Jul

30

Olympic Giveaway 4: Top-Down Knitting DVD

85 Comments 

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knitting from the top down dvdI thought we’d start the first full week of the Olympic giveaway off with something fun: the “Knitting from the Top Down with Wendy Bernard” DVD from Knitting Daily Workshop. This hour-long DVD covers the basics of knitting top-down, seamless pullovers and cardigans. It covers two patterns (there’s a website you can go to to download the patterns; it’s listed on the printed material in the DVD case): a raglan pullover and a set-in sleeve cardigan.

It would help if you are familiar with Bernard’s work (she’s the author of three books in the Custom Knits line, which are all about customizing seamless knits to fit you perfectly) because these workshops are a little light on instruction. They’re still fun to watch if you’re comfortable with basic knitting techniques, but if you happen to have access to one of her books you’ll get more detailed instructions that will make the knitting that much easier.

This DVD would be a good place to start exploring top-down and seamless techniques, and Bernard is charming (though she does advise going to the Internet to find more information a little more than I’m comfortable with in an instructional DVD). I hope I’m not underselling this one; it really is great if you want to knit one of the sweaters included (you can see somewhat bigger pictures here) or just want to get a feel from top-down techniques by watching someone before you try it for yourself.

Comment below to enter. Why not share your experience if any with top-down knitting? The third sweater I knit was a top-down, and though it somehow still ended up too big for me (chalk it up to inexperience modifying patterns) I love the process.

[Photo by Interweave.]

By Sarah White

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Comments

85 Comments so far

  1. Erinn on July 30, 2012 12:05 am

    I have never made a sweater before. Although I have it on my list to do. :)

    Punkin97 on ravelry

  2. KittenWithAWhiplash on July 30, 2012 12:18 am

    The dress I made for my mother this year was top-down and bottom-up. The skirt was knit bottom-up, the top was top-down, then I joined them with a three-needle bind-off. It was my first top down knitting design, but I have crocheted sweaters top-down. Thanks for the giveaways.

  3. Michele on July 30, 2012 12:21 am

    I recently found some amazing yarn on sale and bought enough to make 2 new sweaters. I’m looking for the perfect knitting patterns and would love to try a top-down sweater project.

  4. Kim C. on July 30, 2012 12:31 am

    I have never made a top down sweater but would love to make the blue one on the cover.

  5. Sarah B on July 30, 2012 12:33 am

    The only knitted thing I’ve managed to finish is a hat! Perhaps this will give me the inspiration I need. Thanks for the giveaways.

  6. Amy on July 30, 2012 12:35 am

    I have just started knitting and am in the middle of making a scarf for my first project. This would be great to move on to!!

  7. Antidigger on July 30, 2012 1:07 am

    My first baby jacket was a top down design and worked beautifully. I’d do it again and I’d love to try another design too.

  8. Linda Rumsey on July 30, 2012 1:47 am

    I’ve only knit one top-down cardi so far, and loved it. Time to knit more!

  9. Monica on July 30, 2012 2:05 am

    My first top down cardigan would be the next project. I plan to use Berroco Vintage to knit the Lady Kina cardigan (pattern by Muriela). Thanks for the opportunity to win this DVD!

  10. Joyce on July 30, 2012 2:33 am

    I’ve knit baby sweaters top-down but never an adult size one.

  11. Beverly on July 30, 2012 2:35 am

    Years ago when stating colllege I couldn’t knit a simple hat like my friends were making. Went to my LYS and they helped me. The first item I ever knittedd was a dress, from the top down. Still have it after 63 years. Wish I could find someone that could wear it because I outgrew it. LOL

  12. Becky on July 30, 2012 2:46 am

    I’ve done a couple of top-down sweaters and loved the try-on-as-you-go benefits.

  13. Siaron on July 30, 2012 2:47 am

    Knitted a top-down batwing mohair sweater in the 1980s. It got alot of wear at the time but its the only one I have ever attempted as it was a bit complicated! Here’s an opportunity to try again.

