The Knitter's Handy Book of Top-Down Sweaters: Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes and Gauges

by Ann Budd

Fiber and yarn enthusiasts nationwide will celebrate Ann Budd's latest addition to The Knitter's Handy Book series. Answering to a growing interest in knitting sweaters from the top down and knitting seamless sweaters that require little finishing, this handy book offers instructions for knitting four basic sweater circular yoke, raglan, set-in sleeve, and saddle shoulder. Patterns are offered in multiple sizes and yarn gauges and for a broad age group.

Following the basics for each of the four sweater types are three diverse patterns from top designers that illustrate some of the many ways that instructions can be used as springboards for creative expression, including color, texture, and shaping variations.

Also included for intermediate to advanced knitters are personal design touches, detailed charts, clear instruction, and quick tips to expand knitting possibilities and maintain creative originality. A key reference for knitters of all skill levels, this is the new essential knitting resource on your bookshelf.

Genres: Knitting, Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference

264 pages, Spiral-bound

First published August 21, 2012

Reviews

[Nostalgia Reader]

As with Ann Budd's other "Handy Books of Patterns," this one has all the lovely gauge+size charts that you know and love, this time all in regards to top down sweaters (but relatively easy to work out for bottom up sweaters as well). It covers four types of sweaters, that basically all differ in how the upper body is worked--the body and sleeves from the armscye down are basically the same throughout; there are many helpful tips on altering these sections of the sweater, however, so don't discount it for that.

The yolk, the raglan, the set in, and the saddle shoulder are covered, with three patterns for each style included after the chart sections. Kids and adult sizes are included, split up by the schematics page, and in all, it's relatively quite easy to follow. The introductory chapter is also an excellent overview, and the reference material in the back, highlighting different ways to work hems, shaping, etc. is comprehensive.

I do have a few peeves with each style, but none so dramatic that I can't overlook them for the formulas (who can complain when the math is all done for you?).
~The circular yolk is a bit odd in that it starts out with a provisional cast on and the neckband (worked over the same number of stitches as you cast on) is then picked up and worked upwards after the sweater is finished.... what? For just a basic ribbed, rolled, or folded neckline, just cast on, work the neck, then commence the yolk pattern.
~For the raglan style, the sleeves start out outrageously small--the stitches set aside for them number in the single digits, even for the finer gauges. Two or six stitches seems reasonable to start with for bulky yarns, but for finer yarns, I like wider sleeve starts.
~The set-in sleeve section is my favorite, and while it doesn't cover the all in one piece method that's covered in Walker's Knitting from the Top (rather, it uses the general pick up around the armhole and use short rows to shape the cap method), I didn't find any peeves with it.
~The saddle shoulder section is also just as good, but this style is basically the exact same as the set-in style, but with an half an inch or two eliminated from the armhole length to account for the saddle; I really didn't think it warranted a whole section, just to account for this one change, rather an in-pattern option (much like how you can choose the "pullover" or "cardigan" path).

Peeves aside, this is still an excellent book for top-down sweater knitters. Even if you still prefer to figure things out on your own, it's nice to have as a guideline/jumping off point for how many stitches you should have and when to start/stop shaping. Very much recommended!

[Carolynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for several reasons. First, It has basic instructions for making sweaters in most of the basic styles: raglan, set-in sleeve, saddle-shoulder(that's an oldie but goodie), and seamless yoke. All the patterns are in children's sizes, womens' and men's, as well. Then, the patterns are written from the top down, so that there are no seams in the sweaters! This is a very big deal to many sweater makers. I am an advanced knitter, so I don't find the instructions intimidating, but I don't think a beginner would find much difficulty either. And what I like is that you can adapt each pattern a little so that it's different with each sweater you make with that pattern. Change the colors, change the lace, change the cuffs, etc. It's not a complete designing education, but it is a very large chunk of information to say the least. And with Barbara Walker's Treasury of Knitting Patterns books and Nicky Epstein's edging books, you would have almost all the books you would need to make whatever you want in sweaters. Check it out from the library or go to the bookstore and look at it. It has so much information in it and so many possibilities pop out for your own designs. If you knit, you will find it difficult to let it go or return it. This is a sign of a really good book you should buy.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very thankful that a friend recommended this!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect reference book for my purposes. I'm fairly new to sweater knitting, having only knit a couple of kid-size cardigans, and I needed information about how to adjust and adapt patterns to my specific gauge and to better fit a particular person. This book is very detailed. It's also very number-heavy. You have to be willing to muck around in the math--check your gauge, crunch and re-crunch the numbers--to make the most of this book.

[Laryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great resource for any knitter wanting to tackle a sweater project, who may not know where to start. Or even the seasoned sweater maker who wants to try out different top-down sweater knitting methods/constructions. The only reason I give 4/5 stars in my review is that it does not include sizing up to 5x/62" bust, which would make it considered "size inclusive". Otherwise this book is a great resource for the sweater-knitter or sweater-knitter-to-be!

