Demystifying Sweater Constructions: Flat vs In-the-Round, Top Down vs Bottom up

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[@katprid1]

The energy and passion you show for knitting in your videos is so refreshing. I just can't stop watching 🙂

[@cloknits]

Thank you so much.

[@noelleparris9451]

I learned to knit on straight needles ( in France as it happens) and the first several sweaters I made were all bottom-up, seamed, and most with set-in sleeves. When you're a beginner, you don't realize what is considered hard and what is beginner friendly. The cool thing is that I still have a few of those knits and still wear them 😊 It took me decades before I attempted my first top-down raglan. And I love making sweaters top down now because I don't have the patience for seaming anymore 😄

[@cloknits]

You only know what you know! Seamed garments are also fun.

[@nailedthecolour6429]

Forgot to say, this video was very informative! I hope one day to become good at knitting sweaters. I really like the saddle sleeve design of the sweater you are wearing.

[@cloknits]

I learned by knitting A LOT of sweater! You'll get there.

[@lynellerobertson2295]

You are genius I have waited for someone to explain this concept It was like you read my mind Suggestion video on different type if increases and decreases when to use which and when also short rows so many alternative I just purchased pattern with wrap being yarn over omg

[@cloknits]

Thank you for the suggestions! Also, short rows are most always interchangeable and I generally go for German short rows.

[@Whistlewalk]

I am enjoying your tutorials on the different types of construction and stitching. Very informative and you explain it well. Thank you.

[@cloknits]

My pleasure!

[@AnnaBaas]

You're so right that circular yokes don't fit everyone... I'm wearing a sweater I knitted for my husband right now, which he doesn't like to wear. I think it's really comfy though ;) He's getting a raglan next.

[@cloknits]

My husband loves his raglan pullover. He wears it all the time.

[@megumim6795]

when i started to knit in the early 90's, almost all patterns were bottom-up, set in sleeve patterns. Then, I learned much later, the top-down raglan sleeve technique (tho I learned this technique was not new) and around 2010 contiguous sleeve method by Susie Meyer, which were an eye-opener. Compared to sewing, the history of knitting items as outer garments is new. I think we will learn a lot more innovative and interesting ideas for knitting sweater in the future!

[@cloknits]

I can't wait to see all the innovation in knitting since it's getting more and more popular.

[@rsalisbury12]

This was a great video! It would probably be useful for new knitters if you added chapters (flat versus round, top-down versus bottom-up, etc.) to the video so it could be used as a reference.

[@cloknits]

Thanks for the suggestion, i'll do that

[@leitesta1725]

I’m a top down for sure! But I also love a set in sleeve on a seamed garment. Even though they are a lot more work, they are still the type of construction that fits me best ❤ thanks for an excellent video!!

[@cloknits]

Yes, a good seamed set in sleeve is sooooo gorgeous when properly done!!!

[@anigozan3785]

That was really good to hear - thanks. I don't do a lot of jumpers these days (as I'm a shawl & socks gal), but have in the past and they've been flat and seamed, from printed pattern books. I generally make one or two a year now, and I use my old seamed classic patterns to make my own adaptions. As it's what I grew up with, and am used to, I manage this very well for my annual jumper, and I can design and make my own modifications! I don't care for seaming but it's just part of the process, and I find endless knit stitch tedious, so I welcome purl rows to break the monotony. I have grown up with purling as it had equal emphasis as knit stitch. Your comments about the rest row being on the WS is very true, and applies to lace work too, which I do also. Consequently I've not been highly motivated to attempt an in-the-round jumper -- until now! I am part-way through my very first in the round jumper!! (I've knitted other things in the round, so that's not an issue for me). Its bottom up with a lace yoke, and I'm quite enjoying the process. I have a top down tee planned for my next project, and after that I have a jumper planned flat-in-pieces, largely because that's what I'm familiar with and I know what I want and how to easily 'design' it for my requirements. So I was very happy to see this video and it all makes sense to me. I may try more in-the-round patterns in the future, as there's a lot of beautiful designs out there, but defaulting to the familiar is so comfortable! Thanks for another great video.

[@cloknits]

I love that you are going outside your comfort zone but you know where to go back to for a cozy knit. I think exploring is what makes the journey fun but it can also be tiring to always try new things. I'm glad you have seemed to fin a balance.

[@jenniferwidmer2593]

I'm with you; top-down is my favorite. Thanks for mentioning the sweater you're wearing, it's gorgeous!

[@cloknits]

Top down is how I started so I might also be biased! 😉

[@BarneyT6774]

Thank you for this video! It has helped my understanding heaps as I want to knit my first jumper soon. ❤

[@cloknits]

That's great. Sweaters are the best!

