The Design

“This sweater has scope!”

Here’s a pattern for the simple sweater you’d be willing to buy, if only you could find it: The fit is easy, styling simple, fabric relaxed, and details just right.

The flattering dropped shoulder creates a roomy armhole without the usual excess fabric bunching under the arm. The slim, straight cuff tapers up to the armhole. And a little short-row shaping allows the front and back hemline to hang more evenly when worn.

You can easily customize the style and fit. We’ve shown a couple of combinations of length and edgings but you can play with the variables (short with long ribbing, long with short . . .) or change the length entirely to suit you.

See how we've used this pattern!

The Details

SIZES
This pullover is designed with lots of ease, relaxed shoulders and slim sleeves in sizes XS (S, M, L, XL).
Finished bust: 42½ (46½, 50, 54½, 59)"/108 (118, 127, 138, 150)cm, after seaming.
To fit bust: 32–34 (36–38, 40–42, 44–46, 48–50)"/81–86 (91–96, 101–106, 112–117, 122–127)cm.
With ease of: 8–10"/20–25cm.

LENGTHS
Finished body lengths measured from high shoulder (where shoulder meets neck) to hem.
Hip-length version: 23¼ (23½, 24¼, 24½, 25)"/59 (60, 61, 62, 63)cm.
Tunic-length version: 30¼ (30½, 31¼, 31½, 32)"/76.5 (77, 79, 80, 81)cm.
Center back neck to cuff: 24 (25, 26, 27, 28)"/ 61 (63, 66, 69, 71)cm.

YARN
Choose a light-worsted-weight yarn that typically knits at 20 sts to 4"/10cm. You’ll want to open it up just a little to a finished gauge of 4½ sts per inch.
Hip-length version: 1100 (1200, 1300, 1400, 1500) yds/1005 (1100, 1190, 1280, 1370)m.
Shown in size S on 38"/96.5cm bust, in Rowan Kid Classic light blue Color 876; 153 yds/140m per skein.
Tunic-length version: 1300 (1400, 1500, 1650, 1750) yds/1190 (1280, 1370, 1510, 1600)m.
Shown in size S on 38"/96.5cm bust, in Berroco Ultra Alpaca charcoal Color 6289; 215 yds/198m per skein.

For custom lengths: To lengthen or shorten body, add or subtract approx. 30 (33, 35, 39, 41) yds/27 (30, 32, 35, 37)m of yarn per 1"/2.5cm of knitted length.

NEEDLES & NOTIONS
Both versions: US 8 (5mm) 24"/60cm circular needle or size to obtain gauge.
Rib-neck version: US 7 (4.5mm) 24"/60cm and 16"/40cm circular needle, or 1 US size/.5mm smaller than gauge size.
Funnel-neck version: 16"/40cm circular needle in gauge size; and US 6 (4mm) 24"/60cm and 16"/40cm circular needles, or 2 US sizes/1mm smaller than gauge size.
Both versions: 2 ring markers; 6 locking markers; 4 stitch holders (we like to use extra circular needles, in gauge size or smaller, so you can knit off holder from either end); darning needle to finish.

GAUGE
18 sts/25 rows = 4"/10cm in stockinette stitch on larger needle, after blocking.

Errata & Clarifications

KNITTER'S NOTES
We can’t stress enough the value of a generous swatch. We like to work one that’s at least 6" x 6". And don’t skip the wet block and steam steps. Beyond checking your stitch and row gauge, you will want to look critically at the resulting fabric. Your swatch will tell you if you’ve got a nice fabric that has both drape and body.

Designed with versatility in mind, it’s well suited to all body types. Several of our staff looked great in all five sizes, from slightly fitted to very oversized; all of us looked good in at least two sizes! So instead of thinking in terms of a specific size, think about the amount of ease you want (the difference between your actual bust measurement and the actual sweater measurement).

We suggest you try on sweaters of different length to see what works for you, and then measure the length from your high shoulder (where the shoulder meets the neck) to hem and use this as your template. After you decide on the size, just personalize the sleeve length from the varying degrees of shoulder drop (the pattern tells you how).

A couple of easy modifications will result in a sweater that’s great for those of us who run warm. The neckline is designed so that the collar can be tucked in and sewn down, sitting a flattering distance away from the neck. And sleeve length can be customized to end above the wrist, making for a cooler sweater by keeping the wrist pulse points uncovered.