INTRODUCTION

Clafoutis

by Merri Fromm

A long time ago, while looking around online for some help with a knitting pattern, I stumbled upon Knitty. This was the dark ages of the Internet for knitting, before Ravelry or YouTube. Through Knitty I found the instruction I was looking for and so much more. At that time there was the Knitty Coffeeshop, which became my first online community — there were so many members, it was so informational, and so much fun.

Every season there was (and still is!) a new Knitty issue with many wonderful new patterns. Among my favorites is Clapotis by Kate Gilbert. I think I've knit "The Clap," as it was humorously nicknamed in The Coffeeshop, at least 5 times. One of the most famous Knitty patterns, for a long time it was the design with the most projects on Ravelry—and still is in the top 5. I've never tired of the delight of knitting on the bias and dropping stitches to watch them run.

Clafoutis has been inspired by, and borrows from, Clapotis. Meant to be a light layer that looks great over a tank top or a button-down shirt, and created with a hand painted yarn, like the original, Clafoutis is a swingy, easy layer, knit top down, with panels of Clapotis worked separately and attached in place.

So happy fifteenth, Knitty! My how you've grown. Here's to many more issues of beauty, humor and inspiration. Congratulations.

model: Emily Langtiw

photos: Merri Fromm

SIZE

Women's XS[S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, 6X]
shown in size XS with 0 inches/0 cm of positive ease

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Chest/Bust: 34[36, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54.75, 58.75, 63.5, 66.75] inches/ 86.5[91.5, 96.5, 106.5, 117, 127, 139, 149, 161.5, 169.5] cm
Length: 21.75[22.25, 22.75, 24, 25.25, 26.5, 27.5, 28.75, 30, 31.25] inches/ 55[56.5, 58, 61, 64, 67.5, 70, 73, 76, 79.5] cm

MATERIALS

Yarn
Claudia Hand Painted Yarns Drama [100% Linen; 270 yds per 100 g skein]; color: Lipstick; 3[4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6] skeins

Recommended needle size
[always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below - every knitter's gauge is unique]
1 US #4/3.5 mm circular needle, 32 to 40 inches/80 to 100 cm long
1 US #4/3.5 mm circular needle, 16 inches/40 cm long

Notions
waste yarn
yarn needle
10 stitch markers

GAUGE

24 sts/32 rows [or rounds, as applicable] = 4 inches/10 cm in stockinette stitch

Note: gauge is always taken after blocking.

PATTERN NOTES

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

M1PR — Right Leaning Purl Increase
With left needle tip, pick up running thread from back to front, purl through the front loop.

M1PL — Left Leaning Purl Increase
With left needle tip, pick up running thread from front to back, purl through the back loop.

Diagonal Ribbons Lace Pattern
(worked in the round; multiple of 6 sts)
Rnd 1: *Yo, k2tog, k4; repeat from * to end.
Rnds 2, 4 & 6: Knit.
Rnd 3: K1, *yo, k2tog, k4; repeat from * to last 5 sts, yo, k2tog, k3.
Rnd 5: K2, *yo, k2tog, k4; repeat from * to last 4 sts, yo, k2tog, k2.

DIRECTIONS

Yoke
Using smaller long circ, CO 104[108, 112, 120, 124, 132, 138, 146, 152, 160] sts. Place unique marker and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.

Knit 1 round.

Set-up Rnd: P 18[19, 20, 21, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 25] for left back, pm p 13[13, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 23, 27] for left sleeve, pm, p 42[44, 46, 48, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 56] for front, pm, p 13[13, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 23, 27] for right sleeve, pm, p 18[19, 20, 21, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 25] for right back.

