The Design
“Tailored look, relaxed feel.”
This timeless sweater combines the relaxed ease of a modified drop shoulder with a slightly shaped shoulder line and gently sloped sleeve cap—the saddle tab squares it all up. For an even more tailored fit, we created a free adaptation to our original pattern; this version of our sweater has a more tapered shape for a trim fit at the hem. And, though we call it the ‘Men’s Pullover’ anyone can enjoy its cozy, weekend comfort!
We knit this Saddle-Shoulder Pullover in Kelbourne Woolens . This aran-weight yarn is made in Donegal, Ireland from 100% merino wool. With a rustic look, soft hand, and those flecks of fiber that we love so much, it’s an authentic Donegal Tweed yarn. Lucky Tweed makes the woolliest, tweediest of sweaters—and lucky indeed are those who get to wear it!
The Details
SIZES
Finished chest: 41 (44, 47, 50, 53, 56)"/104 (112, 119, 127, 135, 142)cm circumference, after seaming and blocking.
To fit chest: 36−38 (39−41, 42−44, 45–47, 48–50, 51–53)"/91−96 (99−104, 107−112, 114–119, 122–127, 130–135)cm. With ease of: Approx. 3–5"/7–13cm. For less ease, choose a smaller size; for more ease, choose a larger size.
Finished length: 27 (27½, 27½, 28, 28, 28½)"/68.5 (69.5, 69.5, 71, 71, 72)cm, from high-shoulder point (where shoulder meets neck, excluding ribbed neck band) to hem.
TAPERED BODY VERSION
Full width at hem: Approx. 18½ (20, 21½, 23, 24½, 26)"/47 (51, 54.5, 58.5, 62.5, 66)cm.
Hem circumference: Approx. 37 (40, 43, 46, 49, 52)"/94 (102, 109, 117, 125, 132)cm.
Details given for 41"/104cm finished size; larger sizes in parentheses ( ).
YARN
6 (7, 7, 8, 8, 8) skeins (215 yds/190m each). Model is wearing 44"/112cm finished size with 4"/10cm of ease; shown in Color 303 Moss.
For custom lengths: To lengthen or shorten body, add or subtract approx. 29 (31, 33, 35, 37, 39) yds/ 27 (29, 30, 32, 34, 36)m of yarn for each 1"/2.5cm of knitted length.
NEEDLES & NOTIONS
US 7 (4.5mm) needles, or size to obtain gauge.
US 5 (3.75mm) needle, or two sizes smaller than gauge needle; 16"/40cm circular needle in same size.
4 locking markers.
Stitch holder.
Darning needle to finish.
GAUGE
18 sts/27 rows = 4"/10cm in stockinette stitch.
KNITTER'S NOTES
Garment is knit in pieces and seamed using mattress stitch. The neck band is picked up and knit in the round.
SWATCHING FOR GAUGE:
To feel confident that the garment you’re knitting will turn out the right size, it is important to swatch your yarn and block your swatch before diving into the project. Your stitch gauge is important for body fit; your row gauge will affect the body, armhole and sleeve lengths.
For this design, we’ve chosen a worsted-weight yarn knitted at 18 sts/27 rows = 4"/10cm. Cast on enough stitches to knit a swatch that measures about 6"/15cm wide; knit in pattern (St St) for 6"/15cm and bind off loosely.
Measure unblocked stitch and row gauges over 4"/10cm and write them down to use as a reference while you’re knitting. Soak swatch for about 20 minutes in tepid water with a little no-rinse wool wash, squeeze water out, roll in a towel to remove more water, and lay flat to dry with edges pinned to give you the desired gauge (you may need to apply a little tension but should not need to work too hard). Let swatch dry completely; unpin and let ‘rest’ for a day or two (don’t rush it!); check gauge again (it may have bounced back). This is your blocked gauge—write it down!
If you have more than 18 stitches in 4"/10cm, your gauge is a little too tight; try swatching again on a larger needle. If you have fewer than 18 sts, your gauge is a little loose; try again on a smaller needle. Note: Label your swatches carefully, especially if making multiple swatches. Once you get the gauge you’re after, make sure you like the ‘hand’ of the fabric (density and drape), too.
