“Südwest” (south-west) was the name of my parents’ first bigger boat, way back in the 60s (with a similar color as this poncho-sweater). In Germany, a wind from south-western direction often brings along rain and storms, but also mild temperatures in winter..

This pattern provides instructions for a hybrid between a short, oversized sweater and a poncho. It features a folded hem, long slits at the sides, a boxy shape and those tiny, square sleeves which end just below the elbow. The collar was inspired by sailors’ half-zip sweaters (“Troyer” in German), just without the zip.

The poncho-sweater can be worn over a top or T-Shirt in summer and over a longsleeve in autumn and winter.

As it has lots of ease, it comes along in only 3 different sizes.

Needles: Main needle size is 3,0mm; 2,5mm needle used for ribbings and 2,75mm for edges.
Gauge: 26 sts x 40 rows in Stockinette. (In fact, any gauge will do if you work by measurements only.)
Approx. 1500/ 1700/ 1900m of a Light Fingering weight yarn needed.
For my sample, I have used Ruppert Garne Noble (95% Geelong wool, 5% Cashmere, 500m/ 50g) with 2 strands held together, in color “Blue Stone” (so I have needed 3400m overall).

Steps to work the sweater (mostly bottom-up):
• Step 1: For the first 13cm, work back and front separately for slits, with a folded hem. Join back and front and work in the round in Stockinette up to the underarm.
• Step 2: Work back in Stockinette, with slanted shoulders (using short rows) and a bit of back neck shaping.
• Step 3: Work front first in Stockinette only, then with neck ribbing (2x2) at center. After a few cm, separate into left and right front. Finish both front pieces with slanted shoulders and neck shaping.
• Step 4: Join shoulders of back and front and add collar in 2x2 ribbing, using the neck stitches on hold.
• Step 5: Pick up stitches from edge of underarm and add short sleeves (top-down) in 2x2 ribbing.