Stabilize the Back of Neck of a Top Down

My favourite way to begin a Top Down garment is with the ribbed neckband. I’m not enamored with picking up stitches around the neck opening and would rather just jump right in and get going.

This is going to be a new Any Gauge project: a V-neck cardigan.

The Back of Neck in this type of Top Down tends to stretch. I have been experimenting with ways to make a firm edge across the Back of the Neck on the last row of the ribbed Neckband. Here it is.

Let me know if you try this. I think it’s working for me.

Cheers, Deb

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Author: debgemmellmods

I'm a Knitter. The capital K means every day, everywhere. I started designing as co-owner of Cabin Fever with my sister Lyn. We have published over 160 patterns and 11 books. I'm also working on a new set of patterns for Any Gauge or Gauge-free knitting so you can dive into your stash and cast on for a Top Down sweater that fits, or an accessory to use up those odd balls of yarn.

10 thoughts on “Stabilize the Back of Neck of a Top Down”

  1. Interesting! : ) 

    Usually what happens to me is that I don’t realize that there might be stretching until the sweater is done and I’m actually wearing it! 😬 So what I’ve done is slip-stitch crochet inside across the back neck, so an afterthought technique. 😉

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  2. I’m totally with you on that. I have also done that several times. I’m hoping g this technique will take care of it.

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  4. Interesting. I do an awful lot of top-down sweaters, and thought that perhaps the loosey-goosey back of the neck issue had to do with stitch count. Your technique may cure the underlying cause of stretching, and I can quit obsessing about how to adjust the number of stitches for the back of the neck without throwing everything else all cattywampus.

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  7. Never would have thought of that, but it’s a great 👍 idea and I’m sure it will do a wonderful job of keeping the neck from stretching! Hopefully I will remember it on my next top down sweater…

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