A lightweight, breezy sweater with clean rolled edges for a minimal look. The Wishful sweater has a relaxed feel but with set-in sleeves for a gently tailored fit, and includes options for both balloon sleeves and tapered sleeves.

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YARN: Aran weight yarn. Variegated sample used Kit Couture Blow (37% alpaca, 26% wool, 2% viscose, 35% polyamide, 175m per 50g ball) in shade Off White.

Solid colour sample used DROPS Air (65% alpaca, 7% wool, 28% Polyamide, 150m per 50g ball) in shade Clay.

Tapered sleeve version: approx. 888 (956; 1030; 1045; 1125) 1223; 1264; 1330; 1406 metres / 971 (1045; 1126; 1143; 1230) 1337; 1382; 1455; 1538 yards. If using sample yarn, you will need 6 (6; 6; 6; 7) 7; 8; 8; 9 balls.

Balloon sleeve version: approx. 950 (1015; 1103; 1118; 1198) 1307; 1349; 1424; 1502 metres / 1039 (1110; 1206; 1223; 1310) 1429; 1475; 1557; 1643 yards. If using sample yarn, you will need 6 (6; 7; 7; 7) 8; 8; 9; 9 balls

GAUGE: 15 sts and 22 rows to 4 inches / 10 cm in stocking stitch blocked. Suggested size 5.5 mm.

NEEDLES & NOTIONS:

• 5.5mm & 5mm circular needles of length 24” / 60cm or 30” / 80cm, depending on size
• 5.5mm & 5mm needle(s) of your preferred length for working small circumferences in the round (ie. DPNs, short circulars, magic loop) for sleeves
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Stitch holders
• Scrap yarn

Sizes 1 (2; 3; 4; 5) 6; 7; 8; 9 detailed below, designed to be worn with approx:
4-6” / 10-15 cm positive ease for sizes 1-3
3-5” / 8-12 cm positive ease for sizes 4-6
2-4” / 5-10 cm positive ease for sizes 6-9.
Samples shown are a size 2 worn on a 34” bust with approx 4” positive ease.
If you are between sizes, size down.

Choose a size based on your upper bust measurement, not your full bust. This will ensure the best fit.
If you are on the petite side or have a small frame (ie. narrow shoulders, even if you have a large chest) I’d also recommend sizing down, as the fit around the shoulders is crucial.

To fit upper bust: 28-30 (32-34; 36-38; 40-42; 44-46) (48-50; 52-54; 56-58; 60-62) inches / 71-76 (81-86; 91-97; 102-107; 112-117) (122-127; 132-137; 142-147; 152-157) cm.

Finished bust: 34 (38; 42; 45; 49) (53; 56; 60; 64) inches / 86 (97; 107; 114; 124) (135; 142; 152; 163) cm.

If the shoulders are too big, the whole item will look sloppy and ill-fitting. This sweater was graded based on an average cross back width of 14 (14.25; 15; 15.25; 16) 16.25; 17; 17.25; 18 ” / 36 (36; 38; 39; 41) 41; 43; 44; 46 cm. You may wish to factor this into your size choice.

CONSTRUCTION: the Wishful Sweater is worked seamlessly from the top down. You begin by working the neckband which then flows into two saddle shoulder pieces. Stitches are then picked up along the edge of these saddle shoulder pieces to work the upper front, shaping the shoulders and neckline with short rows. The front is worked back and forth in rows down to the underarm, using increases to shape the armhole.

The front stitches are then placed on scrap yarn whilst you repeat the process for the upper back. After completing the upper front and back, stitches are cast on at the underarm and both pieces are placed on the needle together to work the main body in the round down to the waist. The hem is finished with a small amount of rib and a rolled edge.

You then pick up around the armholes to work the sleeves. A sleeve cap is created with short rows, then the main sleeve is worked in the round down to the cuff. Two sleeve options are included - a tapered sleeve (white sample), and a balloon sleeve (brown sample).

GAUGE NOTE: before starting this project, remember to check your gauge very carefully and factor in the growth during blocking.
Both samples were around 17sts=4”/10cm before blocking, which grew to 15 sts=4”/10cm once blocked.
It is very common for your gauge on the actual item to be different to your swatch, as the weight of the whole garment stretches the fabric out. Remember to account for this and aim for a snugger fit pre-blocking.

CHOOSING YARN: I would recommend choosing a lightweight yarn for this design (ie. a yarn with high meterage per 100g). Blown or brushed yarns produce a lightweight, airy fabric that works well for the shape of the sweater - heavier aran weight yarns may not work as well.

The Wishful Sweater is #SizeInclusive to a bust of 62”.

@lilykatemakes #WishfulSweater