DIY Network

Sally's Favorite Summer Sweater Sally's Favorite Summer Sweater From "Knitty Gritty" episode DKNG-113

Sally's Favorite Summer Sweater

Knitting expert Sally Melville breaks down the construction of a sweater: following a pattern; knitting the individual pieces for the front, back and sleeves; blocking and assembling the individual pieces; and finishing everything off. This is a garment that has been designed to flatter every figure type, depending on the proportions of the pieces and the placement of the sheer panel at the bottom. Knit in soft cotton yarn, it's a fashionable and flattering way to stay cool in warm weather -- but it's so pretty and comfy, you'll want to wear it all year round!

advertisement

Knit-O-Meter rating: Advanced beginner.

Supplies (for child's size Small)
3 skeins (930 yards) lightweight yarn such as Berroco Softwist
US size 5 needles
US size 10-1/2 needles

Sizing: This oversized warm-weather sweater is meant to hang free from the body for comfort. In addition, it's designed to clear the hips, so it may demand more ease than a garment that has only to clear the waist.

To choose a size, measure your bust and hips and add 6" to the larger measurement. This measurement, or the next size larger, is the appropriate size.

When knitting the sheer fabric:
Right-side (RS) rows: Knit (k) all stitches (sts) onto the smaller needle.
Wrong-side (WS) rows: K all sts onto larger needle.

When knitting the opaque fabric:
All rows: K all sts with smaller needles.

Gauge: 22 sts X 18 garter ridges (36 rows) over opaque fabric

	Cable cast-on (to see a step-by-step demo, click on the video link below) ...
	Media Watch the Video

Back
Edging
With cable cast-on and smaller needle, cast on 96 sts.
K 2 rows.
Next (decrease) row (WS): Onto larger needle, *k2, slip 1, knit 1, pass slip stitch over (SKP), repeat from * (72 sts remain).

Sheer "Skirt"
Over sheer areas, end balls of yarn (and begin new ones) at ends of rows; sew tails into seams.

Beginning with RS row, work sheer fabric to 7" from beginning, measured after pressing (while still on needle), ending with WS row. It's important to stop and press the sheer area before measuring.

Next (increase) row: Onto smaller needle, *k1, knit in front and back of next stitch (kf&b), repeat from * (108 sts on needle).

Opaque Body
Work opaque fabric 10"-14" from beginning, ending with WS row. Shorten or lengthen here as needed.

RESOURCES :
The Knitting Experience: The Knit Stitch
By Sally Melville
©2002, XRX Books
XRX Books
Web: knittinguniverse.com

Berroco Softwist
Suggested retail price: $4.85
Berroco Inc.
Check Website for local retailers.
Website: www.berroco.com

GUESTS :
Sally Melville
Knitting expert, author