Bijou Sweater by Thea Colman

Bijou Sweater

Knitting
August 2019
Worsted (9 wpi) ?
20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches
in stockinette and lace pattern, based on final blocked fabric
US 7 - 4.5 mm
1000 - 1800 yards (914 - 1646 m)
33.5(38.25,42.25,47.5)(52,57,61.75)”/85(97.25,108,120.75)(132,144.75,156.75)cm. Based on finished circumference around bust. Choose a size that allows you 4-6"/10-15.25cm positive ease for similar fit.
English
This pattern is available for $8.00 USD buy it now

Once I finished the Bijou Tee, I also wanted a heavier weight version for winter, and lucky for me the Wisconsin Woolen Spun comes in Worsted Weight as well as Fingering. Long sleeves and a tweak to the fit (less ease, a bit more length) means this one will work beautifully with my winter wardrobe.

Bijou is really is all about the shoulder construction, which I had been sketching for a while, waiting for the right yarn and motif to come together. Strong lines and a beautiful seam make for a lovely detail here. And it gives this sweater the added bonus of being reversible - with the lace at front OR back!

As I originally imagined it, the sweater features stockinette on the front and lace on the back, for a crew neck effect. However, when turned around, the lace creates a square neckline that I kind of love as well.

(As I describe the construction below, I’ll assume it’s being worn with lace at back just to keep my comments consistent…)

Knit from the bottom up in the round to armholes, the knitting goes fast and the lace is easy to follow, with distinct lines and a bit of texture.

At armholes, the front and back of the sweater are separated and knit flat to end. The back is continued in lace above the armholes, but finished and bound off lower on the body than usual. The front is worked upwards and shaped at the neckline, then shoulders are continued so they can be brought downwards and seamed onto the top edge of the back panel. A bit of shaping ensures a nice fit , and a welt detail under the seam of the back panel makes for a beautifully distinct edge.

Knit in Barrett Wool’s Wisconsin Woolen Spun, in a beautiful cream shade called Oats, it’s a great neutral piece, with this lovely, unique detail that can be worn with pretty much anything.

Notes are included in the pattern for altering the length or width of the body, modifying both sleeves and armholes, and also for bringing the back shoulders in a little if you prefer a more “closed” back. And yes, Bijou can easily be worn with less ease for a more fitted silhouette.

Yardage by Size:

Sizes:
33.5(38.25,42.25,47.5)(52,57,61.75)”
85(97.25,108,120.75)(132,144.75,156.75)cm

Based on finished circumference around sweater body. Sweater shown worn with 5”/12.75cm positive ease. Choose a size that allows you 4-6”/10-15.25cm of positive ease for similar fit. Sweater can also be worn with less ease for a more fitted silhouette.

Yardage:
1000(1100,1200,1350)(1500,1650,1800)yds
915(1005,1100,1235)(1371,1508,1645)m needed.

Yardage assumes long sleeves, and may vary with substitute yarn or modifications. Estimates include about 50-100 yards extra.

Sample shown in Oats.