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Free Knitting and Crochet Patterns from Elaine Phillips

Starburst Lace Yoke Sweater

Difficulty level: *** Intermediate

Free Sweater Knitting Pattern

The sweater is worked from the top down, in-the-round, without seams. The yoke features an easy but elegant lace motif. It looks like a starburst, which is how I picked the name.

The bodice is worked in stockinette stitch. The sweater is fitted, using decreases and corresponding increases around the waist area. The sleeves are worked in the round on double pointed needles (dpn) or 16” circular needles.

I used a one-color yarn for this sweater, which I think works very well for this particular pattern. I haven't tried a self-striping yarn, but feel free to experiment.

Sizes: S (M, L, XL, 2X, 3X)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Chest: 36 [40, 44, 48, 52, 56] inches (90 [100, 110, 120, 130, 140] cm)
Length: 23 [24, 25, 26, 26, 26] inches (58 [60, 62, 64, 64, 66] cm)
Upper arm circ: 11 [12, 14, 16, 17.25, 18] inches (28 [30, 35, 40, 43, 45] cm)
Hip: 38 [42, 46, 50, 54, 58] inches (95 [105, 115, 125, 135, 145] cm)

Skills Required/Techniques Used

-Knit & purl, cast on & bind off
-Increasing, decreasing
-Provisional cast-on
-Invisible Ribbed Bind Off
-Working in the round on circular needles
-Working small circumferences in the round on DPNs/with magic loop
-Working from charts
-Short rows
-Lace
-Picking up stitches


Materials: Garnstudio Drops Lima DK weight yarn (65% Wool, 35% Alpaca), 109 yards (100 meters)/50 grams – 8 (8, 9, 10, 12, 14) skeins

Needles:
circular US#4 (3.50mm) 24” (60 cm) OR SIZE NEEDED TO OBTAIN GAUGE
circular US#4 (3.50mm) 16” (40 cm) OR SIZE NEEDED TO OBTAIN GAUGE
US#4 (3.50mm) double-pointed needles OR SIZE NEEDED TO OBTAIN GAUGE
circular US#2 (2.75mm) 24” (60 cm)
circular US#2 (2.75mm) 16” (40 cm)

Notions: yarn/tapestry needle, stitch markers


Gauge in stockinette st: 20 sts x 28 rows = 4" x 4" (10cm x 10cm) on size 4 (3.5 mm) needles.


Pattern Notes:

1x1 rib in Rows:
Row 1: * knit 1, purl 1 – repeat from *
Row 2: * purl 1, knit 1 – repeat from *

1x1 rib in Rounds:
All rounds * knit 1, purl 1 – repeat from *

Stockinette St in Rows:
Row 1: knit
Row 2: purl

Stockinette St in Rounds
All rounds: knit

Binding Off
I use the Invisible Ribbed Bind Off method described on p. 197 of the book “Cast On, Bind Off. 54 Step-by-Step Methods” by Leslie Ann Bestor, Storey Publishing 2012. This is a type of sewn bind-off and creates a flexible edge.

Elizabeth Zimmermann’s sewn bind off works well, too. http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer06/FEATsum06TT.html

Abbreviations:
k – knit
p – purl
st, sts – stitch, stitches
yo - yarn over
ssk - slip, slip knit. This is a left-slanting decrease.
k2tog - knit 2 tog. This is a right-slanting decrease.
s2kp2 - slip 2 sts as if to k2tog (knit 2 tog), k 1, p2sso (pass 2 slip sts over). This is a centered double decrease
co - cast on
RS - right side
WS - wrong side
pu&k - pick up and knit
dpn – double-pointed needles
M1 (Make 1 increase) - I used the increase described by Elizabeth Zimmerman: Make a backward loop over the right-hand needle and in the next row knit (purl) it as a regular stitch.
w&t – wrap and turn


Sweater

The sweater is worked top-down, seamlessly, in-the-round on circular needles. The sweater is fitted with decreases and corresponding increases around the waist area. The sleeves are worked in the round on dpn or 16” circular needles.

Using bigger circular needles (16” or 24”), cast on 88 (88, 96, 96, 104, 104) sts using provisional cast-on method. Place a marker and join for working in the round, being careful not to twist. Knit 1 round.


Yoke

Round 1: *yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, p1, repeat from * to the end of the round.

Round 2: *k7, p1, repeat from * to the end of the round.

Round 3: *k1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k1, p1, repeat from * to the end of the round.

Round 4: *k7, p1, repeat from * to the end of the round.

Round 5 (increase round): *yo, k2, yo, s2kp2, yo, k2, yo, p1, repeat from * to the end of the round. =110 (110, 120, 120, 130, 130) sts.

Round 6: *k9, p1, repeat from * to the end of the round.

