I’ve fallen in love with the versatility of a fingering weight sweater. A short-sleeved piece is especially great, as I can wear it on its own in warmer months and layer it over a fitted long-sleeved top in cooler months.

I’ve combined some of my go-to simple stitch patterns in this design: the same 6-row knit and purl pattern from my Air Hugs Cowl and Air Hugs Wrap with my favorite squishy garter stitch, because I’m me! SHOULDER SEASON is a short-sleeved saddle-shoulder design featuring a pop color at the shoulders with a rhythmic texture and clean finishing details. Pair a fingering weight yarn with a fun accent color for a whimsical and wearable piece that can be styled and enjoyed throughout the year. Subtly different necklines in front and back allow for reversible styling.

This #sizeinclusive top is designed to fit with 4”-6” (10-15 cm) of positive ease. It also looks great with zero ease or up to 4” (10 cm) of negative ease. Schematic measurements reflect a design hitting at high hip. Adjust length to suit your personal preferences. Changes in length will impact yarn requirements.

YARN
Leading Men Fiber Arts Show Stopper, 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon, 463 yd / 423 m per 100 g, or similar fingering weight yarn.

This base is available in 100, 50, and 20 g skeins, so it’s easy to put together the right amount for your size.

SIZES
1 (2, 3, 4) 5, 6, 7 {8, 9, 10}

FINISHED BUST
32” (36”, 40”, 44”) 48”, 52”, 56” {60”, 64”, 68”} /
81.5 (91.5, 101.5, 112) 122, 132, 142 {152.5, 162.5, 172.5} cm
Refer to schematic for additional measurements.

MAIN COLOR (MC)
689 (770, 907, 995) 1149, 1241, 1408 {1507, 1696, 1802} yd / 631 (705, 830, 910) 1051, 1135, 1288 {1379, 1551, 1648} m
149 (166, 196, 215) 248, 268, 304 {325, 366, 389} g]

Allow for approximately 11 (12, 13, 14) 15, 16, 17 {18, 19, 20} g of yarn for each additional 1” / 2.5 cm of length on the body.

CONTRAST COLOR (CC)
38 (47, 56, 65) 75, 84, 93 {107, 121, 130} yd /
35 (43, 52, 60) 69, 77, 86 {98, 111, 119} m
8 (10, 12, 14) 16, 18, 20 {23, 26, 28} g

NOTE: Yarn requirements use CC for shoulders only as shown in the samples. Many testers used CC for all of their ribbed trim.

GAUGE & NEEDLES
24 stitches & 44 rounds = 4” / 10 cm in 4 rounds stockinette, 2 rounds reverse stockinette, after blocking.
NOTE: the upper portion of the piece is worked flat at the same gauge (4 rows stockinette, 2 rows reverse stockinette).
US 4 / 3.5 mm circular needle, min. length 32” or 40” / 80 or 100 cm, or size needed to get gauge
US 3 / 3.25 mm circular needle in preferred length for working neckline and sleeve trim, or 1 size smaller than your main needle

Sample 1: Size 3 on 35” / 89 cm bust
MC: Just Sayin’
CC: Double Your Pleasure

Sample 2: Size 3 on 35” / 89 cm bust
MC: Spruce It Up
CC: Don’t Fear the Reaper

Tech editing: Bronwyn Hahn
Test knitting: Alicia A., Mandy B., Noa B., Cindy C., Jessica C., Jessica G., Vicky G., Rhianda G., Jen G., Kim G., Marietta G., Mary H., Kimberly H., Kristen H., Madeline J., Annette K., Jennie K., Kathrin K., Beth L., Erin L., Jess L., Laura L, Katie M., Wendy N., Holli P., Karen P., Louise R., Adrian S., Lauren S., Pam S., Felicia T., Katherine T., Marieke v.B., Allena W., Cera W., Emily W., Susie W., & Patty Y.