INTRODUCTION

Firefly Hill

by Emily Wood

Have you read about the synchronous fireflies in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? I haven’t been there in person to see them, but apparently some species of fireflies will all flash their lights in unison. It must be spectacular to see. The lace patterning on the sleeves and hem of this sweater reminded me of a hillside dappled with fireflies flashing together.

Firefly Hill is a perfect tee for long summer nights or early fall days. The lacy sleeves provide a touch of elegance, while the stockinette body is a great canvas for a long gradient or a gorgeous solid, semi-solid, or variegated yarn. I used a fingering weight yarn for my sweater so that I can wear it spring, summer, and fall.

This pullover is worked seamlessly in the round from the bottom up with raglan decreases to shape the shoulders. The lacy pattern on the sleeves is briefly repeated at the hem, framed in garter stitch. The body of the sweater has a gentle A-line shape and is meant to be worn with 0-2 inches / 0-5 cm of positive ease at the upper chest. A scoop neckline is finished off with a simple garter-stitch collar.

model: Emily Wood

photos: Daniel Wood

SIZE

Women's XS[S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X]
shown in size S with 0-2 inches/0-5 cm of ease at upper chest

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Chest/Bust:  28.75[34.25, 37.5, 41, 46, 49.5, 52.25, 56.25, 60] inches / 73[87, 95.5, 104, 117, 125.5, 132.5, 143, 152.5] cm
Length:  21.5[22.5, 22.75, 23.25, 24.25, 24.75, 25.5, 26.25, 27.25] inches / 54.5[57, 58, 59, 61.5, 63, 65, 66.5, 69] cm

MATERIALS

Yarn

The Blue Brick Killarney Sock – Ladybug[Husky, Husky, Husky, Husky, Mammoth, Mammoth, Mammoth, Mammoth] / 300[500, 500, 500, 500, 800, 800, 800, 800] yard gradient skein [80% merino, 20% nylon; lengths as noted];
[MC] Unicorn Fish; 1 skein

The Blue Brick Killarney Sock – extension skein [80% merino, 20% nylon; approx. 300 yd/274m per 87g skein];
[CC] Unicorn Fish extension color (dark grey), 2[2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4] skeins
Note: This pattern uses a single extra-long color-gradient skein for the body, and you'll change to the matching solid color before you begin the yoke/sleeves. See Pattern Notes for more information.

Yarn Characteristics
The sample uses a fingering-weight merino/nylon blend yarn in a long-gradient single skein, plus additional matching semi-solid skeins to extend the final color. You could knit this tee using a solid, semi-solid, or variegated color. A smooth yarn with good stitch definition is recommended. See Pattern Notes for more information.

Recommended needle size
[always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below - every knitter's gauge is unique]
1 US #2/2.75mm circular needle, 24 inches/60cm long or longer
1 set US 2/2.75mm needles for working small circumference in the round

Notions
stitch markers
stitch holders or waste yarn
yarn needle

GAUGE

28.5 sts/40 rounds = 4 inches/10 cm in stockinette stitch
24 sts/40 rounds = 4 inches/10 cm in lace pattern

Note: gauge is always taken after blocking.

PATTERN NOTES

[Knitty's list of standard abbreviations and techniques can be found here.]

Construction method:
This sweater is worked in the round from the hem upwards. The short sleeves are worked separately to the armholes and then joined to the body. Raglan decreases shape the shoulders to the neckline. Stitches are bound off at the front of the neckline and decreases shape the scoop neck. Afterward, stitches are picked up around the neckline to add a garter stitch collar, and the held underarm stitches are joined together using a three-needle bind off.

Body length: Consider adjusting the length of the sweater to suit your height and desired length (note that these adjustments will affect the amount of yarn needed). The pattern as written suggests a length of 14.5 inches/37 cm from the hem to the underarms. Those wanting a cropped fit might shorten the body length to 11-12 inches/28-30.5 cm.

Color changes with gradient yarn:
If using a gradient yarn such as that shown in the sample, cast on at the hem with the MC, then work until it is used up. The yardage specified above will have the gradient end at approximately 9.25[13, 12.25, 10.75, 9.75, 14.5, 13.75, 13, 12.25] inches from the cast on. At this point, change to CC. To get a similar effect, choose a yarn designed with a long color gradient that matches the yardage noted for the original yarn, or choose a fade set, and transition to the last color before you begin the yoke/sleeves in the pattern.

Garter Stitch in the round
Rnd 1: Knit.
Rnd 2: Purl.
Repeat these 2 rnds for patt.