Round 7: *k1, yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, k1, p1, repeat from * to the end of the round.

Round 8: *k9, p1, repeat from * to the end of the round.

Round 9: *k2, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k2, p1, repeat from * to the end of the round.

Round 10: *k9, p1, repeat from * to the end of the round.

Round 11 (increase round): *yo, k3, yo, s2kp2, yo, k3, yo, p1, repeat from * to the end of the round.= 132 (132, 144, 144, 156, 156) sts.

Round 12: *k11, p1, repeat from * to the end of the round.

Round 13: *k1, yo, ssk, k5, k2tog, yo, k1, p1, repeat from * to the end of the round.

Round 14: *k11, p1, repeat from * to the end of the round.

Round 15: *k2, yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, k2, p1, repeat from * to the end of the round.

Round 16: *k11, p1, repeat from * to the end of the round.

Round 17 (increase round): *yo, k3, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, p1, repeat from * to the end of the round. =154 (154, 168, 168, 182, 182) sts.

Round 18: *k13, p1, repeat from * to the end of the round.

Round 19: *k1, yo, ssk, k2, yo, s2kp2, yo, k2, k2tog, yo, k1, p1, repeat from * to the end of the round.

Round 20: *k13, p1, repeat from * to the end of the round.

Round 21: *k2, yo, ssk, k5, k2tog, yo, k2, p1, repeat from * to the end of the round.

Round 22: *k13, p1, repeat from * to the end of the round.

Round 23 (increase round): *yo, k3, yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, p1, repeat from * to the end of the round. =176 (176, 192, 192, 208, 208) sts.

Round 24: *k15, p1, repeat from * to the end of the round.

Round 25: *k1, yo, ssk, k2, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k2, k2tog, yo, k1, p1, repeat from * to the end of the round.

Round 26: *k15, p1, repeat from * to the end of the round.

Round 27: *k2, yo, ssk, k2, yo, s2kp2, yo, k2, k2tog, yo, k2, p1, repeat from * to the end of the round.

Round 28: *k15, p1, repeat from * to the end of the round.

Round 29 (increase round): *yo, k3, yo, ssk, k5, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, p1, repeat from * to the end of the round. =198 (198, 216, 216, 234, 234) sts.

Round 30 and all even rounds from now on: knit

Round 31 (increase round): *k1, yo, ssk, k2, yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, k2, k2tog, yo, k2, m1, repeat from * to the end of the round.= 209 (209, 228, 228, 247, 247) sts.

Round 33: *k2, yo, ssk, k2, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k2, k2tog, yo, k4, repeat from * to the end of the round.




For sizes S, (M, L):

Round 35: *k3, yo, ssk, k2, yo, s2kp2, yo, k2, k2tog, yo, k5, repeat from * to the end of the round.

Round 37 (increase round): *k4, yo, ssk, k5, k2tog, yo, k4, k1, m1, k1, repeat from * to the end of the round. 220 (220, 240) sts.

Round 39: *k5, yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, k8, repeat from * to the end of the round.

Round 41: *k6, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k9, repeat from * to the end of the round.

Round 43 (increase round): *k7, yo, s2kp2, yo, k8, m1, k2, repeat from * to the end of the round. =231 (231, 252) sts.

Round 44: knit

Chart for sizes S, M, L

Click image to enlarge



For size S:

Starting from round 45, work 12 rounds in stockinette st. Rounds 45-56.

Round 49 (increase round): *k46, m1, from * repeat four more times, knit to the end of the round.

Total after last increase 236 sts.


For size M:

Starting from round 45, work 16 rounds in stockinette st. Rounds 45-60.

Round 49 (increase round): *k21, m1, from * repeat ten more times. 242 sts.
Round 55 (increase round): *k22, m1, from * repeat ten more times. 253 sts.
Round 60 (increase round): *k36, m1, from * repeat six more times. 260 sts.

Total after last increase 260 sts.


For size L:

Starting from round 45, work 20 rounds in stockinette st. Rounds 45-64.

Round 49 (increase round): *k21, m1, from * repeat eleven more times. 264 sts.
Round 55 (increase round): *k22, m1, from * repeat eleven more times. 276 sts.
Round 61 (increase round): *k23, m1, from * repeat eleven more times. 288 sts.
Round 64 (increase round): *k48, m1, from * repeat five more times. 294 sts.

Total after last increase 294 sts.


For size XL (2X, 3X):

Round 35 (increase round): * k3, yo, ssk, k2, yo, s2kp2, yo, k2, k2tog, yo, k4, m1, k1, repeat from * to the end of the round. =240 (260, 260) sts.

Round 37: *k4, yo, ssk, k5, k2tog, yo, k7, repeat from * to the end of the round.

Round 39 (increase round): *k5, yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, k7, m1, k1, repeat from * to the end of the round. =252 (273, 273) sts.

