter. As you start with the neckline and usually knit the whole garment in one it allows you to try it on and see how it fits. An experienced knitter can make adjustments as they go and get a garment that fits really well. It is great for making fitted garments that are perfect for your body shape.
2. Another major advantage is the seams. When you knit bottom up it is usually done in pieces that are sewn together but top down knitting is done in one piece. This means that you will not have any side seams giving you a perfect flat finish to any garment. Again this is great if you are making a fitted garment and the seams could get in the way.
3. When you have finished your garment there will usually be less finishing to do in terms of licking up stitches and sewing. These are the bits that are normally hated by knitters and as you will not have seams and the neckline will be done at the same time as the body it means once the knitting is done your garment will only need a few little touches to be complete.
4. When knitting socks the top down approach is the most common way of knitting. This is due to the fact it is actually easier then starting from the toe which requires more knowledge and is more complicated in terms of casting on and getting started.
5. As you have virtually no seams to sew up it means there are a lot less ends to weave into your knitting. This means that you will often find there are less bits of yarn left hanging at the end.
The downsides of knitting top down are very limited but if I could mention one then I would say it is the length of the rows. As you knit the whole garment together you will end up with a lot of stitches and this can mean it takes longer to see progress. This is a great technique for an experienced knitter but I would not necessarily recommend it to someone new to knitting. However I am sure if you try it you will love the finish it gives you.
