Top Down Sweaters
Table of Contents
Love the ease of top-down knitting? Browse our collection of Top Down Sweaters! We’ve gathered over 40 of these gorgeous sweater knits for your perusal. Some of these patterns are seamless, and some do require some seaming, but they all have the same top-down construction in common. You’ll primarily find sweaters and tops for women, but there are a few patterns for men and children included. You’ll find patterns for warmer and transitional months as well as super cozy, bulky knits for winter. Enjoy browsing this collection, and don’t forget to mark those favorite patterns to come back to later!
Features
Meet your new wardrobe staple. This sweater combines minimalist style with flowing sleeves gathered at the wrist, creating a look that's simple, but never boring. Dress it down for a fun day out, or dress it up for an elegant evening, this timeless piece will go with anything and never go out of style. Read More
This top-down, circular yoke sweater is inspired by a window from Notre Dame de Chartres. It begins with a twisted 1x1 rib at the neck, flowing seamlessly into the yoke pattern, which mimics stone tracery and extends through the body and sleeves, evoking gothic arches. As the yoke expands, various window motifs emerge. The fleur-de-lis motif is repeated at the hem and cuffs, both finished with twisted 1x1 ribbing. To keep the vibrant contrast colors discreet, the Ladderback Jacquard method is used for stranding, with supplementary charts provided at the end of the pattern. Read More
The Dahlia Delight Pullover is a stunning circular yoke design featuring intricate colorwork and elegant details. The yoke and cuffs are adorned with three shades of the same color—light, medium and dark — mimicking the delicate petals of a dahlia flower. Textured purl stitch details around the colorwork resemble foliage, adding depth and visual interest to the design. The pullover also boasts balloon-shaped sleeves and a lace hem with a chevron pattern, echoing the colorwork design and providing a decorative finish. This beautiful pullover combines artistry and craftsmanship, making it a standout piece in any wardrobe. Read More
Step up your skills by adding embroidery techniques to your knitting. This oversized, cozy floral sweater combines the elegance of a saddle shoulder design with the accent of scattered flowers along the sleeves. Experiment with different yarn fibers, weights and colors to create unique textures and contrasts in your flower designs. Read More
This dress has a simple drop-shoulder silhouette with a generous amount of positive ease. Its top-down construction is completely seamless and allows for length to be adjusted to your preference. Light and airy, the fabric of this dress is practically weightless, enveloping you in a cloud of warmth. Read More
This textured raglan sweater will become your favorite, especially in cold gloomy winter. Worked from the top down and in the round, using raglan increases, it features a textured yet simple stitch pattern making it perfect to wear with high-waisted jeans and over dresses. Read More
The Flicka Cardigan is the perfect blend of timeless charm and modern comfort. This open-front, top-down raglan cardigan features an all-over textured pattern that adds depth and interest to the fabric. Designed with an oversized fit, it drapes effortlessly for a relaxed, laid-back look that’s both stylish and cozy. The standout details—loose, flowing poet sleeves and a generous shawl collar—give this piece a touch of vintage-inspired elegance. Whether you’re layering it over jeans and a tee for a casual weekend vibe or wrapping up in it at home with a good book, the Flicka Cardigan delivers warmth, softness, and effortless style. Knit from the top down for a seamless construction, this grandpa-style sweater is sure to become a cherished staple in your wardrobe. Read More
An ethereal oversize semi-cropped, balloon-sleeve sweater perfect to wear alone or combined with an underneath top. Elora mixes two different fibers (silk and mohair) in the same color palette to create this airy and delicate feeling. This sweater will look amazing combined with a casual dress, a more sophisticated pencil skirt or with your favorite pair of jeans. Read More
This Sweater is one part of a matching set that is perfect for a Valentine's Day date! Paired with the Maci Pocket Skirt, The Heart’s Content Sweater is an uber-cozy and luxe pullover that is equal parts retro and modern. The addition of mohair to this project makes it all the more fluffy and warm. With a simple and meditative top-down yoke construction, what’s not to love? And the added heart details are the cherry on top! Read More
Kinsley is a classic yoke sweater inspired by traditional motifs of Scandinavian knitwear. Knit in the round from the top down, this sweater looks stunning in golden and deep blue hues. Read More
This project is bound to be the most used sweater in everyone’s handmade wardrobe this season! Utilizing a textured or boucle yarn, a sherpa-like fabric is created. In tandem with clever construction techniques, the finished project will look just like your favorite on-trend fleeces. The sweater is knit top-down yoke-style. Yoke is knit flat for 4-5’’ then joined and knit in the round before dividing for sleeves, leaving a pre-made collar without any steeking required! The zipper is sewn on afterwards and the kangaroo pouch is knit separately then stitched on. Read More
