The Birdie V-Neck is worked from the top-down. First, the saddles are worked flat, then you pick up along the saddles and use german short-rows to shape the top of the back. Then, you work the top of the left and right fronts individually, using GSR and increases to shape the neckline and push the V shape higher up on your shoulders. Next, you will join the left front → left saddle → back → right saddle → right front together and continue working flat to shape the V-neck with increases while beginning modified-raglan increases to shape the yoke and arms. When the neckline is complete, we will join in the round for several rounds before splitting for sleeves, joining in the round again and working the rest of the body. You will work two rounds of decreases to shape the bottom hem. Then, you will return to the arms and work rapid decreases in the round to shape the sleeves, then finish them with 2.5 inches ~6.5 cm of ribbing. Finally, you will pick up along the neckline and work 1x1 rib to shape the V-neck.

Sizes: 1 (2) 3 (4) 5 , with 13-19 in (~33-48 cm) positive ease

Gauge: 16 sts x 23 rows = 4x4 in = 10x10 cm on US 8 (5 mm)

Needles: US 8 (5 mm), US 6 (4 mm), US 4 (3.5 mm)

Yarn: Use an aran weight yarn that you really love! A thicker, wooly, tweedy yarn is very well-suited to this design. Some recommended yarns include: De Rerum Natura Cyrano, Kelbourne Woolens’ Lucky Tweed, Noro Madara, Noro Haunui, or Briggs & Little Heritage. 400 (500) 500 (600) 700 g Noro Madara (100 g = 218 yards)

Width under arm: 24.5 (25.8) 27.5 (29.8) 31.8 in = 62.2 (65.4) 69.9 (75.6) 80.6 cm

Full body length, top of shoulder to bottom of hem: 22.1 (24.1) 25.2 (25.0) 26.1 in = 56.2 (61.3) 63.9 (63.6) 66.2 cm

Techniques: long-tail cast on, keeping stitches on hold, tubular bind off with set-up rows, german short rows, picking up stitches, increasing, decreasing, wet blocking

See specs page in the photos for a full size guide and more details!