Back in the late 80s/early 90s, I had an old, oversized, raglan-sleeved rollneck sweater that I wore the heck out of but somehow lost in one of my many moves. When I picked up my needles to create an homage to that old sweater, I knew I didn’t just want to recreate the past. I wanted a bit of nostalgia that was infused with modern sensibility.

This 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. Loose fitting but not overly sized.

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.

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:
8(9, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14) skeins of Quince Lark (134 yds/50 g skein, colorway Iceland), or approx.:
1010(1110, 1220, 1350, 1475, 1615, 1800) yards worsted weight yarn.

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