My objective with this design was to experiment with shaping to create a cute, stylish sweater that would flatter any type of body. Biscotti is the result. Fitted through the bust and flowing in the bodice, this is a shapely sweater for virtually any figure. Short rows are used to make darts in front and there are contours on the front and back, creating a fluid and flattering drape.

Biscotti is a basic shell that you can dress up or down. Wear it alone or accessorized, with skirts or slacks or jeans. Its eye-catching shape and beautiful drape makes it look good with just about anything. Biscotti is a design that you can knit again and again using different yarns and always end up with a great fit.

This sweater uses a simple reverse stockinette stitch for enhanced texture, particularly when using a more rustic yarn, such as in the sweater shown here. Edged in twin rib, the front, back and sleeves are knit separately from the bottom-up and seamed. Finally, the neckline is worked in the round.

I have also knit biscotti using a single strand of Shibui Linen and size 6 needles. This creates a perfect, lightweight summer shell to be worn over a tank top (shown in green in the photos). And Lismete knit hers with ¾ length sleeves!

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS (2” positive ease at bust)
Chest (circumference):
32 (36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64)”/
81 (91, 102, 112, 122, 132, 142, 152, 162)cm
Hem (circumference):
45 ¼ (50, 53 ½, 57 ¼, 62, 65 ½, 69 ¼, 74, 77 ½)”/
115 (127, 136, 145, 157, 166, 176, 188, 197)cm
Length:
23 ¼ (23 ¾, 24 ¼, 24 ¾, 25 ¼, 25 ¾, 26 ¼, 26 ¾, 27 ¼)”/
59 (60, 62, 63, 64, 65, 67, 68, 69)cm

YARN
The Fibre Company Savannah 50% wool, 20% cotton, 15% linen, 15% soya: 6 (7, 8, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 12) skeins

Or

Shibui Linen 100% linen: 4 (5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 8, 8, 9) skeins

Or

Approx Amount of DK weight yarn:
975 (1080, 1195, 1330, 1465, 1600, 1725, 1880, 1975) yds/
890 (990, 1095, 1215, 1340, 1465, 1575, 1720, 1805)m

NEEDLES
Size 6 US/ 4.5mm straight and circular needles (or size to obtain gauge) and size 7 US/ 5mm straight needles (or 1 size larger than main needle)

GAUGE
20 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches/ 10cm in St st with smaller needles. Take time to check gauge.

CONSTRUCTION
The front is worked first with short-row darts to add shape and drape. The back (longer than the front) and sleeves are worked separately. Pieces are blocked and joined, then the neck edging is picked up and worked in the round.