wikipedia
Top-down sweater
A top-down sweater is worked from the neckline toward the hem and cuffs.
What it is
Top-down construction lets the sweater grow from the upper body downward. The yoke is shaped first, then body and sleeves are usually separated.
How Ruke patterns use it
Many Ruke sweaters use construction logic where reading the garment flow matters as much as reading each stitch instruction.
Pattern notation examples
- The knitter often moves from neckline to yoke, then body and sleeves.
- Try-on points and length adjustments can be easier to understand in top-down construction.
When to use it
Use it when a sweater begins near the neck and grows toward the lower edges.
What to check
Check yoke depth, stitch counts, sleeve separation, body length and whether increases match the selected size.
Common mistakes
Following stitch instructions without understanding where the garment section sits on the body.