[batya7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is required for a KAL (Knit ALong) by Suzanne Bryant on Ravelry. I'm very excited to be able to learn to craft a sweater using my choice of yarn, shape it, and customize finishing features!

[Ginger · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried twice but the size didn’t match up anywhere near the size it was meant to. I have followed many as pattern in the past and not had this problem, so I concluded the book was wrong. Have other people had this issue?

[CA Portnellus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not for reading, but a terrific instructional book for the art of top-down knitting for sweaters. Great tips, interesting patterns, and a range of sizes. Lots to digest and use in planning to make one of these projects.

[Gen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this Gem at my local library. It's amazingly useful and has tons of wearable sweaters that fit my taste.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

although this book dealt with a wide range of sizes and gauges I found it hard to follow the patterns
one to go back to if needing to adjust a pattern.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great starting place to make a sweater in whatever gauge/yarn you like

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has the math to draft my own patterns.

[grimalkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

None of the patterns were for me but the charts to do your basic sweater in any gauge and size are amazing.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful tool to have that can be a real stash-buster by allowing you to adapt basic styles in multiple gauge yarns.

[Tilden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haven't knitted any of the patterns. Most of them I don't like, but I want to knit more sweaters top doen and in the round.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

The definitive bible of top-down sweater patterns for children and adults.

[Tonileg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lesson in circular knitting and not just a pattern book where you will learn step by step how to make the best sweater (with lots of ways to personalize). So think closer to reference book then just patterns so this is a great beginner book but also if you want to take a 'master' class to refine your circular knitting skills.
My version of this book is a spiral bound so it lies flat so that you can take the 'lesson's step by step without the book closing in mid-read while you have your knitting filling your hands.

Seamless yoke sweaters, raglan sweaters, set-in sleeve sweater and saddle-shoulder sweaters. There are child to adult sizes explained.

I recommend to any level knitter and one of the best explication to knitting as well as using the circular needle knitting (which I love because it is so easy to travel with). Wonderful knitting book.

264 pages in spiral bound hard cover.
4 stars

[D. Diane Moreland · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not worth the money.

This book sounded like a really good idea when I read the blurb. I have been looking for a basic raglan sweater to make for my oldest great-grandson and was attracted by the fact that the patterns are supposed to be in multiple sizes, and in multiple gauges. The first problem is that the book didn't download correctly, most of the pictures came out as solid black blobs, and the font size just changes randomly to the point where it's almost impossible to keep track of the instructions. I will be the first to admit that I'm an old woman, but I've been knitting for over 60 years and there is no way that I will ever attempt to make any of these patterns. Don't waste your money.

[Steph Wylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, wonderful book. But I expected nothing less. I own many of Ann Budd's books and not only is her writing very clear and concise, but she doesn't just give you some patterns and then that's the end of it. When you finish one of her books, you've learned so much about the hows and whys of knitwear construction, that you're empowered to design your own items. You're left with an exhilarating feeling of all the endless possibilities there are for your new found knowledge - what more could you ask from a knitting book?!

[RB · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've just "skimmed" through this book and I can definitely tell that this book will be my nr one resource for my improvised future sweaters! Together with Nicky Epstein's "Knitting on the Edge"-series these books are all you need for designing your own work! :)

Also: I LOVE the spiral binding this book has (masked as hard-cover) - why can't all books (especially about arts & crafts) be like this?? It's so much more handy!

[Lynne Cantwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have Ann Budd's other two Knitter's Handy Books and have used them both extensively. This top-down sweater book is in the same vein: easily-adaptable basic patterns in all gauges and sizes, from toddler to adult. She includes directions for both cardigans and pullovers (or jumpers, for you Brits), and variations for necklines, bottoms, and cuffs. She has a few detailed patterns, too, but they're not the best part of the book. The best part is taking the basic patterns and switching them up to make your sweater your own original creation.

[Helen Fleischer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nicely designed book that lays flat for use. The top-down design concept is well explained and the patterns both classic and serviceable. If I did not already have a vintage Beehive book on the technique, I would be eager to add this to my collection. I still may, but I won't rush. For now I'll return it to the library for someone else to check out, and go back to finishing my UFO's.

[Yarnkettle · Rating 5 out of 5]

My most useful sweater book. I went from only knitting a few raglan sweaters to knitting three different style sweaters in a year. My sock knitting took a hit but now I have some nice wooly sweaters to keep me warm.

I am looking forward to making some great sweaters now that I understand them better. Thanks Ann Budd!

[Cayenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

[Littlelixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goes from about 24" chest to a good 54". Top down is so much better. Just wish there had been an option to buy an e version.

[lk]

really good book on how to make sweaters from the top

[Mary Good · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good reference source for designing sweaters.

[Kandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Difficult for a new knitter to figure out the size charts per yarn weight but the more experienced I get, the more information I'm learning from this book. Very glad I have it in my library.

[weaverannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first knitting e-book and I loved it right away. It was so easy to knit a sweater from it, in my size, in my yarn.

[Mckinley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting. I wont be making any of these.