Welcome to the new era of crochet. Making garments from the top down is a favorite knitting technique that allows knitters to test and adjust the fit as they go. Now, thanks to designer Dora Ohrenstein, crocheters will benefit for the first time from a pattern book featuring the same beloved approach. These 14 fashionable patterns are sure to flatter bodies of all shapes and sizes. Show-stopping original photography, an extensive discussion of the benefits of top-down construction, and detailed instructions on how and why to adjust the patterns to ensure an exquisite customized fit will have crocheters tying themselves in knots to start strutting their stuff! Top-down, seamless sweater construction offers new opportunities to create hip, fashionable garments that can be tried on as they are created, with no tedious seaming to do when the crocheting is complete. Top-Down Crochet Sweaters offers complete instructions on this technique along with 14 stylish, contemporary patterns.
Dora Ohrenstein is a leading crochet designer, author, and teacher. She is the author of Top-Down Crochet Sweaters and The Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop, which is being hailed as a must-have resource by the crochet community. Ohrenstein's chic and innovative designs appear regularly in Interweave Crochet, Crochet!, Crochet World, Vogue Knitting Crochet, and many other print and online magazines. She is the co-editor of Crochet World's "Talking Crochet" column, and she has written for various other publications about crochet history, international traditions, and techniques. Take it from the top.
In the first collection of its kind, crochet designer Dora Ohrenstein presents 14 patterns sure to flatter all body shapes and sizes. From elegant to casual, here are contemporary options for every season and occasion.
Making a garment from the top down lets you try it on as you go and adjust the length as necessary. Detailed directions on the top-down technique plus valuable tips on choosing yarn and stitch patterns ensure exquisite sweaters with fashionable drape. Introduction: Why Crochet from the Top Down?
Top-Down Construction Basics
A Note about Yarns
The Garment Pairs
Part I: The Techniques
1 The Top-Down Crochet Method
Necklines: An Overview
Yolk Shaping
Building Necklines
Trying On the Yoke as You Go
Creating the Underarm
Beginning the Body
Working the Sleeve
2 Additional Techniques for Top-Down Garments
Mastering Stitches
Gauge and Drape
Blocking Your Swatch
Choosing Yarns
Blocking Your Garment
3 Making Your Garment Fit
All about Ease
Measuring Yourself
Measuring a Favorite Sweater
How to Read a Schematic
How Sweaters Fit Your Body
Choosing a Length
Fibers and Fit
Making Alterations
Part II: The Patterns
Ava and Bettina
Isola and Chloe
Luna and Janelle
Jade and Magda
Rosina and Isabel
Genevieve and Zora
Nanette and Erde
Index
Abbreviations
Acknowledgments
Metric Conversion Chart
"If you've always thought of crocheted sweaters as lumpy, heavy, and unflattering, Dora's book will change your mind in about two minutes flat."
- Franklin Habit, designer, teacher, author, and illustrator
