Esperanza, a free knitting pattern from Knitty.com.
INTRODUCTION
Esperanza
by Alison Green
This crocheted top begins with lace panels for the back and front. Then, after joining the shoulders, the sides of the top are worked in double crochet along the sides of the panels, with easy shaping at the shoulder line. Side seams for the body are created with slip stitches, and short sleeves are worked in turned rounds. A few rounds of single crochet trim the neck and hem edges.
I named this pattern for one of my jazz heroes, Esperanza Spaulding. While writing this pattern, I listened to her 2021 release, Songwrights Apothecary Lab, a project in which she and her collaborators explored how musicians might work with practitioners of diverse therapeutic modalities to promote radical healing. It is a beautiful album, and the intention behind it brings me hope.
Recently a new knitting student of mine told me that she didn't feel at all guilty for telling her boss that she was leaving work early to go to a therapy appointment (when in fact she was coming to her knitting lesson), because handcrafts really ARE her therapy. I think a lot of us feel that way!
model: Alison Green
photos: Amy Palmer
SIZE
Women's XS[S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X]
Shown in size L with approximately 4 inches/10 cm of ease at underarm; 2.5 inches/6.5 cm of ease at largest part of chest.
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Chest/Bust: 35.5[40, 44.5, 47, 51.5, 56.5, 59.5, 63.5, 68] inches / 90[102, 113, 120, 131, 143, 151, 162, 173] cm
Length: 21.75[21.75, 21.75, 21.75, 21.75, 24.75, 24.75, 24.75, 24.75] inches / 55[55, 55, 55, 55, 63, 63, 63, 63] cm
MATERIALS
Yarn
Miss Babs Damask [65% cultivated silk, 35% bleached linen; 420 yd/380 m per 3.5 oz/100 g skein]; color: Cordovan; 2[3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5] skeins
Approximately 840[940, 1050, 1110, 1210, 1520, 1600, 1700, 1830] yd / 765[855, 955, 1010, 1100, 1385, 1455, 1545, 1665] m
Yarn Characteristics
The sample shown uses a fingering-weight silk/linen blend single. The fiber blend provides a nice balance of drape and body. A solid color (as opposed to a variegated yarn) will work best with the lace panel patterns, though a subtle tonal color could work well. (As always, make a swatch to ensure that you like the look of the fabric as well as to meet gauge!)
Recommended hook size
[always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below - every knitter's gauge is unique]
3 mm hook
Notions
removable stitch markers
tapestry needle
GAUGE
24 sts/11 rows = 4 inches/10 cm in double crochet
32 sts (2 pattern repeats) / 17 rows in lace pattern repeat measures 5.375 inches /13.5 cm wide and 6 inches / 15 cm long
Note: gauge is always taken after blocking.
PATTERN NOTES
[Knitty's list of standard abbreviations and techniques can be found here.]
Techniques
- Dc/tr-tog: Yo, insert hook in next dc and pull up a loop, yo and pull through 2 loops, yo twice, skip next dc, insert hook in next dc and pull up a loop, [yo and pull through 2 loops] twice, yo and pull through all 3 loops on hook.
- Dc3tog: double crochet 3 together, as follows [Yo, insert hook in next dc and pull up a loop, yo and pull through 2 loops] 3 times, yo and pull through all 4 loops on hook. 2 sts decreased.
CHARTS
Main Pattern chart
View and download Neck shaping CHARTS for your size here:
DIRECTIONS
Back Panel
Ch 87[87, 87, 87, 87, 119, 119, 119, 119] . Work from written instructions below or from Main Pattern chart. If working mainly from the written instructions, refer to the chart for guidance about where to place sts worked into longer ch sps.
Row 1 [RS]: Dc in 4th ch from hook (turning ch counts as dc except where noted), [ch 1, skip next ch, dc in next ch] 3 times, ch 1, skip next ch, *dc in next 3 ch, [ch 1, skip next ch, dc in next ch] 6 times, ch 1, skip next ch; rep from * 3[3, 3, 3, 3, 5, 5, 5, 5] more times, dc in next 3 ch, [ch 1, skip next ch, dc in next ch] 4 times, dc in last ch, turn.
