I designed the original Box Top Sweater pattern to mimic a favorite ready-to-wear boxy top. I first recreated the top in fabric, then decided I could create the same shape in yarn.

This latest iteration is designed on a US 10 (6 mm) needle. You can use DK, Worsted or Fingering / Mohair held together. It will fly off your needles.
I’ve shown the sweater knit in both a DK yarn by itself, and in Fingering and Mohair yarn held together.

This is a very easy sweater to knit. It is also very easy to alter the length of the sleeves or body. As written, this beginner-friendly sweater features a slightly cropped, box top fit with dropped shoulders, rolled boatneck, and loose, long sleeves with a cute puffed cuff.

I’ve included both top-down and bottom-up directions. The first time I knit a sweater, I like to knit it from the top down for ease of trying on the sweater. However, once I’m confident in the size I want to knit, I prefer to knit sweaters from the bottom up. This is a personal choice, so I’ve included both options in this pattern.

Sizes: 1 (2, 3, 4, 5)
Finished Bust Circumference: 37 (40, 45, 51, 56) inches 94 (102, 114, 130, 142) cm

Grey sweater shown in Size 3 on a 38-inch (96.5 cm) bust with approximately 7 inches (18 cm) of positive ease.
Green sweater shown in Size 4 on a 38-inch (96.5 cm) bust with approximately 14 inches (36 cm) of positive ease.

Yarn
Total yarn requirement vary based on the yarn choice. You can achieve the recommended gauge with DK alone (Grey Sweater) or holding Fingering & Mohair together (Green Sweater). Note: You could also use Worsted weight yarn with a different needle size .

Total yarn required
1000 - 1250 yards for DK weight, or
1744 - 2616 yards for Fingering and Mohair together (872 - 1308 of each)

Grey Sweater:
• 4 (4, 4, 5, 5) skeins of Fiber Seed Sprout DK in color Elephant, 250 yards (230 meters)/100 g skein, 90% Washable American Merino/10% Nylon, DK weight yarn

Green sweater:
• Fingering: 2 (2, 2, 3, 3) skeins of Ruby and Roses Classic Rose in color Cedar, 438 yards (400 meters)/100 g skein, 100% Superwash Merino.
• Mohair: 2 (2, 2, 3, 3) skeins of Ruby and Roses Delicate Rose in color Cedar, 459 yards (420 meters)/50 g skein, 72% Kid Mohair, 28% Mulberry Silk

Needles and Notions
US 10 (6 mm) circular needles; long cord for body in the round; 16 inches (40 cm) or double points for sleeves. Other notions: Stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn, tapestry needle.

Gauge
16 stitches and 23 rounds to 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette St on US 10 (6 mm) needles. Please block swatch to check gauge.

Technical Editing by Bronwyn Hahn.