Inspired by the character of Molly in William Gibson’s Neuromancer, this side-to-side sweater with a deep V neck in both the front and back is extremely simple to make.

Molly is muscle, a bodyguard for hire, and she’s defined by her economy of gesture and speech. No wasted movements. That’s the mantra I repeated to myself when designing this tough, sexy sweater.



The sweater is knit in two pieces but requires no seaming. The first half of the body is worked flat, with increases at the shoulder to create the neckline. The side seam is a three-needle bind off, and the knitting then transitions to work in the round.The second half of the sweater is identical, and is begun by picking up stitches in the first half, casting on neckline stitches, then picking up again.

This is an easy pattern, suitable for beginners who can knit, purl, decrease and pick up and knit stitches. However, this pattern does ask you to use two different decrease rates in the sleeve section. Making use of tools like a row counter or simply taking written notes is a good idea.

A video tutorial is linked in the pattern with a quick overview of the construction and tips for making modifications.


Choosing a size: This top is designed to be worn with 3-5” of positive ease in the bust, meaning you should choose a size a bit larger than your actual measurements. Bear in mind the low dolman sleeve adds room in the bust, and the hem is meant to be worn somewhat cropped.


MATERIALS:

• (675/725/760) (800/845/880/920) (950/1000/1040) yards heavy DK or worsted weight yarn - sample shown in Harrisville Designs Nightshades in colourway Static (100% wool; 100 g; 229 m/250 yrds)
• 4.0 mm (US 6) 40” circular needle for body and sleeve; working flat and in the round (magic loop method)
• 4.0 mm (US 6) circular needles in other lengths for working sleeves in the round, if desired
• 3.25 mm (US 3) needles, double-pointed or prefered method for small circumference knitting, for cuff
• Additional needle for 3-needle bind off
• Darning needle
• 4 stitch markers
• 2 locking stitch markers
• 4 mm (G6) crochet hook, if desired

GAUGE:
17 sts/26 rows or rounds over 4”/10cm square in stockinette, after blocking