Row 2 [WS]: Ch 3, dc in next dc, [ch 1, dc in next dc] twice, ch 1, *dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 4, skip next dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, [ch 1, dc in next dc] 4 times, ch 1; rep from * 3[3, 3, 3, 3, 5, 5, 5, 5] more times, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 4, skip next dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, [ch 1, dc in next dc] twice, ch 1, dc in last 2 dc, turn.
Row 3: Ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next dc, ch 1, *dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 3, skip next 2 dc, sc in ch-4 sp, ch 3, skip next 2 dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, [ch 1, dc in next dc] twice, ch 1; rep from * 3[3, 3, 3, 3, 5, 5, 5, 5] more times, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 3, skip next 2 dc, sc in ch-4 sp, ch 3, skip next 2 dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in last 2 dc, turn.
Row 4: Ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 1, *dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 3, skip next 2 dc, sc in ch-3 sp, sc in sc, sc in ch-3 sp, ch 3, skip next 2 dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 1; rep from * 4[4, 4, 4, 4, 6, 6, 6, 6] more times, dc in last 2 dc, turn.
Row 5: Ch 3, *dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 4, skip next 2 dc, sc in ch-3 sp, sc in next 3 sc, sc in ch-3 sp, ch 4, skip next 2 dc; rep from * 4[4, 4, 4, 4, 6, 6, 6, 6] more times, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in last 2 dc, turn.
Row 6: Ch 3, dc in next dc, skip next dc, ch 1, *dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, ch 4, skip next sc, sc in next 3 sc, ch 4, skip next sc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, dc in next dc, skip next dc, ch 1; rep from * 4[4, 4, 4, 4, 6, 6, 6, 6] more times, dc in last 2 dc, turn.
Row 7: Ch 3, [dc in next dc, ch 1] twice, skip next dc, *dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, ch 4, skip next sc, sc in next sc, ch 4, skip next sc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc, dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc; rep from * 3[3, 3, 3, 3, 5, 5, 5, 5] more times, dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, ch 4, skip next sc, sc in next sc, ch 4, skip next sc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc, dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in last 2 dc, turn.
Row 8: Ch 3, [dc in next dc, ch 1] 3 times, skip next dc, *dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, ch 1, skip next sc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc, [dc in next dc, ch 1] 3 times, dc in next dc, skip next dc, ch 1; rep from * 3[3, 3, 3, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5] more times, dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, ch 1, skip next sc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc, [dc in next dc, ch 1] twice, dc in last 2 dc, turn.
Row 9: Ch 3, [dc in next dc, ch 1] 4 times, skip next dc, *dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc, [dc in next dc, ch 1] 5 times, dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc; rep from * 3[3, 3, 3, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5] more times, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc, [dc in next dc, ch 1] 3 times, dc in last 2 dc, turn.
Rows 10 – 57[57, 57, 57, 57, 65, 65, 65, 65] : Repeat Rows 2–9 6[6, 6, 6, 6, 7, 7, 7, 7] more times.
Fasten off.
Front Panel
Work as for Back Panel, repeating Rows 2-9 5[5, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 6] more times. 49[49, 49, 49, 49, 57, 57, 57, 57] rows worked.
Neck Shaping:
Work from written instructions below or from Neck Shaping chart for appropriate size. If working mainly from the written instructions, refer to the chart for guidance about where to place sts worked into longer ch sps.
Sizes XS, S, M, L, and 1X ONLY:
Row 50 [WS]: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next dc, [ch 1, dc in next dc] three times, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 4, skip next dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, [ch 1, dc in next dc] 4 times, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc/tr-tog, turn. Leave remaining sts unworked and continue on Right Front only.
Row 51: Ch 3 (does not count as dc), skip next dc, dc in next dc, dc in ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, [ch 1, dc in next dc] three times, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 3, skip next 2 dc, sc in ch-4 sp, ch 3, skip next 2 dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, [dc in next dc, ch 1] twice, dc in last 2 dc, turn.
Row 52: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 3, skip next 2 dc, sc in ch-3 sp, sc in sc, sc in ch-3 sp, ch 3, skip next 2 dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc/tr-tog, turn.
Row 53: Ch 3 (does not count as dc), skip next dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dec in next dc, ch 4, skip next 2 dc, sc in ch-3 sp, sc in next 3 sc, sc in ch-3 sp, ch 4, skip next 2 dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in last 2 dc, turn.
turn.
