This is a set of instructions to lead you to the completion of a simple laceweight sweater. It is customizable in terms of body length, sleeve length, and would lend itself well to an array of simple stitch patterns (in the example I do mock cable banding on the bottom edges, neckline and sleeve edges).

I am 5’11” and knit the sweater pictured with 124g of yarn (about 5 - 25g balls). In the yarn estimates the low end is for someone smaller in stature than me, and the high end is for a longer sweater with full length sleeves. Be sure to buy enough! An extra ball or so of laceweight yarn will never go astray in your stash.

You will need circular needles - 16 and 24 inches long - 3.25 mm for this sweater along with some stitch markers, a little waste yarn, a tapestry needle, scissors, tape measure, paper and pen, and a calculator or smart phone (for the math!).

This sweater is a simple drop shoulder construction with a boatneck and elbow length sleeves that are wider than usual. It hangs from the shoulders and is designed with 2-4 inches of positive ease to enable it to float over another layer.

It is knit in one piece on circular needles from the bottom up, then the front and back are knit separately. The shoulder seams are sewn together and then stitches are picked up at the armholes for the sleeves.

Instructions are given to enable you to work from your own body measurements/ desired lengths.

A simple mock cable is used on the bottom band, neckline and sleeve ends as a way to encourage them to lay flat and to add a little variety to the knitting. For those just starting to knit, plain K2,P2 ribbing could be substituted, or conversely, you could go with a rolled hem (i.e. all stocking stitch), if that is your preference.

The 3.25 mm needles ensures a reasonably opaque fabric and gives the garment good stability. It is light weight, but surprisingly warm over a cotton base layer or on it’s own.

It could also be a stash buster if you knit the body in one color and the sleeves in a complimentary color, or in stripes. I choose a variegated yarn with a varying color patterning. The resulting garment is playful, luxurious, and versatile.

This pattern is available on my blog. If you have any questions, email me at theknittedraven@gmail.com