Begin working short rows:
Change to longer circular needle as needed.
Short row 1 [RS]: Knit to 1 st before first marker, m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l, k 2[2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3] , w&t. 2 sts increased.
Short row 2 [WS]: Purl to BOR, sm, purl to 1 st before next marker, m1pr, p1, sm, p1, m1pl, p 2[2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3] , w&t. 2 sts increased.
Short row 3: Knit to BOR (slipping markers before BOR marker), sm, knit to 1 st before next marker, m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l, knit to wrapped st, knit wrapped st with its wrap, k 2[2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3] , w&t. 2 sts increased.
Short row 4: Purl to BOR (slipping markers before BOR marker), sm, purl to 1 st before next marker, m1pr, p1, sm, p1, m1pl, purl to wrapped st, purl wrapped st with its wrap, p 2[2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3] , w&t. 2 sts increased.
Repeat Short rows 3-4 once.

Short row 5: Knit to BOR (slipping markers before BOR marker), sm *knit to 1 st before next marker, m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l; rep from * once more, knitting wrapped st with its wrap when you reach it, k2, w&t. 4 sts increased.
Short row 6: Purl to BOR (slipping markers before BOR marker), sm, *purl to 1 st before next marker, m1pr, p1, sm, p1, m1pl; rep from * once more, purling wrapped st with its wrap when you reach it, p2, w&t. 4 sts increased.
Repeat Short rows 5-6 once.

Next row: Knit to BOR. 132[136, 140, 148, 152, 160, 166, 174, 180, 188] sts total: 23[24, 25, 26, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 30] sts for each back half, 20[20, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 30, 34] sts for each sleeve, 46[48, 50, 52, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 60] sts for front.

Begin Raglan Shaping and Diagonal Ribbons Lace Pattern:
Work 2 remaining short row wraps with their stitches in the first round.
Work increase rounds and at the same time work Diagonal Ribbons Lace Pattern.

Rnd 1: *Knit to 1 st before next marker, m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l; rep from * one more time, k 3[4, 2, 3, 3, 4, 2, 3, 4, 4] , [yo, k2tog, k4] 6[6, 7, 7, 7, 7, 8, 8, 8, 8] times, yo k2tog, *knit to 1 st before next marker, m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l; rep from * one more time, knit to end. 8 sts increased.

Rnd 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 & 12: Knit, slipping markers.

Rnd 3: *Knit to 1 st before next marker, m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l; rep from * one more time, k 5[6, 4, 5, 5, 6, 4, 5, 6, 6] , [yo, k2tog, k4] 6[6, 7, 7, 7, 7, 8, 8, 8, 8] times, yo k2tog, *knit to 1 st before next marker, m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l; rep from * one more time, knit to end. 8 sts increased.

Rnd 5: *Knit to 1 st before next marker, m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l; rep from * one more time, k 7[8, 6, 7, 7, 8, 6, 7, 8, 8] , [yo, k2tog, k4] 6[6, 7, 7, 7, 7, 8, 8, 8, 8] times, yo k2tog, *knit to 1 st before next marker, m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l; rep from * one more time, knit to end. 8 sts increased.

Rnd 7: *Knit to 1 st before next marker, m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l; rep from * one more time, k 3[4, 2, 3, 3, 4, 2, 3, 4, 4] , [yo, k2tog, k4] 7[7, 8, 8, 8, 8, 9, 9, 9, 9] times, yo k2tog, *knit to 1 st before next marker, m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l; rep from * one more time, knit to end. 8 sts increased.

Rnd 9: *Knit to 1 st before next marker, m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l; rep from * one more time, k 5[6, 4, 5, 5, 6, 4, 5, 6, 6] , [yo, k2tog, k4] 7[7, 8, 8, 8, 8, 9, 9, 9, 9] times, yo k2tog, *knit to 1 st before next marker, m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l; rep from * one more time, knit to end. 8 sts increased.

Rnd 11: *Knit to 1 st before next marker, m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l; rep from * one more time, k 7[8, 6, 7, 7, 8, 6, 7, 8, 8] , [yo, k2tog, k4] 7[7, 8, 8, 8, 8, 9, 9, 9, 9] times, yo k2tog, *knit to 1 st before next marker, m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l; rep from * one more time, knit to end. 8 sts increased.