Lace Pattern (worked in the round; multiple of 4 sts + 4):
Rnd 1: P1, *k3, p1; rep from * to last 3 sts, k3.
Rnd 2: P1, *yo, S2KPO, yo, p1; rep from * to last 3 sts, yo, S2KPO, yo.
Rnds 3-5: K2, p1, *k3, p1; rep from * to last st, k1.
Rnd 6: K2, p1, *yo, S2KPO, yo, p1; rep from * to last st, k1.
Rnds 7-8: P1, *k3, p1; rep from * to last 3 sts, k3.
Rep Rnds 1-8 for pattern.

Lace Pattern (worked flat; multiple of 4 sts + 4):
Row 1 [RS]: P1, *k3, p1; rep from * to last 3 sts, k3.
Row 2 [WS]: Yo, S2PPO, yo, *k1, yo, S2PPO, yo; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 3: K2, p1, *k3, p1; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 4: P1, *k1, p3: rep from * to last 3 sts, k1, p2.
Row 5: Rep Row 3.
Row 6: P1, *k1, yo, S2PPO, yo; rep from * to last 3 sts, k1, p2.
Row 7: P1, *k3, p1; rep from * to last 3 sts, k3.
Row 8: P3, *k1, p3; rep from * to last st, k1.
Repeat Rows 1-8 for pattern.

Abbreviations
S2PPO: Slip 1 st knitwise, slip 1 more st knitwise, slip these 2 sts back to lefthand needle. Slip these 2 sts together through the back loops back to the righthand needle. P1, then pass the 2 slipped sts over. 2 sts decreased.

CHART

DIRECTIONS

Hem
With circular needle and MC, CO 236[280, 300, 336, 372, 400, 420, 448, 480] sts and join to work in the rnd, being careful not to twist sts. Pm for beg of rnd.

Starting with a purl rnd, work 5 rnds in Garter stitch in the round.

Work Rnds 1-7 of the Lace pattern.

Next rnd: P 118[140, 150, 168, 186, 200, 210, 224, 240] , pm for side, p 118[140, 150, 168, 186, 200, 210, 224, 240] to end.

Work 2 more rnds in Garter stitch in the round.

Main Body
Note: See Pattern Notes for information on changing from MC to CC.

Knit 5 rnds.

Decrease rnd: *K1, k2tog, knit to 3 sts before m, ssk, k1, sl m; repeat from * once more. 4 sts decreased.
Knit 14[12, 14, 10, 10, 9, 9, 9, 8] rounds.
Repeat last 15[13, 15, 11, 11, 10, 10, 10, 9] rnds 7[8, 7, 10, 10, 11, 11, 11, 12] more times. 204[244, 268, 292, 328, 352, 372, 400, 428] sts; 102[122, 134, 146, 164, 176, 186, 200, 214] sts for the front and back.

Work even in St st until the body measures 14.5 inches/37 cm from cast on, or desired length to underarm.

Break yarn and place sts on holder or waste yarn.

Sleeves
Note: See Pattern Notes for yarn information.

With needles for working a small circumference in the rnd, CO 80[88, 92, 96, 108, 116, 124, 136, 144] sts. Join to work in the rnd, being careful not to twist sts, and pm for beg of rnd.

Beg with a purl rnd, work 13 rnds in Garter stitch in the round.

Work Rnds 1-8 of Lace pattern, ending 6[8, 8, 8, 10, 10, 10, 12, 12] sts before the end of Rnd 8.

Note: If using DPNs, you may need to adjust the number of sts per needle to accommodate the centered decreases.

Break yarn. Slip the last 6[8, 8, 8, 10, 10, 10, 12, 12] sts of rnd together with the first 6[8, 8, 8, 10, 10, 10, 12, 12] sts of the next rnd to holder or waste yarn, removing m. Place rem 68[72, 76, 80, 88, 96, 104, 112, 120] sts onto a separate holder.

Repeat for second sleeve.

Join Body and Sleeves:
Note: As sts are decreased from the sleeves, maintain the lace pattern as est, working any remaining sts at the sleeve edges in St st.

Joining rnd: Join yarn to sts held for body and k 96[114, 126, 138, 154, 166, 176, 188, 202] across the main body, slip the next 12[16, 16, 16, 20, 20, 20, 24, 24] sts to holder for underarm (removing m), pm for right front raglan; across first sleeve, k2, work Rnd 1 of Lace pattern as est across 64[68, 72, 76, 84, 92, 100, 108, 116] sts, k2; pm for right back raglan, k 90[106, 118, 130, 144, 156, 166, 176, 190] across back of body, slip the next 12[16, 16, 16, 20, 20, 20, 24, 24] sts to holder (removing m), pm for left back raglan; across second sleeve, k2, work Rnd 1 of Lace pattern as est across 64[68, 72, 76, 84, 92, 100, 108, 116] sts, k2; pm for left front raglan, k 45[53, 59, 65, 72, 78, 83, 88, 95] to center of the front. Pm for new beg of rnd.

