Knitting for a man can be a challenge because men are simply difficult to knit for. Men want simplicity in a garment that is practical to wear. Also, they prefer muted colors, such as gray or brown. I think that this sweater incorporates all of the above, plus it is a fast knit because of its large gauge.

This sweater is worked using the contiguous top-down knitting method (first developed by Susie Meyers). The back is cast on and then the shoulder “seams” are worked simultaneously until the shoulders are wide enough. After that, the stitch markers are moved to start working and shaping the sleeve cap. Once the sleeve top portion is finished, the sleeve stitches are placed on scrap yarn to be worked later.

Note: If this is your first time working a sweater in this construction manner, my advice is to follow the instructions step-by-step because along the way, you will understand the construction logic.

Sizes:
S (M, L, XL, 2XL) – 40 (44, 48, 52, 56)” actual garment finished chest size

Gauge: 14 sts & 22 rows = 4x4” in stockinette st, on size U.S. 10 (6 mm) needles.

Yarn:
2 (3, 3, 3, 4) skeins of Cascade Yarns Ecological Wool (100% undyed Peruvian Highland Wool/478 yards per skein), or approx. 950 (1145, 1145, 1245, 1370) yards

Needles: Use the size needle that gives correct gauge!
U.S. 10 (6 mm) 32” or longer circular needle & 16” circular needle or DPN if not using magic loop
U.S. 9 (5.5 mm) 32” or longer circular needle & 16” circular needle or DPN if not using magic loop

Notions:
Round Stitch Markers
4 Hook Stitch Markers
scrap yarn to hold stitches
tapestry needle
6 buttons