Row 54: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc, dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, ch 4, skip next sc, sc in next 3 sc, ch 4, skip next sc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, dc/tr-tog, turn.
Row 55: Ch 3 (does not count as dc), skip next dc, dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, ch 4, skip next sc, sc in next sc, ch 4, skip next sc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc, dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in last 2 dc, turn.
Row 56: Ch 3 (counts as dc), [dc in next dc, ch 1] 3 times, skip next dc, dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, ch 1, skip next sc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, dc/tr-tog, turn.
Row 57: Ch 3 (does not count as dc), skip next dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc, [dc in next dc, ch 1] 3 times, dc in last 2 dc, turn.
Join remaining right shoulder sts to corresponding back right shoulder sts with sl st and fasten off.
Row 50, Left side of neck: With WS facing, skip middle 15 dc for front neck, join yarn in next dc (this will be the first of a group of 3 dc); ch 3 (does not count as dc), skip next dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, [ch 1, dc in next dc] 5 times, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 4, skip next dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, [ch 1, dc in next dc] three times, , dc in last dc, turn.
Row 51: Ch 3 (counts as dc), [dc in next dc, ch 1] twice, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 3, skip next 2 dc, sc in ch-4 sp, ch 3, skip next 2 dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, [ch 1, dc in next dc] three times, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc/tr-tog, turn.
Row 52: Ch 3 (does not count as dc), skip next dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 3, skip next 2 dc, sc in ch-3 sp, sc in sc, sc in ch-3 sp, ch 3, skip next 2 dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in last 2 dc, turn.
Row 53: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 4, skip next 2 dc, sc in ch-3 sp, sc in next 3 sc, sc in ch-3 sp, ch 4, skip next 2 dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc/tr-tog, turn.
Row 54: Ch 3 (does not count as dc), skip next dc, dc in next dc, dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, ch 4, skip next sc, sc in next 3 sc, ch 4, skip next sc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in last 2 dc, turn.
Row 55: Ch 3 (counts as dc), [dc in next dc, ch 1] twice, skip next dc, dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, ch 4, skip next sc, sc in next sc, ch 4, skip next sc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, dc/tr-tog, turn.
Row 56: Ch 3 (does not count as dc), skip next dc, dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, ch 1, skip next sc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc, [dc in next dc, ch 1] twice, dc in last 2 dc, turn.
Row 57: Ch 3 (counts as dc), [dc in next dc, ch 1] 4 times, skip next dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc/tr-tog, turn.
Join remaining left shoulder sts to corresponding back left shoulder sts with sl st and fasten off.
Sizes 2X, 3X, 4X, and 5X ONLY:
Row 58 [WS]: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next dc, [ch 1, dc in next dc] twice, ch 1, *dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 4, skip next dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, [ch 1, dc in next dc] 4 times, ch 1; rep from * once more, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc/tr-tog, turn. Leave remaining sts unworked and continue on Right Front only.
Row 59: Ch 3 (does not count as dc), skip next dc, dc in next dc, dc in ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, *[ch 1, dc in next dc] three times, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 3, skip next 2 dc, sc in ch-4 sp, ch 3, skip next 2 dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc; rep from * once more, [ch 1, dc in next dc] twice, dc in last dc, turn.
Row 60: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next dc, ch 1, *dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 3, skip next 2 dc, sc in ch-3 sp, sc in sc, sc in ch-3 sp, ch 3, skip next 2 dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 1; rep from * once more, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc/tr-tog, turn.
Row 61: Ch 3 (does not count as dc), skip next dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, *ch 4, skip next 2 dc, sc in ch-3 sp, sc in next 3 sc, sc in ch-3 sp, ch 4, skip next 2 dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc; rep from * once more, dc in last dc, turn.
Row 62: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, ch 4, skip next sc, sc in next 3 sc, ch 4, skip next sc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc, dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, ch 4, skip next sc, sc in next 3 sc, ch 4, skip next sc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, dc/tr-tog, turn.
Row 63: Ch 3 (does not count as dc), skip next dc, dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, ch 4, skip next sc, sc in next sc, ch 4, skip next sc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc, [dc in next dc, ch 1] twice, skip next dc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, ch 4, skip next sc, sc in next sc, ch 4, skip next sc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc, dc in next dc, ch 1, dc in last 2 dc, turn.