 316[356, 388, 420, 464, 504, 540, 576, 620] sts: 90[106, 118, 130, 144, 156, 166, 176, 190] sts for front and back, 68[72, 76, 80, 88, 96, 104, 112, 120] sts for each sleeve.

Next rnd: *Knit to 1 st before m, p1, sl m, p2, work Rnd 2 of Lace pattern as est to 2 sts before m, p2, sl m; repeat from * once more, p1, knit to end.

Shape raglan:
Note: Please read all the instructions for the raglan shaping carefully and take note of the instructions for your size. The sleeve and body decreases may occur at different rates.

Sizes XS[S, -, -, -, -, -, -, -] Only:
Rnd 1 (Raglan Decrease Rnd): *Knit to 2 sts before m, k2tog, sl m, k1, ssk, work in patt to 3 sts before m, k2tog, k1, sl m, ssk; repeat from * once more, then knit to end. 8 sts decreased.
Rnd 2 (Sleeve Only Decrease Rnd): *Knit to 1 st before m, p1, sl m, p1, ssp, work in patt to 3 sts before m, p2tog, p1, sl m, p1; repeat from * once more, then knit to end. 4 sts decreased.
Rep last 2 rnds 5[2, -, -, -, -, -, -, -] more times.

Sizes -[-, -, L, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X] Only:
Rnd 1 (Raglan Decrease Rnd): *Knit to 2 sts before m, k2tog, sl m, k1, ssk, work in patt to 3 sts before m, k2tog, k1, sl m, ssk; repeat from * once more, then knit to end. 8 sts decreased.
Rnd 2 (Body Only Decrease Rnd): *Knit to 2 sts before m, p2tog, sl m, p2, work in patt to 2 sts before m, p2, sl m, ssp; repeat from * once more, then knit to end. 4 sts decreased.
Rep last 2 rnds -[-, -, 3, 3, 5, 5, 5, 7] more times.

All sizes:
 244[320, 388, 372, 416, 432, 468, 504, 524] sts: 78[100, 118, 114, 128, 132, 142, 152, 158] sts for front and back, 44[60, 76, 72, 80, 84, 92, 100, 104] sts for each sleeve.

Rnd 1 (Raglan Decrease Rnd): *Knit to 2 sts before m, k2tog, sl m, k1, ssk, work in patt to 3 sts before m, k2tog, k1, sl m, ssk; repeat from * once more, then knit to end. 8 sts decreased.
Rnd 2: *Knit to 1 st before m, p1, sl m, p2, work in patt to 2 sts before m, p2, sl m, p1; repeat from * once more, then knit to end.
Rep last 2 rnds 1[9, 14, 11, 14, 14, 16, 18, 19] more times, then work Rnd 1 (Raglan Decrease Rnd) once more. 220[232, 260, 268, 288, 304, 324, 344, 356] sts: 72[78, 86, 88, 96, 100, 106, 112, 116] sts for front and back, 38[38, 44, 46, 48, 52, 56, 60, 62] sts for each sleeve.

Work 7[7, 1, 1, 1, 1, 3, 1, 1] rnds even in patt, ending last rnd at left front raglan m.

Shape raglan and neck:
Across front: P1, k 25[26, 30, 30, 33, 35, 37, 39, 41] , BO next 20[24, 24, 26, 28, 28, 30, 32, 32] sts (removing beg of rnd marker), then work in patt to new end of row (beg of neck BO). 200[208, 236, 242, 260, 276, 294, 312, 324] sts: 26[27, 31, 31, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42] sts for right and left fronts, 72[78, 86, 88, 96, 100, 106, 112, 116] sts for back, 38[38, 44, 46, 48, 52, 56, 60, 62] sts for each sleeve.

Note: You will now work back and forth in rows.

Row 1 [WS]: BO 2 sts, then work in patt to end. 2 sts decreased.
Row 2 [RS]: BO 2 sts, then work in patt to end. 2 sts decreased.
Rep last 2 rows 1[1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2] more times. 192[200, 228, 234, 248, 264, 282, 300, 312] sts: 22[23, 27, 27, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36] sts for right and left fronts, 72[78, 86, 88, 96, 100, 106, 112, 116] sts for back, 38[38, 44, 46, 48, 52, 56, 60, 62] sts for each sleeve.

Sizes XS[S, M, L, 1X, 2X, -, 4X, 5X] Only:
Row 1 [WS]: BO 1 st, then work in patt to end. 1 st decreased.
Row 2 [RS]: BO 1 st, then work in patt to end. 1 st decreased.
Rep last 2 rows 2[2, 1, 2, 2, 0, -, 0, 1] more times.