Round 41: * k6, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k10, repeat from * to the end of the round.

Round 43(increase round): *k7, yo, s2kp2, yo, k7, k1, m1, k3, repeat from * to the end of the round. =264 (286, 286) sts.

Round 44: knit

Chart for sizes XL, 2X, 3X

Click image to enlarge



For size XL:

Starting from round 45, work 24 rounds in stockinette st. Rounds 45-68.

Round 47 (increase round): *k22, m1, from * repeat eleven more times. 276 sts.
Round 51 (increase round): *k23, m1, from * repeat eleven more times. 288 sts.
Round 55 (increase round): *k24, m1, from * repeat eleven more times. 300 sts.
Round 59 (increase round): *k25, m1, from * repeat eleven more times. 312 sts.
Round 63 (increase round): *k26, m1, from * repeat eleven more times. 324 sts.
Round 67 (increase round): *k81, m1, from * repeat three more times. 328 sts.

Total after last increase 328 sts.


For size 2X:

Starting from round 45, work 26 rounds in stockinette st. Rounds 45-70.

Round 47 (increase round): *k22, m1, from * repeat twelve more times. 299 sts.
Round 51 (increase round): *k23, m1, from * repeat twelve more times. 312 sts.
Round 55 (increase round): *k24, m1, from * repeat twelve more times. 325 sts.
Round 59 (increase round): *k25, m1, from * repeat twelve more times. 338 sts.
Round 63 (increase round): *k26, m1, from * repeat twelve more times. 351 sts.
Round 67 (increase round): *k112, m1, from * repeat two more times, knit to the end of the round. 354 sts.

Total after last increase 354 sts.


For size 3X:

Starting from round 45, work 28 rounds in stockinette st. Rounds 45-72.

Round 47 (increase round): *k22, m1, from * repeat twelve more times. 299 sts.
Round 51 (increase round): *k23, m1, from * repeat twelve more times. 312 sts.
Round 55 (increase round): *k24, m1, from * repeat twelve more times. 325 sts.
Round 59 (increase round): *k25, m1, from * repeat twelve more times. 338 sts.
Round 63 (increase round): *k26, m1, from * repeat twelve more times. 351 sts.
Round 67 (increase round): *k27, m1, from * repeat twelve more times. 364 sts.
Round 71 (increase round): *k36, m1, from * repeat nine more times, knit to the end of the round. 374 sts.

Total after last increase 374 sts.



Divide for sleeves and bodice:

Divide the stitches into the following portions, starting from the marker at the beginning:
76 (86, 94, 102, 110, 118) sts for the back, place a marker
41 (44, 53, 62, 66, 68) sts for the right sleeve, place a marker
78 (86, 94, 102, 112, 120) for the front, place a marker
41 (44, 53, 62, 66, 68) sts for the left sleeve, place a marker


Shaping the Back Neck

Transfer back stitches to another circular needle and work 8 rows of stockinette back and forth.


Bodice

The bodice is worked in stockinette stitch in-the-round.

Transfer back stitches to a main needle and work RS round, transfer the right sleeve stitches to a length of a waste yarn, cast on 14 (15, 17, 18, 20, 22) sts for the underarm, work front stitches, transfer the left sleeve stitches to a length of a waste yarn, cast on 14 (15, 17, 18, 20, 22) sts for the underarm. The end of the round is between the left underarm and the back.

Place markers in the middle of each underarm portion (if there is an uneven amount of stitches, place marker so there are more stitches in the front: i.e. if 15 sts, place marker between 7th and 8th sts, so that 7 sts are towards the back and 8 sts are towards the front).

Total sts after division = 182 (202, 222, 240, 262, 282) sts.

Work 7 rounds in stockinette st.


Darts

The darts are shaped with short rows. There are no darts for size S. I would recommend to work darts for the rest of the sizes, as without the darts the front will look shorter than the back.

Work/knit the back sts and underarm sts till the right underarm /side marker.

Short row 1 (RS): k 0 (80, 88, 95, 104, 112), w&t.
Short row 2: purl 0 (58, 64, 69, 76, 82), w&t.
Short row 3: knit 0 (62, 67, 72, 79, 85), w&t, picking up the wrap and working it together with the stitch it was wrapped around.
Short row 4: purl 0 (66, 70, 75, 82, 88), w&t, picking up the wrap and working it together with the stitch it was wrapped around.
Short row 5: knit 0 (70, 73, 78, 85, 91), w&t, picking up the wrap and working it together with the stitch it was wrapped around.
Short row 6: purl 0 (74, 76, 81, 88, 94) w&t, picking up the wrap and working it together with the stitch it was wrapped around.
Short row 7: knit 0 (78, 79, 84, 91, 97), w&t, picking up the wrap and working it together with the stitch it was wrapped around.
Short row 8: purl 0 (82, 82, 87, 94, 100), w&t, picking up the wrap and working it together with the stitch it was wrapped around.
Short row 9: knit 0 (86, 85, 90, 97, 103), w&t, picking up the wrap and working it together with the stitch it was wrapped around.
Short row 10: purl 0 (90, 88, 93, 100, 106), w&t, picking up the wrap and working it together with the stitch it was wrapped around.
Short row 11: knit 0 (94, 91, 96, 103, 109), w&t, picking up the wrap and working it together with the stitch it was wrapped around.
Short row 12: purl 0 (98, 93, 99, 106, 112), w&t, picking up the wrap and working it together with the stitch it was wrapped around.