Row 64: Ch 3 (counts as dc), [dc in next dc, ch 1] 3 times, skip next dc, dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, ch 1, skip next sc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc, [dc in next dc, ch 1] 5 times, skip next dc, dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, ch 1, skip next sc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, dc/tr-tog, turn.
Row 65: Ch 3 (does not count as dc), skip next dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc, [dc in next dc, ch 1] 6 times, skip next dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc, [dc in next dc, ch 1] 3 times, dc in last 2 dc, turn.
Join remaining right shoulder sts to corresponding back right shoulder sts with sl st and fasten off.
Row 58, Left side of neck: With WS facing, skip middle 15 dc for front neck, join yarn in next dc (this will be the first of a group of 3 dc); ch 3 (does not count as dc), skip next dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, *[ch 1, dc in next dc] 5 times, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 4, skip next dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc; rep from * once more, [ch 1, dc in next dc] three times, dc in last dc, turn.
Row 59: Ch 3, [dc in next dc, ch 1] twice, *dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 3, skip next 2 dc, sc in ch-4 sp, ch 3, skip next 2 dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, [dc in next dc, ch 1] three times; rep from * once more, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc/tr-tog, turn.
Row 60: Ch 3 (does not count as dc), skip next dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, *dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 3, skip next 2 dc, sc in ch-3 sp, sc in sc, sc in ch-3 sp, ch 3, skip next 2 dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 1; rep from * once more, dc in last 2 dc, turn.
Row 61: Ch 3, *dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 4, skip next 2 dc, sc in ch-3 sp, sc in next 3 sc, sc in ch-3 sp, ch 4, skip next 2 dc; rep from * once more, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc/tr-tog, turn.
Row 62: Ch 3 (does not count as dc), skip next dc, dc in next dc, *dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, ch 4, skip next sc, sc in next 3 sc, ch 4, skip next sc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, dc in next dc, ch 1; rep from * once more, dc in last 2 dc, turn.
Row 63: Ch 3, [dc in next dc, ch 1] twice, skip next dc, dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, ch 4, skip next sc, sc in next sc, ch 4, skip next sc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc, [dc in next dc, ch 1] twice, skip next dc, dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, ch 4, skip next sc, sc in next sc, ch 4, skip next sc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, dc/tr-tog, turn.
Row 64: Ch 3 (does not count as dc), skip next dc, dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, ch 1, skip next sc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc, [dc in next dc, ch 1] 4 times, skip next dc, dc in next dc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, ch 1, skip next sc, 2 dc in ch-4 sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc, dc in next dc, [dc in next dc, ch 1] twice, dc in last 2 dc, turn.
Row 65: Ch 3, [dc in next dc, ch 1] 4 times, skip next dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, skip next dc, dc in next dc, [dc in next dc, ch 1] 6 times, skip next dc, dc in next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, dc/tr-tog, turn.
Join remaining left shoulder sts to corresponding back left shoulder sts with sl st and fasten off.
ALL SIZES: Right Body and Sleeve
Row 1: With RS facing, join yarn to bottom of Back Panel, ch 3, then work 125[125, 125, 125, 125, 143, 143, 143, 143] dc along side of Back Panel (approximately 9 dc for every 4 rows), dc in shoulder seam and pm in this dc, then work 126[126, 126, 126, 126, 144, 144, 144, 144] dc along side of Front Panel, turn. 253[253, 253, 253, 253, 289, 289, 289, 289] dc.
Row 2: Ch 3, dc in next and each dc until 1 st remains before marked st, dc3tog and move marker onto this st, dc in next and each dc to end, turn. 2 sts decreased.
Rows 3 – 5[7, 11, 13, 15, 11, 15, 17, 19] : Repeat Row 2 3[5, 9, 11, 13, 9, 13, 15, 17] more times. 245[241, 233, 229, 225, 269, 261, 257, 253] sts total; 122[120, 116, 114, 112, 134, 130, 128, 126] sts on each side of marked st.
Join side seam as follows:
Next row [WS]: Join the first 81[79, 74, 72, 73, 89, 87, 82, 86] sts to the last 81[79, 74, 72, 73, 89, 87, 82, 86] sts with sl st. 83[83, 85, 85, 91, 91, 87, 93, 93] sts rem unworked.
