Easy top down cardigan pattern?

LottyF wrote

on Oct 18, 2007 5:33 AM

Does anyone have a simple pattern for a top down cardigan, or can talk me through the basics, ie, how to start off, how the sleeves fit in, etc. I've found a pattern but it's for a funky double breasted cardigan (very nice but not quite right) but I'm happiest knowing the basics, then making it up/modifying it as I go along because then I get exactly what I want. A simple stitch, round neck cardigan would set me on my way perfectly.

Really appreciate any help that anyone can offer.

teresa@106 wrote

on Oct 19, 2007 10:05 AM

OH yes indeed! Doris Chan's new book Everyday Crochet is totally about top-down crocheted sweaters. I am making a pullover but there are also cardigans. It is a fantastic book! Check out the crochet-along for "Jewel" (the pullover I just finished). Doris Chan has chimed in with personal advice.

should give you the link to the crochet-along. I think we're going to have to start a NEW topic, now that Joy is making a vest from the same book! Do take a look at the book; it should give you exactly what you want.

Good luck!

emmajane4 wrote

on Oct 19, 2007 3:23 PM

There are a few variations including a vest, or a longer sleeve sweater. The CrochetMe book also has a lovely t-shirt pattern which is top-down (and could be extended into a sweater).

teresa@106 wrote

on Oct 19, 2007 3:52 PM

"Sweet" pattern looks good too! I thought about giving it a try.

Maggie Righetti's book "Crocheting in Plain English" gives the basic guidelines for how to design your own sweater in raglan/top-down. I gave it a try, to make a summer cardigan for myself, but at my stage of skills (or lack of them) there was too much trial and error and I got stuck. I'm going to go back to it again after working my way through a couple of the top-down/raglan designs in Doris Chan's book; it is teaching me a lot.

LottyF wrote

on Oct 22, 2007 2:56 AM

Thank you so much! I've ordered the Doris Chan one from Amazon, and fingers crossed, Father Christmas might think I've been good enough to get me the Crochet Me one. ;)

Really looking forward to getting started once the book arrives. I was swayed by the comments that you don't get "recipes", more an instruction on "how to cook". I always end up modifying patterns, so sounds like this one's for me.