I was curious about how a top down cardigan might be constructed. I purchased a knitting pattern, but was quickly overwhelmed reading through. I decided I needed to start small, with scrap yarn, so found free instructions on how to knit a cardigan for a doll. I don’t need as much yarn or time for doll clothes as I would for human-sized apparel, it gives me a good idea on how construction proceeds, and it makes my youngest happy.

So a raglan sleeved cardigan knitted top down is a brilliant thing. There are less seams to match, and it is easier to do custom sleeve and body lengths (which my entire family needs). My doll sweater has some mistakes, but the purpose was to understand, not be perfect. I’m quite pleased with the knowledge gained.

I have made human sized garments, but they have been mostly ill fitting. But I feel my knitting skills are improving, and I am ready to move on from hats and scarves. I do have two in-process projects to wrap up before rushing onward, perhaps this idea will provide motivation.

I found a knitting pattern for lace that basically uses two stitches, a yarn over (increase), and a purl two together (decrease). These two alternate and every row is the same. It results in an open weave with dimension and vertical stripes. What? Vertical stripes in knitting? Unusual and intriguing. I made up a couple test swatches with some wool sock yarn with size 4 and size 6 needles. The magic of the lace comes when the pieces are blocked, and the pattern opens up and changes dimension.

I shall be experimenting more with this pattern.