  14. Robin D on July 30, 2012 3:00 am

    I have never made a top down sweater. I would love to try it.

  15. Wendy on July 30, 2012 3:20 am

    Waiting to try top down….not sure what I’m waiting for…maybe the book!

  16. Flo L on July 30, 2012 3:27 am

    I always wanted to try top down knitting. I would love to start with the sweater on the cover!

  17. Glenis on July 30, 2012 3:44 am

    I love top down knitting – used a free Knitty cardigan pattern several times.

  18. Barb on July 30, 2012 4:03 am

    Top down just seems easier to me, no seams and a good fit….usually!

  19. Helen on July 30, 2012 4:05 am

    I have always wanted to knit a sweater from top down but never got to it. This would be a great time to try.

  20. Sue Drzewiecki on July 30, 2012 4:42 am

    I’d love to try a top down. I have crocheted for over 30 years and I am trying my hand at knitting what better way than with dvd instructions!

  21. Aurelia on July 30, 2012 4:57 am

    I’ve always been curious about top down knitting & would love to learn more.

  22. Judith F on July 30, 2012 5:00 am

    I haven’t done many top down sweaters but I am always looking do this type of pattern. In my mind they are the greatest.

  23. Pat morris on July 30, 2012 5:06 am

    I’ve only knit top down baby sweaters. Perhaps this DVD will make me brave enough to make one for myself.

  24. Christina on July 30, 2012 5:16 am

    I’ve never top down knitted before. Thanks for the giveaway!

  25. laura on July 30, 2012 5:27 am

    I’ve made some top down sweaters before, but only in the raglan style. I’m fascinated by the set-in sleeve style, though. I would love to have this dvd if it covers the set in sleeve style of top down knitting!

    Thank you so much.

    Laura

  26. Terri on July 30, 2012 5:28 am

    I love making sweaters top down or bottom up – any different way than standard (mostly because I cannot master mattress stitch!). I’d much rather do a 3 needle bind off. I covet this DVD!

  27. Sharon on July 30, 2012 5:34 am

    I have never made anything from the top down. I have wanted to learn to do this.

  28. Paula on July 30, 2012 5:39 am

    I’ve never tried top-down knitting and would love to try it. Thanks for the chance!

  29. Jennifer R. on July 30, 2012 5:42 am

    I’ve only knit baby items from top down. I spend 90% of my time making baby items. Maybe this will be the “little push” I need to make something for myself ;)

  30. syd on July 30, 2012 5:51 am

    Almost all my sweater knitting has been top down – but I’m especially excited about Wendy’s DVD because of her approach at teaching you to deviate from patterns where appropriate. That’s something I really want to learn! Thanks for the opportunity,

  31. Mari on July 30, 2012 5:51 am

    I’ve never knit top down but would love to try.

  32. Liz A on July 30, 2012 5:52 am

    I’very made several top down baby sweaters.

    This looks like a great DVD. I would enjoy it if I win.

  33. Tina S on July 30, 2012 6:20 am

    oh, wow! I’d love to have this DVD. I’ve knitted hats, scarves, potholders, and baby blankets but haven’t had the nerve to try a sweater. Hopefully this DVD would give me the courage to finally do it. Thanks for the opportunity!

  34. Sarah on July 30, 2012 6:22 am

    I did a fantastic Norah Gaughan top down sweater, but it turned out huge. My problem was knitting it just after my daughter was born, while I was still breast feeding. Sadly, the enormous chest went away, and now the sweater has moved on to a more buxom owner.

  35. Red Carousel Lion on July 30, 2012 6:28 am

    Would love to be able to knit a sweater – can only make so many scarves.

  36. Maureen on July 30, 2012 6:30 am

    I have yet to knit a top down sweater. I usually knit them in panels and this would be a challenge.

  37. Britt on July 30, 2012 6:37 am

    Can’t wait to try this!

  38. Robin Peoples on July 30, 2012 6:54 am

    I have not tried a sweater for myself. This would be great.

