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Criterion is a classic colorwork yoke sweater with a little extra presence. Knit seamlessly from the top down in fingering weight yarn, it pairs a modern silhouette with a bold Art Deco inspired motif.

The yoke is engaging and straightforward, and once the colorwork is complete the rest of the sweater settles into smooth stockinette for easy, everyday knitting. The fit is neat and close without feeling tight, designed to sit comfortably and layer easily under your jackets and coats.

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Design Details

Criterion begins with a ribbed collar and German short rows to shape the back neckline for a comfortable fit. The yoke colorwork is worked from a chart using a main color and contrast color.

Most floats remain short and manageable. Optional Ladderback Jacquard instructions are included for securing longer floats in the final motif rounds.

After the yoke, the sweater transitions to stockinette in the round, creating a smooth, wearable body.

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Pattern Highlights

• Stranded colorwork yoke with a modern silhouette
• Seamless top down construction so you can try it on as you knit
• Manageable floats with optional Ladderback Jacquard support
• Close but comfortable everyday fit

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Construction Overview

Criterion is worked seamlessly from the top down in the round.

Once the yoke is complete, sleeve stitches are placed on hold and the body continues in stockinette to the desired length, then finished with a ribbed hem and twisty bind off.

Sleeves are picked up and worked in the round and can be knit to your preferred length with optional decreases for a slimmer fit.

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Yarn Notes

We knit our sample in Explorer Knits & Fibers Cashmere Caverns Sock, and it’s a beautiful match for this style of colorwork. The stitch definition keeps the motif crisp while the cashmere adds softness and a slight halo that softens the geometric lines.

Fiber: 80% Superwash Merino / 10% Cashmere / 10% Nylon
Yardage: 435 yd (398 m) / 100 g

Any fingering weight yarn with clear stitch definition will work well for this design.

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Needles & Gauge

• US 2 (2.75 mm) 16” circular or DPNs for ribbing
• US 4 (3.5 mm) 16–40” circular needles for body and sleeves

28 sts x 26 rows = 4” x 4” in stranded stockinette in the round, wet blocked

Adjust needle size as needed to obtain gauge.

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Yarn & Yardage

Main Color
960 (1100, 1240, 1380, 1450, 1610, 1780, 1860, 1940, 2000, 2150) yards
878 (1006, 1143, 1262, 1326, 1472, 1628, 1701, 1774, 1829, 1966) meters

Contrast Color
135 (155, 175, 195, 205, 225, 250, 260, 272, 280, 301) yards
124 (142, 160, 178, 187, 206, 229, 238, 249, 256, 275) meters

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Finished Measurements

Criterion is designed for 0–4” positive ease.

To choose your size:

1. Measure your full bust
2. Add 0–4”
3. Choose the pattern size closest to that number

Bust Circumference:
31.5 (35, 39, 44, 46, 50, 54, 57, 59, 61.5, 64.5)“

Example:
For a 36” bust, knit the 39” size for 3” of positive ease

Yoke Depth:
8.5 (8.5, 9, 9, 9.5, 11, 11, 11.5, 12, 12, 12.5)“

Upper Arm:
9.75 (10.25, 10.75, 12, 13.5, 15.5, 16, 17, 18, 19.5, 20.5)“

Body and sleeve length are customizable (sample shown approx. 13” body, 14–15.5” sleeve)

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Let’s Knit Together

This pattern includes video tutorials, and our Discord community is always open if you’d like pattern support or want to share your progress.

Join us here: https://discord.gg/zNq6Y3cF

#sizeinclusive