Top-Down or Bottom-Up Sleeves: Which Is Better?
Choose the direction that makes shaping and finishing easier for you.
Neither direction is inherently better. Choose based on whether you prefer increasing or decreasing, and how you want to finish the cuff.
Two directions, different advantages
Bottom-up: cuff to armhole
Start with the cuff and increase as you knit toward the upper arm. This familiar construction lets you work and finish the cuff at the beginning.
Top-down: armhole to cuff
Start with the widest part of the sleeve and decrease toward the wrist. Some machine knitters find decreasing faster and easier than increasing, making this approach appealing.
Neither direction is inherently better. Choose the shaping you prefer, with a plan for how you’ll finish the cuff.
Try This
With a top-down sleeve, choose your cuff finish and bind-off before you start. The finished cuff needs enough stretch to fit comfortably over your hand, along with the appearance you want.