I love designing simple, easy-to-knit patterns that might look complicated to a beginner but are actually very straightforward. And for the experienced knitter? I like to create calming projects – a chance to relax between more complicated knits or just enjoy some mindful stitching.

This is a perfect My First Sweater project. It’s knitted in pieces and uses only the most basic stitch techniques – garter stitch (all knit) and stocking stitch (knit one row, purl one row). The sleeves are drop shoulder, which makes the fit easy and flattering on all body shapes, male or female.

This pattern is a revised version of a hoodie I originally designed for my very first self-published book back in 2003. (Between then and the next decade, I self-published over 70 books – most of them for North America!) That original design used a yarn that’s now discontinued, so this version uses aran weight yarn instead – there are so many beautiful ones to choose from.

The main body is in stocking stitch, with garter stitch for the top of the body and sleeves. Garter stitch is always my go-to when I want to feel calm. A knitter who visited the Skipton Studio told me it’s like wearing a blanket – cosy and comforting.

CONSTRUCTION
The back, front and two sleeves are knitted flat from the bottom up in separate pieces and joined together. The sleeves are dropped. The hood is picked up and knitted.

TECHNIQUES USED
Cast on, knit, purl, decreasing, increasing. Joining seams. Optional but recommended to create the feeling of joy when joining your pieces: three needle cast off and mattress stitch.

YARN
9(10:11:12:13) 100g hanks of P &J Yorkshire Yarn Bluefaced Leicester Aran.
100% British Bluefaced Leicester wool, 175m/191yds per 100g

SUGGESTED KNITTING NEEDLES
5mm.
Optional: Using a circular needle can make it easier to pick up the stitches for the hood.

GAUGE (tension)
18 stitches and 24 rows to 10cm/4ins square over stocking stitch. I obtained this gauge with 5mm needles.
It is important to obtain the correct gauge so do work a swatch before you start the pattern and change your needle size to achieve the correct gauge if you need to.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
I recommend a positive ease of 4-8ins/10-20cm at the chest.

Size
1, (2, 3, 4, 5)

Actual Chest Circumference
100, (108, 120, 133, 142)cm
39¼, (42½, 47¼, 52¼, 55¾)ins

Length (from top of shoulder to cast on edge)
66, (70, 74, 78, 82)cm
26, (27½, 29¼, 30¾, 32¼)ins

Sleeve Length (from underarm to cast on edge)
44, (44, 44, 44, 44)cm
17½, (17½, 17½, 17½, 17½)ins

BLOG  POST
I’ve written about the inspiration behind this pattern: click here to read

NEED HELP?
I am here for you! Pop into the Skipton studio, send an email, or check out the Purl &Jane YouTube channel for tips, inspiration and guidance including handy resources like gauge (tension) guides and how to tutorials.