“The chain” is a classic slipover worked in Half Brioche with eye-catching cable crossings at center (forming a chain), but with a modern touch, as it features a square, oversized shape. The dropped shoulders are shaped with short rows, while increases at the sleeve openings form short mock sleeves.

The slipover is intended to be worn over a longsleeve in spring or autumn. But worked in a summery yarn, it would also make a summer sweater.

Yarn & gauge
Needles: Needle size is 3,0mm.
Gauge: 20 sts x 40 rows in Half Brioche, after washing and blocking.

Approx. 800/ 900/ 1000/ 1100/ 1200 m of a Sport weight yarn needed. Choose a yarn which is suitable for working Half Brioche (e.g. pure wool; Linen or Alpaca yarns are not recommended).

For my sample, I have used BC Semilla Melange (100% wool, 175m/ 50g).
If you prefer handdyed yarns, Skudderia Semilla (100% wool, 320m/ 100g) would be the perfect substitute – or try the new Polwarth by Zauberwiese (100% wool, 350m/ 100g).

The bust circumference is between 100cm (size S) and 140cm (size XXL).
Worked at a gauge of 2 sts more/ less on 10cm, the piece will get approx. one size smaller/ bigger.
The slipover should be worn with approx. 10cm ease at bust.

Overview:
• Step 1: Work body from hem to underarm: Start ribbed hem in 2 pieces with slits at the sidelines. Work in Half Brioche up to underarm, joining back and front after a few cm, with a cable panel at center front.
• Step 2: Upper front: Separate into back and front. Work front with increases to shape the sleeve openings (to become mini-sleeves) and change cable to a “V” shape. Separate into left and right front for neck and work both sides separately, with neck decreases, continuing the side increases and the cable. When the armhole has its desired height, start short rows on shoulders on the opposite end of the neck shaping.
• Step 3: Upper back: Continue back with the same armhole increases and short rows as for the front, with only a small neck opening.
• Step 4: Finishing: Join shoulders using the 3-needle-bindoff technique. Add edges: Pick up stitches from neck and armholes and add ribbed edge.

Errata:
Step 2C: Short rows for shaping left shoulder
Row 75/ 77/ 79/ 83/ 87 (RS) = SRL 1 = short row 1 on left shoulder with last neck decrease: Work in pattern to 2 sts before end, k2tog. (Technically it’s no short row: they will start next row). 45/ 47/ 53/ 57/ 57 sts.