This fair isle sweater features a yoke with, you guessed it, hidden hearts amongst the intricate colorwork details. While Valentine’s Day is around the corner, this is a sweater you can knit and wear all winter with its trendy teal and burnt orange color pairing. Read More
The Blooming Lace Sweater is the epitome of elegance and versatility, perfect for pairing with skirts, jeans, or dresses. Crafted from a luxurious Merino and Silk blend, this sweater is as soft as it is stylish, draping beautifully for a flattering fit. With positive ease, it’s designed to be worn comfortably over a dress or with a pretty skirt. The delicate lace and eyelet details provide just the right amount of femininity, perfectly balancing the clean stockinette stitch background. Whether for a casual outing or a more refined event, this sweater will quickly become a wardrobe staple. Read More
Longline cardigans are the perfect casual piece to have on hand for quick trips out of the house or cozying up with a cup of coffee. This cardigan utilizes marling yarn for a nice blocked look to create the soft contrast between the cream and the black. Try colored marling yarn for a similar and vibrant effect. Read More
Stripe a pose in this dream of a sweater: relaxed fit, dropped shoulders, split hem, crew neck and, of course, stripes! Go bold with neon pink for a summer sweater everyone will remember. Read More
Ruby is a simple top-down seamless raglan with a center front cable panel and stockinette body. This sweater also features waist and hip shaping for a flattering fit. Read More
Just like an equitation class, this jacket looks to be judged on form, style and ability. This custom-tailored jacket will be perfect to wear both in working days and in your free time. Read More
The perfect coat for the first day of fall, the poncho coat combo makes for an intriguing fashion piece. Fashionable straps with buttons allow this poncho to take shape while allowing arm slits for added movement. Read More
This bold sweater proves that summer sweaters are just as fun to knit as their winter counterparts! The soft and light yarn used makes the piece truly stunning and summer friendly. Read More
This simple pullover contains classic seaside colors and a flattering stripe pattern. Knit in a soft and light yarn, this pullover is nothing like that heavy sweater in the back of your closet. Read More
This is a sweater that's easy to wear and interesting to knit. It’s worked entirely in a simple striped pattern, but the background and the contrasting colors are swapped on the sleeves and on the body, providing an additional level of visual interest. Read More
If you dream of promenades by the sea waiting for summer to come, you will love knitting and wearing your very own Captain’s Jacket! This jacket mixes up elegant lines with comfortable details to make a versatile jacket perfect for everyday use. The A-line body makes it feminine and wearable while removable hood and pockets protect you from crisp breezes as you enjoy Sunday walks along the beach. Read More
The perfect transitional garment, this feminine sweater has three quarter length bell shaped sleeves and is knit in a cotton blend. Knit from the top down with simple waist shaping and decorative lace trim around the cuffs and hem, this is the lightweight sweater you’ll need for spring. Read More
With long sleeves featuring a long slit, this blouse is a perfect New Year's Eve party top. The deep concentric diamonds on the side give it a fun texture and bring visual interest to the waist shaping. Beautiful and flattering, this top could just as easily been seen on Zelda Fitzgerald as on this winter's party goer. Read More
Cozy up in this cabled hoodie this winter! This hoodie is knit from the top down so you’ll be able to try it on as you knit. Read More
If you’re looking to add a dependable classic to your to-be-knit list, look no further than the extra bulk of this gorgeously cabled cardigan. Its usefulness is matched only by its style, which will be sure to dazzle at the same time that it keeps you warm. Read More
Sporty stripes accentuate the timeless appeal of this sweater. It’s sure to become a fan favorite; you can chalk up its flattering V-neck and overall shape as a big win for this season’s wardrobe. Read More
Just because the days get cooler doesn’t mean you have to give up your summer style! Perfect for layering, this cardigan features a low V-neck and seeded rib edging that can be casual or dressy to suit the occasion. Read More
What is summer without long drives with the windows down? This raglan cardigan will be the perfect attire for such a trip, thanks to its relaxed shape and delightful trellis-like lace pattern. It is knit from the top down using long circular needles. Read More