  39. Nancy on July 30, 2012 6:55 am

    Would love to try this! Thanks for the chance to win.

  40. Jill on July 30, 2012 7:01 am

    A sweater is next on my list, I’ve never made one. I have absolutely no top down knitting experience. Thanks so much for doing these giveaways!

  41. Tina on July 30, 2012 7:05 am

    Like Wendy’s books, would love her DVD. Thanks for another great giveaway!

  42. TinaM on July 30, 2012 7:06 am

    Never done any top-down knitting. Sounds nifty though since I love knitting in the round and hate seaming up sweaters!

  43. Cheryl Wheeler on July 30, 2012 7:12 am

    I would love to make a sweater Me and my grandmother used to knit together she taught me everything I know

  44. Ruth D on July 30, 2012 7:17 am

    I knit a lot of sweaters but have never knit any top down. I’m interested in trying this technique and have a book on hold at the library. Thanks for the chance to win this book!

  45. Linda on July 30, 2012 7:26 am

    I have never tried knitting a top down sweater but would love to give it a try! thnx for the wonderful giveaway!! these are awesome!

  46. michele on July 30, 2012 7:29 am

    Would love to try this method. Thanks for the chance at winning the DVD!

  47. Tatiana on July 30, 2012 7:55 am

    I would love to try top down knitting, thanks for the giveway!

  48. Deb Kegelmeyer on July 30, 2012 8:18 am

    this would be awesome. I love her techniques! I have really been wanting to do a topdown sweater. I do love avoiding seaming.

  49. cherise on July 30, 2012 8:18 am

    I have never made a top down sweater. I would love to try it.

  50. Sandra on July 30, 2012 8:24 am

    I just started making sweaters and would love to learn how to knit a top down sweater.

  51. karen b on July 30, 2012 8:42 am

    Haven’t attempted a sweater yet, but the word seamless caught my eye, so if I win this give away, I will attempt a sweater.

  52. Karey on July 30, 2012 8:44 am

    I haven’t tried top down knitting yet, but I had a friend who did and her sweater was absolutely gorgeous!

  53. LAVINA on July 30, 2012 8:47 am

    I have never made a sweater top down. Sounds like it would be a lot easier and fewer seams.

  54. Sylvia Poff on July 30, 2012 8:52 am

    I have a sweater that a wonderful friend made for me 30 years ago. I would love to know how she did it. It was knitted from the top down. Only side and under arm seams.

  55. Rose on July 30, 2012 8:54 am

    All of my sweaters have been knit bottom up so I would love to learn a new procedure.

    Thank you.

  56. JaanL on July 30, 2012 8:55 am

    I trying to locate the perfect yarn for a sweater that I am going to make. A friend of mine said it was so much better to knit it from the top down… guess I will give it a try. Love knitting.

  57. lynaeve on July 30, 2012 8:57 am

    Thanks for the chance to win!

  58. missy k on July 30, 2012 9:04 am

    I have knit socks from the top down. Does that count?

  59. Michelle on July 30, 2012 9:18 am

    I have never knitted a top down sweater. But, I can’t wait to try!

  60. Marlys Shomber-Jones on July 30, 2012 9:20 am

    Would, I guess I am not the only one who hasn’t tried top down knitting but wants too! Would love to win.

  61. Sophie on July 30, 2012 9:24 am

    Oh! I really like to knit top-down sweaters! I like how you see the sweater shaping as you work! I’ve only done it on doll clothing, though… and as a beginner, I sure could use more tips and techniques on knitting!

  62. Librada on July 30, 2012 9:40 am

    I knitted a top down sweater for my 2 yo nephew and from the beginning I wanted to rip it back because it didn’t look right. It turned out ok in the end. :)

  63. Claire C on July 30, 2012 9:42 am

    I have never knitted from top down, but it is such a good idea. If by chance you decide you want it longer, look how much easier would it be to add some extra rows. I think I will have to try it out.

  64. tanvel on July 30, 2012 9:48 am

    I have never knitted a sweater top down, these instructions would certainly be a blessing to have. I knit a lot, learned by knitted teddy bear sweaters for a toy store.
    Thank you for your generosity and the opportunity to be a contestant.

