Bottom-up vs Top-down Knitting: Which do you prefer?
Knitting a sweater or cardigan is a significant commitment, so choosing the right construction method can make all the difference in fit, enjoyment, and overall success. Two common approaches are bottom-up and top-down knitting. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, particularly when considering elements like shaping, seaming, and intricate stitchwork. I'm currently knitting a bottom up cardigan and a top down sweater (my Book Club sweater by Sari Norland is in the image on the left), so I thought now would be a good time to explore the pros and cons of each method to help you decide which suits your next project best. Bottom-Up Knitting Bottom-up knitting is the traditional method, where you cast on at the hem and work upwards towards the shoulders. Pieces are often knit flat and seamed together, though seamless options exist. When I first learned to knit all my sweaters and cardigans were knit this way, and that's probably true for a lot of knitters my age. Pros: Struct...
