Cozy Cropped Sweater

Materials

• Yarn: Soft worsted weight yarn (approximately 400 yards)
• Needles: US Size 8 (5.0mm) circular needles (16 inch) and US Size 8 (5.0mm) straight needles
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch
• Stitch markers
• Tapestry needle
• Scissors

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast On
• BO: Bind Off
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• ST: Stitch
• RND: Round
• WS: Wrong Side
• RS: Right Side

Instructions

Body

1. CO 80 stitches using the long-tail method on the circular needles.
2. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches.
3. Work in K1, P1 ribbing for the first 2 inches (5 cm).
4. Change to stockinette stitch (knit every stitch) and continue for 10 inches (25 cm). You should have a smooth fabric forming.
5. In the next row, incorporate a textured stitch: *K2, P2, repeat from * across the row.
6. Continue working this textured pattern for the next 3 inches (7.5 cm). Skip this step if the original image doesn't show texture further down.
7. Now, start shaping the armholes. To do this, you will need to divide your work:
• Place a stitch marker at the 35th stitch (this marks the center back).
• Place another stitch marker at the 40th stitch (this marks the center front).
8. Continue in stockinette stitch until the armhole measures 7 inches (18 cm) from the shoulder.

Sleeves

1. With straight needles, pick up 40 stitches along the armhole edge (20 on each side).
2. Work in K1, P1 ribbing for 2 inches (5 cm).
3. Then, switch to stockinette stitch and continue until the sleeve measures 16 inches (40.5 cm) from the cast-on edge.
4. To finish, BO loosely.

Finishing

1. Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle.
2. Block your sweater gently to shape it and add a nice finish.

Enjoy your cozy new cropped sweater!