[@Countrycabin]

I love this! I have tried the dropped sleeve and set in sleeve both bottom up.. not the best choices for me . I found the fitting very difficult

[@cloknits]

Sometimes you have to try to know

[@annaapple7452]

Thanks for the nice overview! I have done most versions by now (in not that many garments actually) and don't have a strong preference. Bottom up makes the construction a bit less visible, because decreases are generally less visible than increases. Also, bulky yarn looks better in a seamless sweater than a seamed one because the seams get too thick. It is also interesting that because of the shape of the stitches, colourwork looks differently if done bottom-up versus top-down. People always say it is easier to fit an in the round sweater top-down, but I find that because there is no weight of the body fabric holding the yoke down, the fit turns out differently than I expect after having knitted the body. Yup, that sweater with weird low armholes... The way I avoid some of sleeve island with top down is to start the first sleeve not too long after having divided for the body and sleeves. The sleeve goes faster than the body, but when you return to the body it is more relaxed knitting, keeping things more varied.

[@cloknits]

All great observations and tips. For the issue with the weight of the sweater, maybe it can also be due to the fiber used. If you are using a superwash wool or that kind of heavier yarn, you do have to take into consideration that the garment will stretch and grow. As where with untreated wool, it mostly stays in place since it's light and grippy.

[@jody1622]

I love the sweater you have on!

[@cloknits]

Thank you, it's called Primaire Pullover by Camille Descôteaux.

[@theyarngoeson]

This is great! So much great information! I simply prefer top-down and either raglan or round yoke. I have done bottom up and pieced but end up just not enjoying the process or end result.

[@cloknits]

That's why it's so important to have all these style, everyone gets to choose what they prefer. :)

[@gallifreyfalls1481]

Such a helpful video, you've demystified a lot of sweater terminology for me!

[@cloknits]

I'm happy it helped!

[@jean-jn3nq]

Thank you !!! Super helpful for an ambitious beginner. 😊

[@cloknits]

I love ambitious beginners! The only way to learn is to try and see.

[@fleurvandersande6909]

Such an insightfull video! Now I want to make a sweater with saddle construction! I hope the primaire pullover will come out soon because I cant wait to make it!

[@cloknits]

Yes it should! I'm sure you'll love it.

[@melhebs1]

I'm loving drop sleeves at the moment. Working on my 3rd.

[@cloknits]

I also love a good cozy drop sleeve.

[@bmtndog318]

I really enjoy your very informative videos. They are very helpful. I love your sweater. Do you know when the pattern will be available? I looked and I don't see it yet.

[@cloknits]

I'll ask the designer, should be soon.

[@stacyhortner8105]

I dont mind seaming and purling. The fut around the shoulders is especially important. My favorite is the saddle construction. However, ive never made a yoke sweater-- nervous to try.

[@user-pi8zq4dh1l]

Very informative!

[@cloknits]

I'm glad you liked it!

[@lizhamilton4920]

Great video…haven’t had great success with fit so will try a top down next time 😊

[@cloknits]

I will make a video soon on how to knit a sweater top down and it will include fit advice.

[@nailedthecolour6429]

I like the fit of the sweater you are wearing, and hope that you’ll soon give us the pattern name & designer when it becomes available. I have never knitted a sweater, but I bought a pattern for a sleeveless top (Beverly Tank by Angela Hahn) with a mosaic yoke, knit from the bottom up, in the round. Now I just have to pick out and buy the yarn. I can’t wait to start it! I figured that sleeveless was a good way to start.

[@cloknits]

Thank you, yes I will let you all know when the pattern is available! As for the sleeveless top, yes it's a great way to dip your toes into sweaters.

[@janekellett304]

Great, but I didn’t see a link for the pullover you’re wearing, which has a lovely fit. I can’t find it on Ravelry either.

[@cloknits]

It's not out yet, but it should be soon. It's called Primaire Pullover by Camille Descôteaux.

[@LottaSocks]

I thought you did a very good job describing the basic Sweater constructions! Some day I want to try the Top Down Short row Set-In Sleeve construction. (Whew! long name/description!) I haven’t made a LOT of sweaters, but tend to raglan shaping, for longer depth (top to underarm). I have broad/er shoulders, and not sure if there’s a correlation. All that said, I’ve yet to make a sweater w 2” positive ease. I like a looser fit generally. Perhaps it’s time for a nice, simple fingering weight sweater. Like I have in stash. That’s staring at me right now. I never really learned how to seam, books/magazines gave basic, not in-depth instruction. Especially on curves or horizontal to vertical seams. So I was overjoyed to find top down raglans! I will try saddle shoulders. Seems like I just want “no thinking” projects lately. hmmmm I’m blaming that on too much stash (all pretty things, not matchy). Helix or “fade” may be in my future!😂

[@cloknits]

I gotta say that an easy, no brainer, raglan is always a go to for me! One can never have too many casual simple sweaters.

