Round Neck vs. Square Neck in Crochet Top Down Sweater

A top-down sweater is knitted from the top (the neck) to the bottom, either in one piece or in several pieces that are then joined together. This method is ideal if you want to test the garment while knitting, adjust the length, or easily customize the design.

How do you make a round or square neck? This is where the key difference lies: although the stitch pattern is the same, the final shape of the neck depends on how you work the first few rows.

First, we'll see how to construct the yoke, and then how to form the square or round neck, as well as their differences.

✨ How to divide the yoke stitches in crochet

Once you have the total number of chains to form the neck , you must divide those stitches into four areas:

• Front
• Back
• Left sleeve
• Right sleeve

You'll also need four increase stitches , one at each corner of the yoke (i.e., between the body and sleeves). These stitches are essential for the garment to grow properly downward.

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📏 Classic method for distributing points

The most common system follows this proportion:

• 3 parts for the forward
• 3 parts for the back
• 2 parts for each sleeve
• + 4 corner stitches for increases

Practical example:

Imagine you start with 88 chains for the neck:

1. Subtract the 4 points from the corners → 88 - 4 = 84 points to distribute
2. Divide 84 by 10 (3+3+2+2) → 8.4 points per part
3. Approximate distribution:

• • Forward: 3 × 8 = 24 points
  • Back: 3 × 8 = 24 stitches
  • Right sleeve: 2 × 8 = 16 stitches
  • Left sleeve: 2 × 8 = 16 stitches
  • Corners: 4 points
  • ✅ Total: 84 + 4 = 88 points!

🔁 From there, you knit in the round and increase in each of the 4 corner stitches.

🎯 How to make a round or square neck?

This is where the key difference lies: although the stitch distribution is the same, the final shape of the neck depends on how you work the first few rows.

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🔳 Square neck top down

It is the simplest and most direct method, ideal if you are just starting out:

• From the first round, you increase only in the 4 corner stitches .
• This creates a square or rectangular shaped yoke .
• The neckline has marked diagonal lines between the body and sleeves.

👉 It is perfect for basic designs and beginner patterns.

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🔳 Round neck top down

If you want a softer, more ergonomic, rounder neck, you can apply one of these techniques:

1. Short back rows

Before closing the yoke in the round, knit several short rows on the back. This raises the back slightly and makes the neckline fall forward more naturally.

2. More evenly distributed increases

Instead of increasing only in the four corner stitches, you can distribute some increases throughout the yoke, especially in the front. The result is a curvier, less angular shape.

3. Separate collar

Another option is to knit a ribbed or decorative collar first and then pick up stitches to begin the yoke. This allows more freedom in shaping the neckline.

Comparison: square neck vs. round neck

Feature	Square Neck	Round Neck
Difficulty	Very easy	It requires more technique
Method	Increases in 4 corners	Short turns or spread increases
Style	More structured, clean cut	Softer, more ergonomic and more flattering
Ideal for	Basic or beginner patterns	Custom or more advanced designs

In summary

If you already have the number of chains to start your crochet top-down sweater , now you know how to distribute the stitches between the front, back and sleeves, and how to adapt the construction so that the neck is round or square .

Whether you're looking for a simple or more elaborate design, this method gives you the freedom to create and adapt your own crochet patterns.

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🛒 Want to start your sweater now?

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