Prelude

Knitting
May 2012
Fingering (14 wpi) ?
25 stitches and 33 rows = 4 inches
in stockinette stitch
US 2½ - 3.0 mm
US 4 - 3.5 mm
730 - 1120 yards (668 - 1024 m)
2XS (30) - 3XL (44)
English
This pattern is available for $6.50 USD buy it now

Prelude sweater can be a good choice for those, who like to try out unusual constructions and prefer to knit seamlessly. It unites the advantages of the traditionally shaped armholes and set-in sleeves and the seamless knitting.
Front, back and sleeves are made simultaneously, the shaping of the front neck, the armholes and the sleeve caps are made at the same time.
The construction seems tricky for the first sight, but the pattern includes detailed step-by-step instructions.
After the yoke is completed, body and sleeves are knit separately in the round.
Two optional hip-shapings are available: first option gives a hip size that is equal to the actual bust size and with the second option the garment will be slightly roomier at the hip area.
Additionally two options are available to form the reverse stockinette stitch side panels to achieve different decorative effects.
The sleeves are made without any shapings, the adjustment of their length is very simple.

Gauge
25 sts and 33 rows = 10x10 cm/4”x4” in Stockinette Stitch with larger needle after blocking
25 sts and 33 rounds = 10x10 cm/4”x4” in Stockinette Stitch with larger needle after blocking

Sizes
2XS (XS: S: M: L: XL: 2XL: 3XL)

Finished Measurements
71 (76: 81: 86: 91: 97: 101.5: 106.5) cm / 28 (30: 32: 34: 36: 38: 40: 42) inches garment circumference at bust

Intended to fit with approximately 5 cm / 2 inches negative ease.

Yarn
Approximately 670 (730: 770: 820: 880: 920: 970: 1020) meters / 730 (790: 840: 900: 960: 1010: 1060: 1120) yards of fingering weight yarn.

Sample shown in size S with 5 cm / 2 inches negative ease using MadelineTosh Tosh Merino Light (100% Merino, 384 m /420 y per skein) in colourway Isadora.

Needles

  • 80 cm/29” circular needle each size 3.5 mm/ US 4 and 3.0 mm/ US 2½
  • 40 cm/16” circular needle or double pointed needles (dpns) each size 3.5 mm/ US 4 and 3.0 mm/ US 2½ for working in small circumference (optional)

Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Notions

  • spare circular needles or waste yarn for holding stitches
  • stitch markers: 1 red, 4 blue, 4 (8) green
  • 2 removable markers

Skill level: Intermediate
Necessary skills: Knitting in the round, working short rows, knitting with dpns or magic loop.

Thank you all of the wonderful test knitters:
Kaplia
kathrynp
monatraix
Orangewhatever