As with most things, this sweater has a backstory. However, that story is for another day. For now, this pattern is available for free, and the story will follow later. The size is a medium women’s (Size 12-14 NZ). I may add alternative sizes later. (I wear an XL, and this jumper does fit me as a fitted garment, but it is designed to be more snuggly on a smaller bod. However, I have not convinced my sister to model it). It is an easy knit with a slimming centre detail, and raglan sleeves, which make it a very comfortable knit to wear.

There will be a YouTube video covering the making process of this jumper, and a short tutorial for the feature detail down the front and back of the jersey.

Back

Cast on 101 stitches on 3.5mm needles
Rib K1xP1 over 20 rows

Change to 4.5mm needles. Place 2 stitch markers – one after 48 stitches, and one after stitch 53. This will contain the centre detail (and be very useful in setting up the pattern, and during the raglan sleeve section)

Right side row: K48, slip marker, p2, k1b, p2, slip marker, k48
Inside side row: P48, slip marker, k2, p1, k2, slip marker, p48

A how-to video of this stitch detail can be found here:

Knit until back measures 41cm. At the start of the next 2 rows, cast off 5 stitches remembering to continue the centre front detail. Keep the centre stitch markers in place and continue the centre detail pattern between these stitches, as you will now be shaping the raglan top.

Every right side row: SSK, knit to marker, slip marker, p2, k1b, p2, slip marker, knit to last 2, k2tog
Every inside side row: Purl to marker, slip marker, k2, p1, k2, slip marker, purl to end

Continue the decrease until 21 stitches remain. Slip these onto scrap yarn (and tie up loosely to pick up later) or a large stitch holder for the top collar.

Front

Complete as for the back until 41 stitches remain.
Ssk, knit 21 stitches, slip the next 5 stitches onto a safety pin for later. (This is the centre detail piece by the way). Turn work and continue working just this section for the moment.

P2tog, purl to end of row
Ssk, knit to last 2, k2 tog

Repeat these rows until 3 stitches remain
Slip 1, k2tog, psso.
Cut yarn, pass through remaining stitch, pull to tighten.

Move onto the other side.
Ssk, knit to last 2, k2tog
Purl to last 2, P2 tog

Repeat until 3 stitches remain. Slip 1, k2tog, psso.
Cut yarn, pass through remaining stitch, pull to tighten.

Sleeves

Cast on 50
K1xP1 rib 20 rows

Stocking stitch – increase every 4 rows until you have 84 stitches
Continue knitting until sleeves measure 42cm

Cast off 5 stitches, knit to end
Cast off 5 stitches, purl to end

Ssk, knit to last 2, p2tog
Purl to end
Repeat until 16 stitches remaining
Cast off on a knit row

You now have all the pieces. Lay them out and stitch the arms to the body pieces. Leave 1 raglan edge open. Pick up the stitches around the collar and the stitches that have been reserved on pins. Do this on the 3.5mm knitting needles.

K1xP1 rib for 5 cm. Cast off loosely (or your neck will be too tight). Pin the sleeves and sides together. Stitch up the final raglan edge. Stitch up the sleeves and sides. Darn in your yarn tails.