If you are looking for a vest, jumper or pullover that is flattering and shapely without being clingy, this may be the pattern for you! The Rib & Braid stitch pattern uses twisted-stitch “braids” arranged in a bold repeating“V” formation to break up a simple rib. Options for four different lengths (vest, tunic and long jumper, in addition to jumper shown), with or without sleeves, are included in the directions.

This jumper or pullover is worked in the round to the armholes (optional sleeves are also worked in the round to beginning of sleeve cap), with stitches picked up around the neck to form the neckband (and around armholes, if omitting the sleeves).
NOTE: The Rib & Braid pattern is very elastic. The “Bust/Hips” circumference is a range measured with the rib slightly stretched; it is NOT the maximum circumference possible (see Gauges), but rather the range in which the knitted fabric skims rather than clings to the body. “Minimum” circumference is measured when the rib is completely relaxed (AFTER blocking), and will correspond roughly to waist circumference.

Difficulty
Intermediate: skills include working in the round, reading a chart, twisted stitches, decreases, increases, picking up stitches, short row shaping (shoulders), and 3-needle bind-off.

Yarn: Worsted weight: for jumper length as pictured: 850 (925, 1025, 1125, 1225, 1350, 1425) yds/775 (850, 940, 1030, 1120, 1230, 1300) m. Shown in Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran (55% merino wool, 33% microfiber, 12% cashmere; 98 yds (90m)/50g): 9 (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) skeins deep teal #300201.
See pattern for yarn amounts required for other lengths and for sleeves.

Needles: U.S. Size 8 (5mm) circular needle, 24-40” long. U.S. Size 6 (4mm) circular needles: 24” for neck edging, 16-24” for armhole edgings. Optional: U.S. Size 8 (5mm) straight needles for working upper fronts and back; U.S. Sizes 6 (4mm) and 8 (5mm) double-pointed needles, if working sleeves. Adjust needle sizes if necessary to obtain the correct gauge. Choose needle lengths based on chosen size.

Notions: Tapestry needle; markers; stitch holders.

Gauges
18 sts and 24 rows = 4” in St st. 27 sts and 25 rows = 4” in Rib & Braid patt, after blocking, relaxed; 24-22 sts and 25 rows = 4” in Rib and Braid patt slightly stretched (will stretch to approx 20 sts = 4” without distorting patt). Check gauges on blocked swatch.

Possible Yarn Substitutions (note that these have not been swatched by designer; chosen solely on basis of maufacturer’s ball band gauge and suitable fiber content): Lorna’s Laces Lion & Lamb (wool/silk) or Shepherd Worsted (wool); Valley Yarns Northampton (wool) or Sugarloaf (wool/microfiber); Malabrigo Worsted (wool); Cascade 200 Superwash (wool); Classic Elite Solstice (cotton/wool).

Sizes and approx garment measurements (rib is very stretchy)
XS S M L 1X 1X-2X 2X-3X
Bust/Hips 30-33 33-36 36-39 39-42 ½ 42-46 45-49 48-52 inches
76-84 84-91 91-99 99-108 107-117 114-124 122-132 cm
Waist (approx minimum circ) 27 30 32 34 ½ 37 ½ 40 42 ½ inches
69 76 81 88 95 102 108 cm
Length (as shown) 28 ½ 29 29 ½ 30 30 ½ 31 31 inches
72 74 75 76 77 79 79 cm
Shown in size S.
Note: Instructions are included for changing length.

Pattern includes all written instructions, charts, and photos, and is in downloadable pdf format.