This is the end of dart for size M. Proceed to “After dart instructions”.

Short row 13: knit 0 (0, 96, 102, 109, 115), w&t, picking up the wrap and working it together with the stitch it was wrapped around.
Short row 14: purl 0 (0, 99, 105, 112, 118), w&t, picking up the wrap and working it together with the stitch it was wrapped around.

This is the end of dart for size L. Proceed to “After dart instructions”.

Short row 15: knit 0 (0.0, 108, 115, 121), w&t, picking up the wrap and working it together with the stitch it was wrapped around.
Short row 16: purl 0 (0, 0, 112, 118, 124), w&t, picking up the wrap and working it together with the stitch it was wrapped around.
Short row 17: knit 0 (0, 0, 115, 121, 127), w&t, picking up the wrap and working it together with the stitch it was wrapped around.
Short row 18: purl 0 (0, 0, 118, 124, 130), w&t, picking up the wrap and working it together with the stitch it was wrapped around.

This is the end of dart for size XL. Proceed to “After dart instructions”.

Short row 19: knit 0 (0, 0, 0, 127, 133), w&t, picking up the wrap and working it together with the stitch it was wrapped around.
Short row 20: purl 0 (0, 0, 0, 130, 136), w&t, picking up the wrap and working it together with the stitch it was wrapped around.

After dart instructions

Work stockinette st to the end of the round, picking up the wrap and working it together with the stitch it was wrapped around.

Knit 2 rounds.


Waist Shaping

To shape the waist there are a number of decreases from the armhole to the waist line, then there are a number of increases at the corresponding points to increase the width of the sweater from the waist to the hip line.

Starting from the left underarm marker, count 30 (34, 37, 40, 43, 47) sts in one direction, place a marker, count
30 (34, 37, 40, 43, 47) in the other direction and place a marker.
Starting from right underarm marker, count 30 (34, 37, 40, 43, 47) sts in one direction, place a marker, count
30 (34, 37, 40, 43, 47) in the other direction and place a marker.
Now there are 7 markers total: 2 underarms, marking the side seams, 2 on the front, 2 on the back and the marker for the beginning of the round.

Decrease at each marker (except at the beginning of the round marker) by 1 st by working ssk (6 st per round), every 10th round, four times. 158 (178, 198, 216, 238, 258) sts.


Work 50 rounds from armhole.

Begin increases for the waist shaping:

Increase at each marker (except at the beginning of the round marker) by 1 st, by working M1 (6 st per round) every 8th round, five times. 188 (208, 228, 246, 268, 288) sts.

Work total 108 (110, 112, 112, 112, 112) rounds from the armhole or to desired length, taking into consideration that there is a 2.5” (6 cm) 1x1 rib.

Using smaller needles work 12 rounds of 1 x 1 rib. Bind off, see pattern notes.



Sleeve

Sleeves are worked in the round, on dpn or circular 16” (40 cm) needles. You can also use longer circular needles and “magic loop” method. Sleeves are worked in stockinette st.

Transfer sts from a waste yarn to dpn, distributing the stitches evenly. Pick up and knit 14 (15, 17, 18, 20, 22) sts underarm. = 55 (59, 70, 80, 86, 90) sts.

Mark the beginning of the round.
Work total 30 rows or to desired length, taking into consideration, that there will be a 2.5” (6 cm) 1x1 rib.

Using smaller needles work 12 rounds of rib 1x1. Bind off, see pattern notes.


Finishing

Unravel the waste yarn from the neckline and transfer the stitches to US #2 (2.75mm) circular needle. Work 6 rows of 1x1 rib. Bind off, see pattern notes.

Weave in the ends of the yarn. Block the piece.

Enjoy!

Pattern for the matching cardigan is coming soon!

Click image to enlarge


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Comments

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Leave a comment about the article.
Poster: Jenny Andrews
September 18, 2018

I love this sweater pattern. I note that your site says that there is a matching cardigan pattern coming soon. Can you advise if this pattern is available yet. I would love to buy it

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