180[184, 188, 196, 200, 208, 214, 222, 228, 236] sts total, 58[60, 62, 64, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 72] front/back sts and 32[32, 32, 34, 36, 38, 39, 41, 42, 46] sleeve sts.

Continue Raglan Shaping only:
Rnd 1: Knit, slipping markers.
Rnd 2: *Knit to 1 st before next marker, m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l; rep from * three more times, knit to end. 8 sts increased.
Rep Rnds 1–2 16[16, 16, 20, 22, 24, 34, 34, 34, 42] more times.
316[320, 324, 364, 384, 408, 494, 502, 508, 580] sts total, 92[94, 96, 106, 110, 116, 138, 140, 142, 158] front/back sts and 66[66, 66, 76, 82, 88, 109, 111, 112, 132] sleeve sts.

Continue increase section to front and back only:
Rnd 1: Knit, slipping markers.
Rnd 2: *Knit to 1 st before next marker, m1r, k1, sm, knit to next marker, sm, m1l; rep from * more, knit to end. 4 st inc.
Rep Rnds 1–2 1[3, 5, 6, 9, 12, 7, 12, 17, 14] more times until front and back sections are 96[102, 108, 120, 130, 142, 154, 166, 178, 188] sts, 66[66, 66, 76, 82, 88, 109, 111, 112, 132] sleeve sts and 324[336, 348, 392, 424, 460, 526, 554, 580, 640] total sts.

Separate sleeves from body:
Next rnd: *Knit to first marker, remove marker and place 66[66, 66, 76, 82, 88, 109, 111, 112, 132] sleeve sts onto waste yarn, remove next marker, using the backward loop cast on, CO 3[3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6] sts, pm, CO 3[3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6] sts, repeat from * once more, knit to end of rnd. 102[108, 114, 126, 138, 150, 164, 176, 190, 200] front/back sts, 204[216, 228, 252, 278, 300, 328, 352, 380, 400] sts total.

Body
Work even in St st for 4 rnds.
Next rnd (inc rnd): *Knit to one st before marker, m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l, repeat from * once more, knit to end of round. 4 sts increased.
Rep Inc rnd every 4 rnds 2[5, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2] more times. 108[120, 120, 132, 144, 156, 170, 182, 196, 206] front/back sts, 216[240, 240, 264, 288, 312, 340, 364, 392, 412] sts total.
Continue working in St st until body measures 4.5 inches/11.5 cm from separation of sleeve, or to desired length.
Bind off.

Sleeves
Place 66[66, 66, 76, 82, 88, 109, 111, 112, 132] sleeve sts onto smaller circular needle. Rejoin yarn and knit sleeve sts. At underarm, pick up and knit 2[2, 3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5] sts into cast on edge of body, pm, pick up and knit 2[2, 3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5] more sts. Marker is BOR. 70[70, 72, 82, 90, 96, 119, 121, 122, 142] sts.
Next rnd: Knit.
Dec Rnd: *K1, K2tog, knit to 3 sts before marker, ssk, k1. 2 sts decreased.
Repeat Dec Rnd every 2 rounds 1[1, 2, 1, 2, 2, 4, 2, 3, 4] more times. 66[66, 66, 78, 84, 90, 109, 115, 114, 132] sts.

Sizes 3x[4x] only:
Next rnd: *K1, K2tog, knit to end. 1 st decreased. 66[66, 66, 78, 84, 90, 108, 114, 114, 132] sts.

All sizes:
Continue working in St st until sleeve measures 1.5 inches/4 cm from separation of sleeve, or to desired length.

Begin Diagonal Ribbons Lace Pattern:
Rnd 1: [Yo, k2tog, k4] 11[11, 11, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 19, 22] times.
Rnds 2, 4 & 6: Knit.
Rnd 3: K1, [yo, k2tog, k4] 10[10, 10, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 18, 21] times, yo, k2tog, k3.
Rnd 5: K2, [yo, k2tog, k4] 10[10, 10, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 18, 21] times, yo, k2tog, k2.
Bind off.

