🧶 Knitting top-down with yoke or raglan: understanding the construction in depth

Have you spotted a top-down pattern with a nice curve or marked decrease lines on the shoulders? But are you undecided between yoke and raglan? We explain everything — and above all, how to choose the ideal construction for your next knitting project 🧠✨

Why we love top-down (and why you'll too)

At Knit-sis, we grew up surrounded by balls of yarn, café au lait and passionate discussions between grandmother and aunt about truly beautiful finishes . So when we discovered top-down knitting , it was a revelation 🤯

But what is it exactly?
It's a knitting method where you start at the neck and work the garment down in one piece (usually seamless). The result: easy fitting along the way, easy adjustments, and a super rewarding project.

🧵 Advantages of top-down:

▪️ No sewing 🥳

▪️ Fitting in progress to adjust length or cut

▪️ Ideal for managing stripes or color schemes

▪️ We keep the pleasure of “it’s almost over” longer 😅

📌 Remember: Top-down knitting is THE favorite method for beginners and fans of modern knitting. Once you try it... it's hard to go back!

👉 Try it now with our template Cardichou – the soft raglan cardigan , perfect for starting out in top-down!

Yoke vs Raglan: two constructions, two atmospheres

The yoke (or circular insert): very soft

The yoke is a round construction easily recognizable by its flowing curve around the shoulders. The increases are distributed evenly around the entire circumference of the knit. It's often associated with Icelandic sweaters or fair isle patterns, but it can also be very modern and refined.

🧶 We like the yoke for:

▪️ Its harmonious and enveloping shape

▪️ Its graphic rendering with patterns or stripes

▪️ The comfort it provides (perfect for narrow or sloping shoulders)

💡 But be careful: The yoke is not suitable for all body types, especially if you have square shoulders or need more structure.

👀 To test: the sweater Strippie plays with a rounded look while remaining fun and accessible!

Raglan: lines that structure

Raglan is recognizable by its diagonal decrease lines that run from the neckline to the armpits. Visually, this gives a sporty and elegant look. It's easier to adapt, especially if you want to adjust the shoulder width or armhole depth.

🧶 We love raglan for:

▪️ Its clean and flattering structure

▪️ Its ease of adaptation to all sizes

▪️ Its modern, casual, super versatile look

💬 Louise: "Cardichou, our cuddly raglan cardigan on 7mm needles, has been designed so that even complete beginners can experience the joy of knitting a top-down, seamless cardigan in a cozy weekend."

👉 Take a look at Festi , a colorful and modern raglan cardigan, ideal for a first circular knitting project ✨

📌 Key takeaway: Raglan is more structured, yoke is softer. Both are top-down compatible, but offer very different styles and feel.

Which construction should you choose for your body type or style?

🎯 Do you like minimalist and well-structured looks?
👉 Opt for a raglan .

🎯 Are you a fan of curves, circular patterns or colorwork?
👉 The yoke is your ally.

🎯 Do you have a generous chest or defined shoulders?
👉 Adjustable raglan is often more flattering.

🎯 Want a quick, easy, and rewarding project?
👉 The Cardichou is the winning combo: raglan + top-down + needles 7 = a soft cardigan to knit almost without thinking 😍

Bonus: Yoke vs Raglan summary table 🗂️

📌 Tip: Save this chart to your "Beginner Knitting" Pinterest board or print it out to have it handy for every new project 🧷

In summary

✨ Top-down knitting means freedom: no sewing, fitting possible, clean finishes.
🌀 The yoke brings roundness and retro charm.
🔺 Raglan structures, refines and adapts to all silhouettes.

And at Knit-sis, we offer you tested, approved and designed patterns so that even your first projects are a real pleasure 🧡

Ready to take action? 🎯

➡️ Explore our collection of knitting patterns
➡️ Fall for it Cardichou , the ultimate soft raglan cardigan
➡️ Download our free pattern Doudou sweater , perfect for starting out gently in top-down