The Portofino Sweater is a boxy sweater with a relaxed fit, making it an ideal choice for a casual weekend outfit in the spring. It is worked from the top down first flat and then in the round, starting with the back panel down to the underarm. The back panel is shaped with increases to give the shoulders a gentle slope. Stitches are picked up for each shoulder along the increase edge of the back, and the shoulders are joined together to form the front panel, again, down to the underarm. At this point, the front and back are joined together to be worked in the round. Stitches are picked up to form each sleeve and the collar, which is worked in a nice 2x2 rib. You have the option of incorporating stripes into the design, but you do not have to. Instructions are given for the stripes. This is an intermediate level pattern.

There is the option with this pattern to leave the sleeves off and to wear it as a vest. This is what I did with the second sample I made. It’s a really simple mod and I think it looks really nice – but, then, I am a massive fan of slipovers in British weather, so read into that what you will. The only difference, besides not working the sleeves (!), is to slip the first stitch of every row that will form the armhole opening instead of knitting it. This produces a neater finish. These rows are highlighted in the pattern.

Suggested yarn: Sample 1 (with sleeves) was knitted with Merifine by We Are Knitters (112m/50g). I used the shades Natural (‘Colour A’), Ochre (‘Colour B’) and Blue Rey (‘Colour C’). Sample 2 (no sleeves) was knitted with two strands of Filcolana Saga held together. I used the shades Natural White 01 (‘Colour A’), Coral 254 (‘Colour B’) and Peach Blossom 335 (‘Colour C’). I achieved the same tension with both yarns on 5mm needles in stocking stitch.

You can use any other yarn that matches the same gauge (see ‘Gauge’ below). Test knitters used Filcolana Peruvian Highland Wool, Wool and the Gang Super Trouper, and Sirdar Saltaire to great effect. Yarns like Sandnes Garn Double Sunday would also work nicely. I would recommend looking for spun DK-light aran weight yarns for best results.

Note: As much as I liked knitting with We Are Knitter’s Merifine and enjoy how it looks on the body, I haven’t found it to be a particularly hard-wearing yarn. I therefore wouldn’t necessarily recommend it if you are really concerned about pilling. Personally, I don’t mind too much and find that a quick and regular comb with a D-shaped wool comb is enough to keep the pilling in check. I thought it was better to include this in the notes than not!

Sizing: The Portofino Sweater is available in sizes XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL (4XL) 5XL, with an intended positive ease for each size of approximately 10-15cm for a relaxed and boxy fit. The sizes fit as follows:

SIZE: XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL (4XL) 5XL
Chest measurement (cm): 85-90 (90-95) 95-100 (100-105)
105-110 (110-115) 115-125 (125-135) 135-145
Actual circumference of garment (cm): 102 (106) 110 (116) 120 (126) 136 (146) 156

More information about the techniques used to make this Sweater is available in the pattern document.

Estimated yardage: 784 (784) 896 (896-1008) 1008 (1008-1120) 1120 (1120-1232) 1232 m of Colour A; 224 (224) 224 (224-336) 336 (336) 336 (336-448) 336-448 m of Colour B, 224 (224) 224 (224-336) 336 (336) 336 (336-448) 336-448 m of Colour C.

If using We Are Knitter’s Merifine, this equates to 7 (7) 8 (8-9) 9 (9-10) 10 (10-11) 11 skeins of Colour A; 2 (2) 2 (2-3) 3 (3) 3-4 (4) 4 skeins of Colour B; 2 (2) 2 (2) 2-3 (3) 3 (3-4) 3-4 skeins of Colour C.

Suggested needles: You will need 5mm (US 8) and 4mm (US 6) circular needles to work this project. You can use straight needles to work the front and back panel before they are joined in the round, if you find this more comfortable. Alternatively, you can use a circular needle for the whole project I used an 80cm cable to work the body and the sleeves using the Magic Loop method, but you may find a 100cm cable more comfortable for the body and a shorter needle or DPKNs better for the sleeves.

You will also need some spare needles or scrap yarn to hold any resting stitches, a darning needle, and a stitch marker.