FEEL THE BERN is a little yoke cropped sweater inspired by Bernie Sander’s iconic mittens worn at the 2021 Presidential Inauguration. The mittens (and Bernie) were the unexpected fashion moment of the day, and I could not live without a sweater to match! The original mittens were made by Jen Ellis, a schoolteacher who makes them from recycled sweaters, so a new sweater design based on mittens made from old sweaters feels like the full knitter circle!

This free pattern has not been test knitted or tech edited, that is why it is free! This is a fun little gift to the knitting community made in the spirit of celebration and spreading kindness. Pattern support is not available for free patterns, but I do my best to make sure patterns are error-free and updated as needed. This design used my most popular pattern- the Soldotna Crop pattern as a template, so I am confident that it will be an enjoyable knit with a lovely result.

I will be knitting my own sample from Magpie Fibers Nest Worsted, and will share photos as it progresses! It would also be lovely in Nest Sport held together with Feather mohair for a fluffy version!

In lieu of payment for this pattern, I would love if you would consider making a donation to Meals on Wheels, your local food pantry, or a similar organization that supports ending hunger. Bernie’s motto is “not me, us” and I hope knitting this sweater will be a reminder to serve our communities and work toward creating a better world for everyone.

The design can easily be lengthened if crops aren’t your style, instructions are included in the pattern. This design is simple enough for an adventurous beginner, yet still engaging for advanced knitters. Best of all, the cropped length and sleeveless style make this a super quick and gratifying project. The body length is easily adjustable; keep in mind changes will alter the yardage required.

MATERIALS
Yarn:
Sample uses
Magpie Nest Worsted
100% non-superwash Corriedale
210 yards 192 m/100 grams

Colors used in Sample:
C1: Natural Midnight (dark brown)
C2: Twilight Beaver (medium brown)
C3: Castaway (beige)
C4: Natural (cream)

Needles
Note! Needle size is suggested only, you will need to swatch to determine the needle size needed to achieve gauge.
Ribbing: US 5/3.75 mm
Main Needle: US 7/4.5 mm

Gauge:
18 sts and 26 rounds over 4” 10 cm in stockinette on main needles after blocking

You should always knit your swatch the same way that the pattern is knit—in this case, in the round. Block your swatch as you will your finished garment and allow it to dry fully before measuring.

Notions:
stitch markers, scrap yarn, darning needle

Yardage: Note that yardage is estimated and may vary depending on yarn used, gauge variations or modifications.
C1: 184 (207, 230, 253, 276, 299) {322, 345, 368, 391} yards
169 (190, 211, 232, 253, 274) {295, 316, 337, 358} meters
C2: 274 (308, 343, 377, 412, 446) {480, 514, 548, 584} yards
251 (282, 314, 345, 377, 408) {439, 470, 501, 534} meters
C3: 63 (71, 78, 86, 94, 102) {110, 117, 125, 133} yards
58 (65, 72, 79, 86, 94) {101, 107, 115, 122} meters
C4: 70 (79, 87, 96, 105, 114) {122, 131, 140, 148} yards
64 (73, 80, 88, 96, 105) {112, 120, 128, 136} meters

Sizes:
Measurements given are for the finished garment. This sweater is designed to fit with 2-4.5” 5-11.5 cm of positive ease at the bust and 1-2” 2.5-5 cm of positive ease at the upper arm.
See size chart on page 5 for complete fit details.

1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) {7, 8, 9, 10}
Finished circumference at bust:
32 (36, 40, 44, 48, 52) {56, 60, 64, 68}”
81.5 (91.5, 101.5, 112, 122, 132) {142, 152.5, 162.5, 172.5) cm 
Finished sleeve circumference at upper arm:
11.25 (12, 13, 13.75, 15.5, 16.5) {19.25, 20.5, 21.5, 22.25}”
28 (30.5, 32.5, 35, 39.5, 42) {48.5, 52, 54, 56.5} cm