CLAPOTIS PANELS (make 2)
Section 1
Set-up Rows:
CO 2 sts.
Row 1 [WS]: P1, pfb.
Row 2 [RS]: Sl 1, k1, pm, yo, kfb.
Row 3 and all odd-numbered rows: Sl 1, purl to last st, pfb.
Row 4: Sl 1, k1, k1 tbl, k1, k1 tbl, kfb.

Note: From this point forward through the whole pattern, on even-numbered rows, you will always be knitting the st before the marker through the back loop, knitting the stitch after the marker through the front as normal, then the next st through the back loop. The untwisted line of sts will later be dropped and unravelled, and the adjacent columns of twisted sts will stay nice and tight, helping the fabric keep its structure.

Row 6: Sl 1, k2, k1 tbl, k1, k1 tbl, k1, kfb.
Row 8: Sl 1, k3, k1 tbl, k1, k1 tbl, k2, kfb.
Row 10: Sl 1, k4, k1 tbl, k1, k1 tbl, k3, kfb.
Row 12: Sl 1, k5, k1 tbl, k1, k1 tbl, k4, kfb.
Row 14: Sl 1, k1, pm, yo, k2tog, k3, k1 tbl, k1, k1 tbl, k3, ssk, pm, yo, kfb. 16 sts on needle.

Section 2 (Increase Rows)
Row 1 and all odd-numbered rows [WS]: Sl 1, purl to last st, pfb.
Row 2 [RS]: Sl 1, k1, k1 tbl, [k1, k1 tbl, k3, k1 tbl] to last marker, k1, k1 tbl, kfb.
Row 4: Sl 1, k2, k1 tbl, [k1, k1 tbl, k3, k1 tbl] to last marker, k1, k1 tbl, k1, kfb.
Row 6: Sl 1, k3, k1 tbl, [k1, k1 tbl, k3, k1 tbl] to last marker, k1, k1 tbl, k2, kfb.
Row 8: Sl 1, k4, k1 tbl, [k1, k1 tbl, k3, k1 tbl] to last marker, k1, k1 tbl, k3, kfb.
Row 10: Sl 1, k5, k1 tbl, [k1, k1 tbl, k3, k1 tbl] to last marker, k1, k1 tbl, k4, kfb.
Row 12: Sl 1, k1, pm, yo, k2tog, k3, k1 tbl, [k1, k1 tbl, k3, k1 tbl] to last marker, k1, k1 tbl, k3, ssk, pm, yo, kfb.
Repeat Increase Rows 1-12 two times more. 53 sts on needle.
Repeat Increase Rows 1-6 once more. 59 sts on needle.

Section 3 (Straight Rows)
Row 1 and all odd-numbered rows [WS]: Sl 1, purl to last 2 sts, p2tog.
Row 2 [RS]: P1, k2, k1 tbl, [k1, k1 tbl, k3, k1 tbl] to last marker, k1, k1 tbl, k3, kfb.
Row 4: P1, k1, k1 tbl, [k1, k1 tbl, k3, k1 tbl] to last marker, k1, k1 tbl, k4, kfb.
Row 6: P1, k1 tbl, [k1, k1 tbl, k3, k1 tbl] to last marker, k1, k1 tbl, k3, ssk, pm, yo, kfb.
Row 8: P1, remove marker, drop next st, let it drop down several rows, pick up top bar with left needle to form a new st (make sure this st isn't twisted), knit this st and the foll st tbl, k3, k1 tbl, [k1, k1 tbl, k3, k1 tbl] to last marker, k1, k1 tbl, kfb.
Row 10: P1, k4, k1 tbl, [k1, k tbl, k3, k tbl] to last marker, k1, k1 tbl, k1, kfb.
Row 12: P1, k3, k tbl, [k1, k1 tbl, k3, k1 tbl] to last marker, k1, k1 tbl, k2, kfb.
Repeat Straight Rows 1-12 3[3, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10] times more.
4[4, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11] total repeats.

