FIT AND FLARE

A loose silhouette and lace loveliness make this gorgeous silk-mix jumper by Pat Menchini exciting to knit and a joy to wear

- Pat Menchini

LOOSE LACE JUMPER

Notes The cast-on edge for Back and Front needs to be loose to allow the centre panel to curve naturally along the bottom edge of the garment. Use your preferred stretchy cast-on method or cast on over 2 needles.

BACK

Cast on 109 (119: 127: 139:151: 163) sts loosely using 4mm needles.

Purl 2 rows.

SET PATTERN

Row 1 (RS) K23 (23:27:28:29:35), (P3, K1, yo, skpo, P1, k2tog, yo, K1) 6 (7:7: 8:9:9) times, P3, K23 (23:27:28:29:35).

Row 2 (WS) Purl. These 2 rows set patt and are repeated.

Cont in patt until work meas 58 (58: 60:60: 61: 61)cm, ending after a WS row.

SHAPE SHOULDERS

Cast off 6 (7:7: 7: 8:9) sts loosely at beg of next 8 rows, then 6 (7: 9:10:11: 11) sts at beg of next 2 rows. Slip rem 49 (49:53:63: 65: 69) sts on a stitch holder.

FRONT

Work as for Back until Front meas 14 (16:18:20:22:24) rows fewer than Back before start of shoulder shaping, ending after a WS row.

DIVIDE FOR FRONT NECK

Next row (RS) Patt 35 (40:42: 43:48:52) sts, turn, and leave rem sts on hold.

SHAPE LEFT FRONT NECK

**Dec 1 st at neck edge on next 5 rows. [30 (35:37:38:43:47) sts] Work 8 (10:12:14:16:18) rows straight, ending at side edge.

SHAPE SHOULDER

Cast off 6 (7:7: 7: 8:9) sts loosely at beg of next row and 3 foll alt rows. [6 (7:9:10:11: 11) sts]

Patt 1 row straight.

Cast off rem 6 (7:9:10:11:11) sts.