Yes, I’m a big fan of knitting from the top down. I’ve knit cardigans the old fashioned way and never really enjoyed them until I found my first top down knitting pattern a couple years ago. I think the reason I like this form of knitting are some of the same reasons I enjoy sock knitting.
#1. When finished there are no panels or pieces that need to be sewn together.
#2. As you knit the construction of the garment becomes very apparent. Because the garment begins at the top the neckline is the first part to appear. Then the shoulders take formation and it’s clear where the arm holes are and where the sleeves will go.
#3. I knit socks on circular needles and also love top down because it requires circular needles. Circulars seem so much easier to manage in my hands.
#4. I probably wade in to deep water by attempting sweaters. Knitting one panel at a time I have problems making sure that all the pieces are worked evenly. No problem with that when knitting the entire garment at the same time!
Here’s the cardigan I knitted during the fall of 2010