Section 4 (Decrease Rows)
Row 1 and all odd-numbered rows [WS]: Sl 1, purl to last 2 sts, p2tog.
Row 2 [RS]: Sl 1, k2, k1 tbl, [k1, k1 tbl, k3, k1 tbl] to last marker, k1, k1 tbl, k2, ssk.
Row 4: P1, k1, k1 tbl, [k1, k1 tbl, k3, k1 tbl] to last marker, k1, k1 tbl, k1, ssk.
Row 6: P1, k1 tbl, [k1, k1 tbl, k3, k1 tbl] to last marker, k1, k1 tbl, ssk.
Row 8: P1, remove marker, drop next st, let it drop down several rows, pick up top bar with left needle to form a new st (make sure this st isn't twisted), knit this st and the foll st tbl, k3, k1 tbl, [k1, k1 tbl, k3, k1 tbl] to last marker, drop next st and form new st as for previous dropped st, knit this st tbl, ssk.
Row 10: P1, k4, k1 tbl, [k1, k1 tbl, k3, k1 tbl] to last marker, remove marker, ssk.
Row 12: P1, k3, k1 tbl, [k1, k1 tbl, k3, k1 tbl] to last marker, k1, k1 tbl, k3, ssk.
Repeat Decrease Rows 1-12 two times more. 22 sts rem.
Repeat Decrease Rows 1-10 once more. 12 sts rem.

Section 5 (Final Rows)
Rows 1 and all odd-numbered rows [WS]: Sl 1, purl to last 2 sts, p2tog.
Row 2 [RS]: P1, k3, k1 tbl, k1, k1 tbl, k3, ssk.
Row 4: P1, k2, k1 tbl, k1, k1 tbl, k2, ssk.
Row 6: P1, k1, k1 tbl, k1, k1 tbl, k1, ssk.
Row 8: P1, k1 tbl, k1, k1 tbl, ssk.
Row 10: P1, remove marker, drop st (DO NOT form a new st this time), ssk.
Row 11 (last row): P2tog.
Break yarn and draw through loop of last st.

FINISHING

Weave in ends. Wet block top to measurements. Wet block Clapotis panels to bottom width of sweater — Clapotis panels are very stretchy and can be made wider or longer by pinning in place to dry to the correct width.

Attach Clapotis panels:
Attach Clapotis panels by overlapping bound off edge of sweater over edge of panel. Using mattress stitch, keep the sweater stitches on top of the lace panel by stitching into the RS of the panel, and the WS of the sweater top. See photo.

A: neck to hem length: 2[, , , , , , , , ] 1.75[22.25, 22.75, 24, 25.25, 26.5, 27.5, 28.75, 30, 31.25] inches/ 55[56.5, 58, 61, 64, 67.5, 70, 73, 76, 79.5] cm
B: length to underarm: 14 inches/35.5 cm
C: back neck width: 6[6.25, 6.75, 7, 7, 7.25, 7.75, 8, 8.25, 8.75] inches/ 15[16, 17, 18, 18, 18.5, 19.5, 20.5, 21, 22] cm
D: bust circumference: 34[36, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54.75, 58.75, 63.5, 66.75] inches/ 86.5[91.5, 96.5, 106.5, 117, 127, 139, 149, 161.5, 169.5] cm
E: hem circumference: 36[40, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56.75, 60.75, 65.5, 68.75] inches/ 91.5[101.5, 101.5, 112, 122, 132, 144, 154.5, 166.5, 176] cm
F: sleeve circumference: 11[11, 11, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 19, 22] inches/ 28[28, 28, 33, 35.5, 38, 45.5, 48.5, 48.5, 56] cm

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Merri lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she designs handknits while also working as a graphic designer and instructor.

You'll find more of her work at TangletownKnits and on Ravelry.

Pattern & images © 2018 Merri Fromm.