Sizes -[-, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X] Only:
Row 1 [WS]: BO 1 st, then work in patt to end. 1 st decreased.
Row 2 [RS]: BO 1 st, *knit to 2 sts before m, k2tog, sl m, k1, ssk, work in patt to 3 sts before m, k2tog, k1, sl m, ssk; repeat from * once more, then knit to end. 9 sts decreased.
Rep last 2 rows -[-, 2, 1, 1, 3, 4, 3, 4] more times.

All Sizes:
 186[194, 194, 208, 222, 222, 232, 258, 258] sts: 19[20, 19, 20, 21, 21, 22, 25, 24] sts for right and left fronts, 72[78, 80, 84, 92, 92, 96, 104, 106] sts for back, 38[38, 38, 42, 44, 44, 46, 52, 52] sts for each sleeve.

Row 1 [WS]: Work even in patt.
Row 2 [RS]: *Knit to 2 sts before m, k2tog, sl m, k1, ssk, work in patt to 3 sts before m, k2tog, k1, sl m, ssk; repeat from * once, then knit to end. 8 sts decreased.
Rows 3-4: Repeat Rows 1-2.
Row 5: BO 1 st, work in patt to end. 1 st decreased.
Row 6: BO 1 st, *knit to 2 sts before m, k2tog, sl m, k1, ssk, work in patt to 3 sts before m, k2tog, k1, sl m, ssk; repeat from * once, then knit to end. 9 sts decreased.
Repeat last 6 rows 2[3, 2, 2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3] more times. 108[90, 116, 130, 144, 144, 128, 154, 154] sts: 7[4, 7, 8, 9, 9, 6, 9, 8] sts for right and left fronts, 54[54, 62, 66, 74, 74, 72, 80, 82] sts for back, 20[14, 20, 24, 26, 26, 22, 28, 28] sts for each sleeve.

Row 1 [WS]: Work in patt to end.
Row 2 [RS]: *Knit to 2 sts before m, k2tog, sl m, k1, ssk, work in patt to 3 sts before m, k2tog, k1, sl m, ssk; repeat from * once, then knit to end. 8 sts decreased.
Rep last 2 rows 4[1, 4, 5, 6, 6, 3, 6, 5] more times. 68[74, 76, 82, 88, 88, 96, 98, 106] sts: 2 sts for right and left fronts, 44[50, 52, 54, 60, 60, 64, 66, 70] back sts, 10[10, 10, 12, 12, 12, 14, 14, 16] sts for each sleeve.

BO all sts in patt.

FINISHING

Join underarms on WS using the three-needle bind off. Weave in ends at underarm, using them to close any remaining gaps.

Neck edging
With RS facing, using needles for working a small circumference in the rnd and starting at the center back neck, pick up and knit 1 st for each cast off st and 3 sts for every 4 rows along the sides of the neckline: approx. 164[176, 186, 198, 216, 216, 228, 240, 256] sts. Join to work in the rnd; pm for beg of rnd.

Beg with a purl rnd, work 5 rnds in Garter stitch in the round.

BO all sts.

Weave in all ends. Block sweater to measurements.

A –  Chest circumference: 28.75[34.25, 37.5, 41, 46, 49.5, 52.25, 56.25, 60] inches/ 73[87, 95.5, 104, 117, 125.5, 132.5, 143, 152.5] cm
B – Hem circumference: 33[39.25, 42, 47.25, 52.25, 56.25, 59, 63, 67.25] inches/ 84[99.5, 106.5, 120, 132.5, 143, 150, 160, 171] cm
C – Armhole depth: 6.25[7.25, 7.5, 8, 9, 9.25, 10, 10.75, 11.5] inches/ 16[18.5, 19, 20.5, 23, 23.5, 25.5, 27.5, 29] cm
D – Length from hem to underarm: 14.5 inches/37 cm
E – Neck drop: 3.75[3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.75, 4.75, 4.75, 5.25, 5.5] inches/ 9.5[9.5, 10, 11, 12, 12, 12, 13.5, 14] cm
F – Back neck width: 6.25[7, 7.25, 7.5, 8.5, 8.5, 9, 9.25, 9.75] inches/ 16[18, 18.5, 19, 21.5, 21.5, 23, 23.5, 25] cm
G – Sleeve circumference: 13.25[14.75, 15.25, 16, 18, 19.25, 20.75, 22.75, 24] inches/ 33.5[37.5, 38.5, 40.5, 45.5, 49, 52.5, 58, 61] cm

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Emily Wood began designing knitting patterns in 2011. She tries to hit the sweet spot with patterns that are fun and engaging to knit, but also easy to understand. When not knitting, she enjoys gardening, baking, and long walks around the neighborhood.

Find her on Ravelry and Instagram.

Pattern & images © 2024 Emily Wood