FREE KNITTING PATTERN: James Sweater

Vintage Green 874

Vintage Green 874

Vintage Green 874

Sailor's Blue 660

Sailor's Blue 660

Sailor's Blue 660

Driftwood 109

Driftwood 109

Driftwood 109

Introducing this lovely wardrobe staple for men

1 I have wanted to design a jumper for men for a long time. In 2014 I managed a tank top for my book Anyone Can Knit, but this is the only design I have specifically done for men to date. So I am delighted to at last launch my next men's design - the James Sweater in Libby Summers Fine Aran. It is so called after my very talented hairdresser, James, who was the recipient of the first prototype, photographed in the navy version (Sailor's Blue 660). I made one or two adaptations to the design since, primarily around the raglan sleeve. Those of you with an eagle eye will notice that the green and brown versions (Vintage Green 874 and Driftwood 109) have a more pronounced rib section on the raglan sleeves. (I thought I would point this out before I have to field various queries or comments!) James' navy sweater is knitted in the Small size, Matthew's Vintage Green sweater is knitted in the Medium size and Oli's Driftwood Brown sweater is knitted in the Large size. So three out of the four sizes graded have been tested. Oli's sweater was knitted up by my fantastic test knitter, Debbie Bramham, who is also a whizz at maths, and her comments and editing have been invaluable in producing this pattern. I couldn't have done it without her input. It's been a real team effort!

The sweater is designed for comfort and style, as a wardrobe staple. It's a classic 'V' neck, but with stunning rib detailing up the sides, along the raglan and the neckband. It's a straightforward knit for an intermediate knitter. 

I have decided to offer this pattern as a free digital pattern, sent to you manually by email when you purchase at least 11 balls of Libby Summers Fine Aran. When you buy at least 11 balls of Fine Aran, please add a note in the box at checkout just saying 'James Sweater'. I will then email you the pattern. So that I can offer this pattern for free, I have not put it through the tech editing, graphic design and printing stages that my printedpatterns go through, so the digital PDF will be fairly basic. However, as three out of four of the sizes have been pattern tested (ie. knitted up) then I am fairly confident that the pattern is sound. Of course, if you encounter any rogue numbers or have any queries, please email me and I will respond.

To help you decide which size to knit and what materials you will need, I have listed the pattern information below.

Happy Knitting!

James Sweater, modelled by James (size Small), knitted in Libby Summers Fine Aran 660 Sailor's Blue

Materials
11 (12, 13, 15) x 50g Libby Summers Fine Aran (photographed in 660 Sailors Blue, 874 Vintage Green and 109 Driftwood)
Pair 4mm [US6] needles
​Pair 5mm [US7] needles
Circular 4mm [US6] needle for neckband
Stitch holders
Stitch marker
Darning needle for sewing up

Tension
18 sts and 24 rows to 10 cm [4 in] measured over st st on 5mm [US7] needles

To fit
Sizes: S (M, L, XL)
Chest: 97.5 (102, 107, 112) cm [38 (40, 42, 44) in]
​
Finished Measurements
Width underarms: 54.5 (56.5, 59, 61) cm [21 ½ (22 ¼, 23 ¼, 24) in]
Length from base of neckline to hemline: 67 (69, 71, 73) cm 26 ¼ (27, 28, 28¾) in
Designed to fit with 10cm [4 in] positive ease.
The lengths given are for a long fit. For a short fit, work 2 - 4 cm [1 - 1 ½ in] less length before armhole shaping on back, front and sleeves.

James Sweater, modelled by Oli (size Large), knitted in Libby Summers Fine Aran 109 Driftwood

James Sweater, modelled by Matthew (size Medium), knitted in Libby Summers Fine Aran 874 Vintage Green

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