Mad Dash is a relaxed, casual sweater with a modern twist. Its loose fit and slightly flared silhouette make it comfortable and easy to wear, while the combination of bold color blocks and subtle striping adds a playful touch. The side button detail not only enhances the design but also allows for easy layering, making Mad Dash versatile enough to wear over light or heavy layers depending on the season. The wide ribbed hem and cuffs provide structure and balance to the soft lines of the sweater, creating a piece that’s both cozy and effortlessly stylish.

Mad Dash is ideal for intermediate knitters who are ready to take on a fun yet challenging project. The pattern incorporates a variety of techniques, including seamless top-down construction, yoke shaping, and buttonhole placement, making it a great opportunity to expand your knitting skills. The color changes and stripe work keep the knitting process engaging, while the buttoned side panels add a clever twist to traditional sweater construction. Whether you’re comfortable with these techniques or eager to learn something new, this project provides the perfect balance of creativity and skill-building for knitters seeking to create a unique, wearable piece.

Pattern written in American English (with standard US standard terms) and German.

Mad Dash won the Mad May 2016 Design Contest! Thanks to all of those who supported me.

GAUGE
20 stitches x 28 rows = 4” (10 cm) in stockinette stitch on Size US 6 (4.0 mm) needles; measured on a washed and blocked swatch. You are advised to ensure that both your stitch and row gauges are accurate.

DIFFICULTY
Intermediate (increases required: m1R, m1L, m1pR, m1pL; short rows; working button holes; picking up stitches from a finished edge).

NEEDLES
Size US 6 (4.0 mm) for body (or size needed to get gauge), Size US 4 (3.5 mm) for ribbing.

YARN
Yardage depends on the yarn you decide to use. Estimated Requirements using Tosh Sport by Madelinetosh yarns; 270 yards / 247 meters per 120 gram skein.

Estimated Requirements for a monotone pullover (one color):
4 (4, 4, 5, 5)(5, 5, 6, 6, 6) skeins or approximately 880 (950, 1010, 1100, 1160)(1270, 1340, 1440, 1500, 1580) yards / 805 (870, 915, 1005, 1060)(1160, 1225, 1315, 1370, 1445) meters.

Estimated Requirements for a striped pullover (two colors):
Main Color (green as shown in the model): 3 (3, 3, 3, 4)(4, 4, 4, 4, 5) skeins or approximately 620 (670, 705, 775, 815)(895, 945, 1015, 1060, 1115) yards / 570 (615, 645, 710, 745)(820, 865, 930, 970, 1020) meters.
Contrast Color (yellow as shown in the model): 1 (2, 2, 2, 2)(2, 2, 2, 2, 2) skeins or approximately 260 (280, 295, 325, 340)(375, 395, 425, 440, 465) yards / 235 (255, 270, 295, 310)(340, 360, 390, 405, 425) meters.

OTHER MATERIALS
Markers in at least 4 different colors. Yoke mA: beginning of round, Yoke mB: back raglan seams, Yoke mC: front raglan seams, Yoke mD: short row markers. Front ribbing markers A, B, and C: used to keep track of increases at corners of front ribbing. Beginning of round marker for the sleeves. Markers for cuffs.
Buttons 20 or more 5/8” buttons to close the side ribbing, number depends on your desired front length.
Tapestry Needle

LANGUAGES
Mad Dash is available in English and German.

SIZES
XS1 (XS2, S1, S2, M1)(M2, L1, L2, XL1, XL2)
Or an Actual Bust measurement of
28” (30”, 32”, 34”, 36”)(38”, 40”, 42”, 44”, 46”) /
71 (76, 81.5, 86.5, 91.5)(96.5, 101.5, 107, 112, 117) cm

FINISHED MEASURMENTS
Finished Bust Circumference (Including 4” / 10cm ease):
32” (34”, 36”, 38”, 40”)(42”, 44”, 46”, 48”, 50”) / 81.5 (86.5, 91.5, 96.5, 101.5)(107, 112, 117, 122, 127) cm
Finished Upper Arm Circumference:
10.5” (11.25”, 11.75”, 12.5”, 13.25”)(13.75”, 14.5”, 15”, 16”, 16.5”) / 27 (28.5, 30, 32, 33.5)(35, 37, 38.5, 40, 42) cm

EASE
There are approximately 4 inches (10cm) of positive ease worked into the bust circumference.