  65. jbachman on July 30, 2012 9:53 am

    Thank you for the opportunity to win adult patterns. I have knit hundreds of top down raglan cardis and pullovers for the United Methodist Church maternity kit charity in NB, 6 and 12 month sizes. I have yarn in 3 colors to knit for myself, but would like a V neck and a jewel type rather than crew neckline. Both are show n on the cover.

  66. Carmen on July 30, 2012 10:31 am

    I’ve only done bottom up knitting – and only two items at that (I’m a newbie). I would love to try a top-down for myself.

  67. joyce on July 30, 2012 10:49 am

    I love the idea of top down knitting. I have not tried it although it is on my bucket list. I think I would start with a baby sweater since it would take less time to see if it comes out right.

  68. Margie on July 30, 2012 10:56 am

    I love Wendy and I love top-down sweaters…a great combo!!

  69. linda ostruszka on July 30, 2012 11:20 am

    This year i have made itmy goal to do nothing but sweaters i havent done a top down one yet

  70. Barbara on July 30, 2012 11:23 am

    No experience with top-down knitting. Would love to learn

  71. Heather K on July 30, 2012 1:10 pm

    I just finished my first top-down sweater, and I could use ALL the help I can get, LoL.

    And I just noticed that there were typos in my email address, so I am resubmitting, HTH

  72. CAS49 on July 30, 2012 1:28 pm

    I haven’t knit a sweater, this would be a great way to learn!

  73. Teresa from Florence, Alabama on July 30, 2012 2:27 pm

    I have only knitted a couple of child’s sweaters. They were both bottom up patterns. The only top down knitting I have done is on shawls. I like to knit shawls this way becase you can quit when it gets long enough.

  74. Gloria on July 30, 2012 2:33 pm

    Have never tried a sweater. What a perfect opportunity!

  75. Mary Ma on July 30, 2012 2:46 pm

    I have not tried top down knitting yet. This books is what I need.

  76. MAry Striegel on July 30, 2012 3:55 pm

    I’ve used the top down method to make two baby sweaters, but I would really love to try an adult size!

  77. Della Martin on July 30, 2012 4:00 pm

    I love top down knitting. I don’t have to worry about running out of yarn before I cover the “must haves.” And I can make it as long as I want – or until I run out of yarn.

  78. Connie on July 30, 2012 4:17 pm

    I would love this DVD. I do so much better watching than reading. I have some yarn I have been saving to make a sweater for myself. I love the cardigan.

  79. Karen Murphy on July 30, 2012 4:48 pm

    I would love to have a top down knitting book. I have never made a sweater but I have read that top down allows a better fit because you can try it on as you go.

  80. Andrea on July 30, 2012 4:54 pm

    I haven’t ever done a top down project but would love to try one!

  81. Sue on July 30, 2012 4:59 pm

    That DVD looks great! What a good skill to build!

  82. MarieAnge on July 30, 2012 5:31 pm

    My first top down experience was a sweater which came out quite nicely. The second piece I made was a cardigan for a 2 year old boy. It came out absolutely perfect and i love the top-down technique. No sewing up of pesky shoulder and side seams, you have the perfect number of armhole stitches all ready for you to go from after the body is completed. Great way to knit a sweater/cardi/dress etc…

    I’d love the DVD as I am a visual person and being able to see a technique done while it’s described is the perfect way for me to learn!
    I’d also love the DVD to perfect my technique and understand the construction so I could work on different sizes without the worry of a pattern.

  83. Patricia P. Hall on July 30, 2012 5:50 pm

    I’ve never heard of knitting a sweater top down…. would love to learn more! Thanks for the giveaway.

  84. Kim Reid on July 30, 2012 8:49 pm

    I have started a top down cardigan and I love the concept!
    Thank you :)

  85. Lori on July 30, 2012 9:51 pm

    I am so interested in making a top down sweater. Would love to have the book.

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