Every design has a story! The Polar Braids Quarter Zip was designed originally for a friend who is also a wonderful supporter of my knitwear designs. She and I worked together to choose the style, function and fit that best suited her wardrobe. The result was this beautiful quarter zip.

The name was something I struggled with, more so than the math to create this pattern. It started as Winter Braids to honor the braided cable, a lovely idea! Upon overthinking the name, I ultimately switched it to Polar Braids, which is a fun little shoutout to Polar Seltzer, which is a local company in Worcester, MA, USA, where we’re from!

This quarter zip is knit seamlessly from the top-down, knitted flat at first to create the opening for the zipper. It is then worked in the round. Then comes the separation of the sleeves and body. Next, the body and sleeves are worked individually in the round. Finally, once the ends are woven in and the work is blocked, the zipper can be sewn in to complete the sweater.

9 SIZES AVAILABLE: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL
The model pictured in the photo above is wearing size S and is 5’4” (162.4cm) and has a bust size of 32” (81 cm) in circumference.

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR SIZE:
Find your bust measurements below. Positive ease is built into the pattern, meaning final measurements are 4-6” (10cm-15cm) on top of that number. This allows for a lightly fitted, comfortable and stylish sweater that you can wear at home, the office, or out and about!

To accurately choose your size, please refer to the notes section at the end of the pattern (page 9) where you will find a sizing chart and instructions to best help you select a size to knit. There is also a brief note for how to make modifications.

SIZES
XS – 28-30” bust
S – 32-34” bust
M – 36-38” bust
L – 40-42” bust
XL – 44-46” bust
2XL – 48-50” bust
3XL – 52-54” bust
4XL – 56-58” bust
5XL – 60-62” bust

DIFFICULTY: INTERMEDIATE
You will need to know how to cast on, knit, purl, ktbl, ptbl, K1fb, backwards loop cast on, K2tog, SSK, bind off.

MATERIALS NEEDED:

• Size US 4/3.5mm 29” circular needles circular needles (those knitting larger sizes may wish to use longer circular needles)
• Size US 5/3.75mm 29” circular needles (those knitting larger sizes may wish to use longer circular needles)
• Size US 4/3.5mm circular needles or double pointed needles (for the sleeves)
• Size US 5/3.75mm circular needles or double pointed needles (for the sleeves)
• 9 Stitch Markers (4 in a different color for your Raglan markers, 4 in a different color for your cable markers, and 1 for your BOR marker)
• Cable Needle
• Row Counter (optional)
• Darning needle
• Scissors
• 10” zipper – Please note that if your row gauge is different, you may wish to get a longer or shorter zipper.
• Needle & Thread
• Yarn: 853(952,1075,1205,1321)(1465,1587,1717,1843) yards or 776(867,979,1097,1203)(1334,1445,1564,1678) meters of light worsted weight size 4 yarn or 7(8,9,10,11)(12,13,14,15) skeins of Merifine yarn (I used color “Aquamarine“ for the sample) from We Are Knitters. Please note that yardage is estimated and may vary depending on the yarn used per the project, gauge verifications and/or other modifications that you may make.

HOW DO I DOWNLOAD MY PATTERN? Once payment is received, you will receive an email containing a download link button for a PDF pattern. Make sure you have a PDF reader installed to open the pattern. All patterns are written in standard US terms.

SAY HELLO
Instagram: @marymadethat
Ravelry: marymadethat

For pattern support or questions, please feel free to reach out to me at marymadethat@gmail.com or DM me @marymadethat on Instagram!

If you create your own Polar Braids Quarter Zip, please share the love online by using the hashtag #polarbraidsquarterzip and tagging @marymadethat in your posts! I can’t wait to see and share your progress photos and finished products!

This original pattern is a copyright of Mary Gannon of marymadethat.com. This copy of the Polar Braids Quarter Zip is for personal use only. All items made from this pattern may not be sold.