Better-Than-Basic Pullover Using Berroco Ultra Alpaca

The Design “This sweater has scope!” The knitting of this design is straightforward: stockinette stitch with a couple of simple ribbing patterns. It’s the thoughtful styling details that add subtle elegance. The flattering dropped shoulder creates a roomy armhole without the usual excess fabric bunching under the arm. The slim, straight cuff tapers up to the armhole. A little short-row shaping allows the front and back hemline to hang more evenly when worn. And the straight, boxy body is easy to modify in length. This tunic-length version takes advantage of the gorgeous alpaca-blend drape of Berroco Ultra Alpaca. The 5" ribbed collar stands up gracefully around the neck and matches the ribbed cuffs and hem. (For a hip-length version with a funnel neck, see the Kid Classic project page.) While wonderful exactly as written, this pattern is also a great jumping-off point. You can knit it in different sizes, sleeve and body lengths, with different edging details and different collar styles . . . and any combinations thereof! And did we mention different yarns? Designed with versatility in mind, it’s well suited to all body types. Several of our staff looked great in all five sizes, from slightly fitted to very oversized; all of us looked good in at least two sizes! So instead of thinking in terms of a specific size, think about the amount of ease you want (the difference between your actual bust measurement and the actual sweater measurement). The simplicity of this pullover makes it ideal for newer knitters with basic skills who are ready to try knitting a garment. And the finesse in the details is sure to inspire more experienced knitters as well. Either way, this is a sweater you’ll wear and wear. The Details SIZES This pullover is designed with lots of ease (8–10"/20–25cm), relaxed shoulders and slim sleeves in sizes XS (S, M, L, XL). Finished bust: 42½ (46½, 50, 54½, 59)"/108 (118, 127, 138, 150)cm, after seaming. To fit bust: 32–34 (36–38, 40–42, 44–46, 48–50)"/81–86 (91–96, 101–106, 112–117, 122–127)cm. LENGTHS Finished body length measured from high shoulder (where shoulder meets neck) to hem. Tunic-length version (shown here): 30¼ (30½, 31¼, 31½, 32)"/76.5 (77, 79, 80, 81)cm. Center back neck to cuff: 24 (25, 26, 27, 28)"/ 61 (63, 66, 69, 71)cm. Hip-length version (shown on Kid Classic project page): 23¼ (23½, 24¼, 24½, 25)"/59 (60, 61, 62, 63)cm. YARN Tunic-length version (shown here): 7 (7, 8, 8, 9) skeins Berroco Ultra Alpaca (215 yds/198m each). Or 1300 (1400, 1500, 1650, 1750) yds/1190 (1280, 1370, 1510, 1600)m of a light-worsted-weight yarn that typically knits at 19–20 sts to 4"/10cm. Shown in size S on 38"/96.5cm bust, in Color 6289. Hip-length version (shown on Kid Classic project page): 6 (6, 6, 7, 7) skeins Berroco Ultra Alpaca (215 yds/198m each). Or 1100 (1200, 1300, 1400, 1500) yds/1005 (1100, 1190, 1280, 1370)m. To lengthen or shorten body: Add or subtract approx. 30 (33, 35, 39, 41) yds/27 (30, 32, 35, 37)m of yarn per 1"/2.5cm of knitted length. NEEDLES & NOTIONS Both ribbed-neck version (shown here) and funnel-neck version (shown on Kid Classic project page): US 8 (5mm) 24"/60cm circular needle or size to obtain gauge. Rib-neck version: US 7 (4.5mm) 24"/60cm and 16"/40cm circular needle, or 1 US size/.5mm smaller than gauge size. Funnel-neck version: 16"/40cm circular needle in gauge size; and US 6 (4mm) 24"/60cm and 16"/40cm circular needles, or 2 US sizes/1mm smaller than gauge size. Both versions: 2 ring markers; 6 locking markers; 4 stitch holders (we like to use extra circular needles, in gauge size or smaller, so you can knit off holder from either end); darning needle to finish. GAUGE 18 sts/25 rows = 4"/10cm in stockinette stitch on larger needle, after blocking. Errata & Clarifications KNITTER'S NOTES We can’t stress enough the value of a generous swatch. We like to work one that’s at least 6" x 6". And don’t skip the wet block and steam steps. Beyond checking your stitch and row gauge, you will want to look critically at the resulting fabric. Your swatch will tell you if you’ve got a nice fabric that has both drape and body. Designed with versatility in mind, it’s well suited to all body types. Several of our staff looked great in all five sizes, from slightly fitted to very oversized; all of us looked good in at least two sizes! So instead of thinking in terms of a specific size, think about the amount of ease you want (the difference between your actual bust measurement and the actual sweater measurement). We suggest you try on sweaters of different length to see what works for you, and then measure the length from your high shoulder (where the shoulder meets the neck) to hem and use this as your template. After you decide on the size, just personalize the sleeve length from the varying degrees of shoulder drop (the pattern tells you how). A couple of easy modifications will result in a sweater that’s great for those of us who run warm. The neckline is designed so that the collar can be tucked in and sewn down, sitting a flattering distance away from the neck. And sleeve length can be customized to end above the wrist, making for a cooler sweater by keeping the wrist pulse points uncovered.