Knitting pattern sleeve dilemma, help please.

[JayeAshe]

My pattern for a sweater requires the maker, after joining the front and back at the shoulder seams, to create the sleeves by picking up a certain number (n) of stitches starting at the front armhole marker and ending at the back armhole marker; then knitting the sleeve from the top down.

My question : would it also work if I knit the sleeves separate from the body by casting on (n) stitches and knitting as if they were joined on.

This would allow me to have both sleeves on the go at once. Downside, I'd have to sew the finished sleeves to the body.

Can anyone let me know if they think it would be OK, and/or they have successfully done this?

T I A

Well, I usually knit down, after joining the shoulder, and with the whole of the body knitted together. I do knit both sleeves at the same time, using circular needles. I'm usually using variably dyed yarn, and I want the sleeves to match. I don't see any reason why you shouldn't do what you suggest. And not have to cope with something huge. The only problem would be if the armholes are shaped, and the pattern works round that.
I had an eye opening moment when my mum bought a knitting machine and I found I could see the whole thing, and apply it to handknitting as well.

I can't see why that wouldn't work - depending on your favourite sewing method you might want an extra row I suppose..

The only thing to consider is if your cast-on is a bit tight then the armhole will be tighter than it would be picking up stitches, so just use a super-stretch caston, and you'll be golden.

"And not have to cope with something huge." @Treaclemine you hit the nail on the head, I didn't want the whole thing to become unwieldy for no apparent reason

@SunThroughTheCloudsAt6am I'm grateful for your suggestions, which I'll be following.

Thank you both for your super helpful advice.