Back in the late 80s/early 90s, I had an old, oversized, raglan-sleeved rollneck sweater that I wore the heck out of it but somehow lost in one of my many moves. When I picked up my needles to design an homage to that old sweater, I knew I didn’t want to recreate the past.
This design needed just a bit of nostalgia that was infused with modern sensibility. The TBT design is a nod to that old rollneck but is updated with a split hem, an easy lace + cable design at the sides, and a set-in sleeve that is worked simultaneously with the upper bodice.
A photo tutorial guides you through the top-down construction for what is possibly the easiest set-in sleeve you’ll ever work–no sewing, no picking up stitches around the entire armhole, no short rows on the sleeve cap. Just carefully placed increases within the easy stockinette.
To maintain a seamless translation from the rolled neck trim and the bodice, you’ll be doing a provisional cast on–but no worries! It’s totally easy, too, and I’ve created a video tutorial showing you how (complete with a mispronunciation of the word “Provisional” . Hey, we’re a judgement-free zone here, folks 😉 )
The pullover is intended to be worn with 1-3” of positive ease (that is, 1” to 3” larger than your bust measurement). If you measure, say, 38” I suggest that you begin with the size 41”. Note that the model in the photo (the designer), measures to a 33” bust (B-cup) but is wearing the size 35”.
I’ve listed it for any gender as well since I don’t think it requires any particular body type to be worn. There is no waist shaping, although if you’re making it for a guy or gal with slim hips and no tummy, you might consider actually doing a few decreases (next to the side panels) to the hips to keep it from being too oversized there.
Materials:
3(4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5) skeins MC, of La Bien Aimee Merino Sport (355 yds/100 g skein, colorway shown is La Grande Nuage), or approximately 1025(1125, 1250, 1375, 1460, 1575, 1700) yards fingering weight yarn.
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