Chevron by Susan Crawford

Chevron

Knitting
July 2024
Fingering (14 wpi) ?
29 stitches and 33 rows = 4 inches
in See notes
US 1½ - 2.5 mm
US 2 - 2.75 mm
US 2½ - 3.0 mm
US 3 - 3.25 mm
8 sizes to fit from 71–152 cm (28–60 in) chest
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This pattern is currently only available as part of A Stitch in Time Volume 3, the colourwork edition.

This sweet sweater is already considered a vintage classic. Originally published as a single sized pattern in the 1940s by Patons, it was knitted in flat pieces which were then sewn together. It uses a simple lace chevron pattern worked in horizontal stripes over the lower body with a moss (seed) stitch upper yoke and sleeve heads. The sleeve stripes are deliberately narrower than the body. The original version of the pattern is somewhat notorious for its exaggerated sleeve heads, which most knitters avoid making; taking this into account, we have instead opted for a slightly gathered sleeve head without any requirement for shoulder pads - although they can be added if desired.

Susan is shown wearing the 4th size to fit 40-42 inch chest, medium length, with the lower body knitted in the round.

The updated version of the pattern includes instructions both for knitting the lower body and sleeves in the round or flat as well as three lower body length options, incorporating differing stripe depths to achieve the same overall look for all lengths. The upper yoke and sleeve heads are worked flat in moss stitch for both versions. It is important to note that different needle sizes may be required to achieve the same gauge depending on whether the sweater is knitted flat or knitted in the round.

Chevron is knitted in Excelana North fingering weight, the perfect yarn for colour work garments in a selection of 8 shades including 3 shades developed for the JoJo pattern.

Chevron comes in 8 sizes to fit from 71–152 cm (28–60 in) chest and with both written and charted to work from plus a clear schematic diagram and sizing charts.

A yarn kit is also available containing all the hand-dyed Excelana yarn required to knit Chevron.

Yarn
Susan Crawford Excelana North, fingering weight,
100% British wool, 75% Cheviot / 25% Bluefaced Leicester
(159m / 174yds per 50g skein)
Short Length Medium Length Long Length
3 (4, 4, 4, 5, 6, 6, 6) 3 (4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7) 3 (4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7) skeins, shade Dock Seed- Yarn A
2 (2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 3) 2 (2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 3, 3) 2 (2, 2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3) skeins, shade Saharan Sand - Yarn B
1 (1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 2) 1 (1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 2) 1 (1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2) skeins, shade Himalayan Blue - Yarn C
1 (1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 2) 1 (1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2) 1 (1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2) skeins, shade Powdered Egg - Yarn D

Gauge
Knitted Flat
29 sts and 33 rows = 10cm (4in) over lace pattern before blocking and 28 sts and 33 rows = 10cm (4in) over lace pattern after blocking. We obtained this gauge using 3mm needles.
28 sts and 50 rows = 10cm (4in) over moss stitch knitted flat, after blocking. We obtained this gauge using 2.5mm needles.

Knitted in the Round
29 sts and 33 rows = 10cm (4in) over lace pattern before blocking and 28 sts and 33 rows = 10cm (4in) over lace pattern after blocking. We obtained this gauge using 3.25mm needles.
28 sts and 50 rows = 10cm (4in) over moss stitch knitted flat, after blocking. We obtained this gauge using 2.5mm needles.

If necessary, use an alternative needle size to obtain the correct gauge.

Note: as moss stitch gauge can be very variable, use a needle size to specifically obtain stitch gauge; matching the row gauge is less crucial.

Suggested Needles
Knitted Flat
Small needles: 2.5mm (US 1) circular needle (60-100cm in length)
Medium needles: 2.75mm (US 2) circular needle (30-40cm and 60-100cm in length)
Large needles: 3mm (US 3) circular needle (60-100cm in length)

Knitted in the round
Small needles: 2.5mm (US 1) circular needle (60-100cm in length)
Medium needles: 2.75mm (US 2) circular needle (30-40cm and 60-100cm in length) and set of 2.75mm (US 2) DPNs
Large needles: 3.25mm (US 3) circular needle (60-100cm in length) and set of 3.25mm (US 3) DPNs

Notions
Waste yarn or stitch holders
Stitch markers

Techniques
Chevron Lace pattern
Following a chart
Inserting a sleeve