The sleeve will now be worked in turned rounds.
Rnd 1 (Continuing with WS facing): Ch 3, dc in next and each dc until 1 st remains before marked st, dc3tog and move marker onto this st, dc in next and each dc until 1 st remains unworked, dc in last unworked st dc in next st of back (where there is already a sl st), sl st to top of turning ch to join, turn. 83[83, 85, 85, 91, 91, 87, 93, 93] sts.
Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in next and each dc until 1 st remains before marked st, dc3tog and move marker onto this st, dc in next and each dc to end, sl st to top of turing ch to join, turn. 2 sts decreased.
Rep Rnd 2 4[4, 2, 2, 2, 2, 0, 0, 0] more times. 73[73, 79, 79, 85, 85, 85, 91, 91] sts. Fasten off.
Left Body and Sleeve
Row 1: With RS facing, join yarn to bottom of Front Panel, ch 3, then work 125[125, 125, 125, 125, 143, 143, 143, 143] dc along side of Front Panel (approximately 9 dc for every 4 rows), dc in shoulder seam and pm in this dc, then work 126[126, 126, 126, 126, 144, 144, 144, 144] dc along side of Back Panel, turn. 253[253, 253, 253, 253, 289, 289, 289, 289] dc.
Complete as for Right Body and Sleeve.
Hem Edging
Rnd 1: With RS facing, join yarn at left side seam, ch 1, work sc along entire lower edge, working approximately 9 sc for every 4 rows along sides of dc rows, and 1 sc in each st of Back and Front panels. Exact st count is not crucial, as long as edge lays flat.
Join with sl st at end of round and turn.
Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in each sc around, join with sl st, turn.
Repeat Rnd 2 4 more times. Fasten off.
Neck Edging
With RS facing, join yarn to neck edge at right shoulder seam, ch 1, work sc along entire neck edge using same ratio as for Hem Edging. Exact st count it not crucial, as long as edge lays flat. Join with sl st at end of round but do not turn. Work 1 more round in sc and fasten off.
FINISHING
Block as follows: Soak in lukewarm water with a capful of wool wash, then squeeze out as much water as possible or use your washing machine's spin cycle. Lay flat on a blocking board or other flat surface, and shape to finished measurements shown on schematic. Do not pin or stretch. Weave in ends.
A (Chest/Bust Width): 17.75[20, 22.25, 23.5, 25.75, 28.25, 29.75, 31.75, 34] inches / 45[51, 56.5, 60, 65.5, 71.5, 75.5, 81, 86.5] cm
B (Panel Width): 14.25[14.25, 14.25, 14.25, 14.25, 19.5, 19.5, 19.5, 19.5] inches / 36[36, 36, 36, 36, 49.5, 49.5, 49.5, 49.5] cm
C (Side Body Width): 1.75[3, 4, 4.75, 5.75, 4.25, 5, 6.25, 7.25] inches / 4.5[7.5, 10, 12, 15, 11, 13, 15.5, 18.5] cm
D (Neck Width): 9.5 inches / 24 cm
E (Circumference of sleeve opening at bicep): 12.25[12.25, 13.25, 13.25, 14.25, 14.25, 14.25, 15.25, 15.25] inches / 31[31, 33.5, 33.5, 36, 36, 36, 38.5, 38.5] cm
F (Side Seam Length): 13.25[13, 12.25, 11.75, 11, 14.75, 14.25, 13.5, 13.25] inches / 34[33, 31, 30, 28, 37.5, 36.5, 34.5, 33.5] cm
G (Hem Edging Length): 1 inch / 2.5 cm
H (Neck Depth): 3 inches / 7.5 cm
I (Total Length): 21.75[21.75, 21.75, 21.75, 21.75, 24.75, 24.75, 24.75, 24.75] inches / 55[55, 55, 55, 55, 63, 63, 63, 63] cm
ABOUT THE DESIGNER
Alison Green is a knit and crochet designer, teacher, and technical editor who has been immersed in the yarn world since the early 2000s. She spent 11 years on the design team at Berroco yarns, including two years as design director. She is passionate about elevating craft through traditional techniques presented with a modern sensibility and executed with meticulous attention to detail.
Alison lives in Providence, RI, with her husband, John, and their cats, Bonnie and Clyde.
Pattern & images © 2026 Alison Green