It Goes Both Ways
A size-inclusive, custom-sized, top down OR bottom up sweater

Sizing With Spreadsheets
Like all of my patterns, It Goes Both Ways is a Sizing With Spreadsheets pattern. It is #sizeinclusive and has absolutely no upper size limits. However, the colorwork style means it cannot be sized down smaller than an approximately 4.5 ” (11 cm) yoke depth (a standard child’s size Small).

It uses an accompanying spreadsheet (included with pattern purchase) to automatically customize the pattern to your unique set of body measurements, independently, as well as to your precise stitch and row gauge. A complete custom fit based on your unique set of measurements. As with all Sizing With Spreadsheets patterns, each portion of the pattern is always tied back to a specific body measurement. No giant armholes or neck just because you have a large bust/chest circumference!

The pattern asks you to input 7 of your body measurements, a desired length, and your stitch and row gauge. From there, the pattern spreadsheet automatically does the rest.

Your spreadsheet also includes guidance on all sleeve lengths, optional short row shaping of the back neck, and several neck ease options.

Fit and Ease
The garment has approximately 0” (0 cm) of ease across the upper torso and arms. As part of this automatic scaling, your sweater will have more or fewer small stripes across the yoke to keep it the same proportion across different body sizes. A blank yoke chart is provided to help you map out your sweater’s yoke according to the spreadsheet’s instructions. Choose one contrasting color or many!

Gauge and Yarn information
Any sport, DK, or worsted weight yarn can be used as long as you can reach the gauge ranges below.

To ensure good fit, precise gauge that falls within the range below (using the larger sized needles) is critical for this project. Once you determine your precise stitch and row gauge, choose them from the dropdown menus at the top of your spreadsheet.

20 - 26 stitches and 24 - 40 rows = 4” (10 cm)
in plain stockinette stitch

Whether working top down or bottom up, non-superwash wool yarn is recommended if possible in order to prevent stretching in this seamless construction.

Yardage Required
As so many pieces of this sweater are customizable to your gauge and body measurements, yardage can vary considerably. However, use the following chart as a rough guide for a natural waist-length, short-sleeved version. Although measurements are listed every 4” (10 cm), this was done only to conserve space. The pattern has no upper size limits whatsoever.

Bust/Chest Circumference Main Color Contrast Colors (total)
30” (76 cm) 590 yds (540 m) 180 yds (165 m)
34” (86 cm) 690 yds (630 m) 185 yds (170 m)
38” (96 cm) 790 yds (720 m) 190 yds (175 m)
42” (106 cm) 895 yds (820 m) 195 yds (180 m)
46” (116 cm) 995 yds (910 m) 200 yds (185 m)
50” (126 cm) 1095 yds (1000 m) 210 yds (195 m)
54” (136 cm) 1195 yds (1090 m) 225 yds (205 m)
58” (146 cm) 1295 yds (1185 m) 240 yds (220 m)
62” (156 cm) 1400 yds (1280 m) 265 yds (245 m)

Pattern Download - PDF and spreadsheet versions
Pattern purchase includes both PDF and spreadsheet versions. The PDF has all charts, yardage, and finishing instructions. The spreadsheet file contains the rest! It will take your gauge and measurements and automatically do the rest of the math for you!

Swanky Emu Knits design philosophy
I’ve had to modify every single garment I’ve ever knitted for myself. I know plenty of people who look like me, but my body is larger or differently proportioned than most knitting patterns seem to call for.

I create size-inclusive instructions to ensure my patterns work for absolutely every body size and shape, no matter what.
And I build this into the framework of the design rather than add it later.

Everyone deserves to wear something that is both tailored to their shape and that makes them look and feel amazing.

Sarah, Swanky Emu Knits