I want to make a sweater from the Top Down in a size 36. Can someone assist me with this task?

Question

I want to make a "simple, but cute" sweater knitted from the top down. Now, I have several book that shows how it done, but I cannot for the love of me come with the correct gauge as requested. I get a gauge of 4 stitches to an inch on size 8 knitting needles. Oh, I tried to use other size to maintain the gauge, but it always comes right back to 4 stitches per inch....LoL I would love to use My Turbo knitting needles that are a size 9. when I use "them" I get the same gauge :0) So I guess 4 stitches per inch is my LUCKY number for this project, I am not able to get it start with correct number of stitches to use for the: Head Opening, Sleeves &Ribbing for the Front, and Back & sleeves. Would some "Expert" knitter be so kind as to give me the correct stitch requirement for such a "simple" little Top Down Knitted sweater?
Thanks in advance for your time in assisting me with this project.

Answer 1

Webs yarn store in Northampton, Massachusetts, recently did a knitalong on their podcast for a Kirsten Hipsky pattern called Deep Breath Sweater. It's a seamless top-down raglan done with any size yarn at 4 stitches per inch. If you use a worsted weight yarn, you get a warm sweater. If you use a DK weight yarn, you get a lacy top.

During the knitalong the PDF was free. Now it costs $1.49-$1.99: http://yarn.com/webs/0/0/0/0-1202-1209-1217/0/0/3908/

The Deep Breath Sweater pattern neglects to mention that the beauty of a top-down sweater (besides no seams & not much purling) is that you can try it on at any time by putting the stitches on scrap yarn. This means that the number of stitches you cast on is not as crucial to the fit as it is with other patterns -- you have some leeway.

Here's a free pattern for a top-down raglan called $5 in Paris. The gauge is 5 stitches per inch, but it'll give you a good idea of the construction:
http://knitting-up-a-storm.blogspot.com/2007/04/5-in-paris.html
You could cast on the given number of stitches for the medium size, then keep increasing until the body measures 36". (Be sure to try it on for a perfect fit.)

Or here's a free pattern for the The Incredible, Custom-fit Raglan Sweater. Just plug your measurements & gauge into the "calculator":
http://www.woolworks.org/patterns/raglan.html

Answer 2

Can't be of much help without knowing what the correct gauge is. How many stitches are there supposed to be per inch?? If switching needles isn't helping, how about trying a heavier or lighter yarn?

Answer 3

There is a free software program that will allow you to create this type of pattern as well as many others. You can enter your test swatch information and it will create the pattern for you and then you can print it out. It is available at www.greatknitdesigns.com I have been using this program for many years and find it invaluable for designing all types of styles and sizes of jumpers and cardigans. It allows you to use any thickness of yarn and any size needle you want. If you decide to download and use it feel free to contact me for help if needed. Good luck.

Answer 4

Do you have Barbara Walker's "Knitting From the Top Down"? She explains how to figure out who to do it using whatever type yarn and needles you want and how to figure out increases, decreases, etc. and how to fit it to yourself while you are still working on the garment.