The Pistachio Pullover is the sweater you've been waiting to knit—where clever construction meets comfort and style. This top-down design gives you full control over fit as you work, allowing you to try it on throughout the process for a perfect, personalized fit every time. No more second-guessing or worrying about the sizing—just smooth, enjoyable knitting that lets you craft a sweater made specifically for you. The unique construction keeps things interesting, with a pattern that encourages your creativity to flow from neckline to hem. Knit in a soft, breathable yarn, the pullover drapes beautifully while keeping you cozy and stylish. With its simple yet flattering silhouette, this pullover easily transitions from casual days to a chic, put-together look for nights out. Whether you’re new to top-down knitting or a seasoned pro, the Pistachio Pullover offers a fun and satisfying experience. Plus, the ability to adjust as you go makes this the perfect sweater to knit without worry. Your ideal fit is just a few rows away! Read More
This design is inspired by popular cropped cardigans from the 50s. It’s knit from the top down with raglan shaping and has a unique brioche look with twisted reversible ribs at the cropped waist. You’ll love wearing this seamless cardi with your favorite black dress and comfy flats. Dress it up or down depending on the occasion! Read More
What’s cuter than a knit bunny? An entire band of bunnies! This little A-Line cardigan is not only cute, but it’s a blast to make. Knitted from the top down, this design features a garter stitch border with buttons down the front, and a charming row of rabbits at the bottom. The row of bunnies are stranded, with cabling and bobbles to make them stand out. They are knitted on a reverse stocking stitch panel, while the rest of the garment is knitted in plain stocking stitch. Read More
The Knit in a Splash Pullover is a lightweight and timeless knit that captures the soothing essence of spring’s first showers or winter’s chilly drizzle. Designed for comfort and versatility, this classic pullover is perfect for layering on those in-between days when the weather keeps you indoors. The soft, baby blue hue adds a calming touch, making it an ideal piece to transition through the seasons. Whether paired with jeans for a casual look or layered over a dress for added warmth, this pullover is sure to become a cozy favorite in your wardrobe. Read More
Cozy cardigans are one of our favorite things about the weather getting cooler. They’re perfect for snuggling up in and keeping warm, even while the wind whips chilly air around us from all sides. This cardi has it all ― beautiful colors, secret pockets, cozy front panels and sleeves that stay in place. Read More
White, the color of freshly fallen snow, is one of the most iconic colors of the season. With the magic of snow and childhood memories of winter’s past in mind, Nadya Stallings set out to create a very special project. This project is very feminine at all details: mid-length and button closure, cable fragments, A-line body and soft collar. It is worked in pieces from bottom up and is sure to impress all your friends this season. Read More
This chic pullover is a top down raglan with a retro twist. A deep woven portrait collar and striped sleeves provide visual interest. Read More
Brighten up those long, dreary fall and winter days with the vibrant Grape Supreme Textured Sweater. This delightful wardrobe staple combines playful details and sophisticated techniques for a cozy yet chic design. With a textured back that adds visual interest, a flattering V-neck for a polished look, and fun thumbholes for added charm, this sweater is as functional as it is fashionable. The rich "Grape Jelly" hue brings a burst of color to your winter wardrobe, ensuring you stay warm, stylish, and cheerful through the coldest months. Read More
This top down Honeycomb Sweater is the ideal autumn pullover. Featuring a wide, loose neckline and a sloping bottom hem that’s slightly longer in the back than in the front, this sweater pairs perfectly with jeans for a casual night out. Read More
Leaf Lines is a close fitting, elegant sweater with added waist shaping for a flattering silhouette. The panels of diamond leaves down each sleeve add an extra feminine touch to this cozy fall sweater. Read More
Inspired by JRR Tolkien's “Tree and Leaf” collection of fairy tales, Tree and Leaf is an asymmetrical, seamless cardigan mostly worked flat from the top down with short raglan sleeves. The design features an easy and fun lace panel for sleeves, front waist shaping and twisted rib edges. Read More
The Diamond Trim Cardigan is an open and seamless piece worked mostly flat from the top down with short raglan sleeves. The design features an easy reversible lace pattern for the collar that, combined with the light mint yarn, makes this an essential summer cardigan. Read More
This beautiful raglan cardigan is worked from the top down and features a lacy Ostrich Plumes stitch pattern. Dazzling gold buttons line the front of this sweater that dresses up any simple tank and tee outfit. Read More
This top-down buttoned cardigan is the perfect summertime evening cover-up. Worked up in a light-colored yarn, this summertime essential is the perfect layering piece for any formal dinner. Read More
This cute cropped cardi features a thick-and-thin stripe pattern and raglan yoke shaping. It's a cinch to work top down in one piece. Read More
These two colors of yarn were the inspiration for this cardigan. When the designer saw them, she knew they had to be used together in a sweater. The "Faux-Isle" band on the yoke of this top-down, set-in sleeve cardigan that creates the effect of fair isle, even though you're only ever using one color per row! This pattern is also great for using up coordinating bits of leftover yarn. Read More