[@bohorustica8545]

Thanks for sharing your overview, much appreciated. I finally knit my first ever top down. It was a short sleeve Tee with a saddle shoulder. I love the fit and look. Hoping to find a 3/4 sleeve sweater pattern using the same shoulder. :))

[@cloknits]

It is a great construction! You can always make any long or short sleeve pattern a 3/4 sleeve if you don't find what you are looking for.

[@bohorustica8545]

@@cloknits I figured that one out after a bit :)) One day will hunt for a pattern. Subbed hoping you have a vid explaining short rows that I can wrap my head around. Thanks so much for your kind reply. Have a wonder filled weekend. :))

[@jilliankonig2759]

What is the name/designer of the sweater you are wearing with the contiguous should seam? The transcripts are seldom helpful and they spell things you say phonetically. Thanks!

[@cloknits]

It's the Primaire Pullover by Camille Descoteaux 🥰

[@aknitlife]

Thanks for sharing! Can you provide the spelling of name of the contiguous raglan sweater that you were wearing on the podcast and the designer. Thank you so much! ❤

[@cloknits]

Yes! It's the Primaire Pullover by Camille Descôteaux. It's not out yet but should be by the end of the month.

[@monishacoelho7252]

Brilliant video thank you. Have you got a free pattern for a dk drop shoulder top down in the round please? Like you describe at 09.02. Thank you x

[@cloknits]

I don't know about free ones but if you put in all the search terms in ravelry you should find what you are looking for. 💓

[@user-jw5se5qp3l]

😂😂😂I think I'm on sleeve island😅

[@cloknits]

You are never alone on sleeve island!

[@user-jw5se5qp3l]

I am a week now on that island. Listen I love your sweaters. Whats your name on ravelry, I wanna search and check your patterns out and hopefully try knitting a jersey/sweater in the round 😁

[@cloknits]

@@user-jw5se5qp3l My username is Clotricots

[@carmenM-ey6qy]

I wish I had someone like you to teach me how to knit a sweater! I’m too intimidated, because I have no one to help me if I run into problems.😫

[@cloknits]

Stay tuned, i'll be making a video on how to knit your first sweater soon!!!

[@carmenM-ey6qy]

@@cloknits REALLY? 😀

[@nobleelf]

I didn't see that designer on Ravelry, and the search with the name as spelled in the transcript didn't find any result. I would love to know how to find her designs. Thank you!

[@cloknits]

It's Primaire Pullover by Camille Descoteaux 🥰

[@nobleelf]

@@cloknits Thank you! 😘

[@meganjames6223]

I just discovered your channel and have watched a bunch of your videos already. They are fantastic! So informative, straight to the point, perfecto! What is the name of the sweater you are wearing? I don't know how to spell what you are saying well enough to find it in Ravelry. Thanks!

[@meganjames6223]

Nevermind! I found the name on Instagram 😀

[@cloknits]

For anyone else that is curious: Primaire Pullover is the name of it. Thank you the great comment!

[@catofthecastle1681]

Trying not to be be a nitpicker but, you should look up Lord Raglan! He lost an arm in battle and the sleeve was created for him!

[@cloknits]

Thanks for correcting me, I should have checked my facts first. I think we could say that it gained popularity due to baseball.

[@nobleelf]

circular yoke on wide shoulders and big 'girls' just doesn't work for me. Thank you for bringing out the beauty of saddle shoulder, which I find to have the best fit, especially with short rows on the neck back, so the neckline curves there.

[@cloknits]

Thanks for sharing!

[@juliegoulet7577]

Dear clo I discovered you on your chat with espace tricot I love your blog. There you said that you all also have a channel in French. I am also originally French Canadian though living in Germany ( with a small interruption in the us ) since 2004…. I did not found it can you send me the links thanks Julie

[@Nathalielef]

youtube.com/@CloTricots?si=uF3QxQBWMf6MZwYZ

[@cloknits]

Thanks for commenting Julie, hope you like the french content!

[@fujimama892]

Where is the link to that lovely saddle shoulder pattern? I didn't see it posted.

[@cloknits]

Here it is: www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/primaire-pullover

[@fujimama892]

Next time I need a plain stockinette project, this may be my selection. Thanks.@@cloknits

[@einfach__nora]

What pattern is the red Pullover with dropped shoulder, the one on the tattooed woman with orange cords?

[@cloknits]

It's the Traveler by Andrea Mowry. It's on my needles right now, can't wait to wear it!

[@einfach__nora]

I need to knit it 🤩