For me, knitting is active meditation, and as an educator I teach knitting as way to practice mindfulness and improve growth mindset skills. I love seeing students embrace the challenges of learning to knit and seeing their confidence grow as their skills improve. This pattern is designed for a new knitter who want to accept the challenge of a topdown pullover. The Challenge Accepted Pullover has the classic sweatshirt feel with it’s easy to fit, drapey fabric and crisp clean look. The simple stitch features of a decorative row between body and ribbing stitches, the prominent bar of the knit front and back increases in the raglan seams and the mock side seams are designed to mimic the iconic stitching detailing of a classic sweatshirt.

The Challenge Accepted Pullover uses a DK yarn knit at 20 st gauge which creates a fabric with lovely drape making it look equally good being worn causally or a little dressed up. The pattern offers the choice of three beginner friendly yarns: Bernat’s Softee Cotton, Estelle’s Double Knit and Estelle’s Eco Cotton DK. These yarns are affordable, have great stitch definition and offer a greater color selection.

The collar, body hem and sleeve cuffs can be knit in 1 x 1 ribbing with a purl row trim or for the more adventurous beginner, there is the option of the slipped stitch ribbing with an Estonian braid row. The same size needles are used throughout the sweater which give the ribbing the appearance of the relaxed ribbing of a well-worn sweatshirt. The body is cropped, boxy and has a false side seam. The sleeves are slightly fitted making it a great layer piece as well as offering a flattering contrast to the open neckline and cropped, boxy body. The sleeve hem is designed to be either worn long or folder over creating a cuff that delivers a flattering bracelet sleeve.

Designed to fit with a positive ease of 6-8 inches go to your closet and find your favorite oversized garment fit to guide your size selection.