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Say hello to the Elan Sweater—an off-shoulder design that’s equal parts simple and sophisticated, making it a timeless addition to your wardrobe. With its fold-over collar and flared sleeves, it might sound tricky to make, but don’t worry—it’s beginner-friendly and uses only basic knitting techniques.

You can style it however you like—keep the collar for a classic look or skip it for something more laid-back. Since it’s worked from the top down, you can easily adjust the body and sleeve lengths to fit your style. Plus, if you’re into step-by-step instructions, there’s a full set of video tutorials available as a course to guide you through it all.

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French, German, Spanish and Portuguese translation provided by knitlingo.com

Difficulty: Advanced Beginner

Sizes: 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)

Finished bust circumference:

• 86 (96, 106, 116, 126, 136, 146, 156, 166) cm
• 34½ (38½, 42½, 46½, 50½, 54½, 58½, 62½, 66½)”

Designed to be worn with 5-10 cm / 2-4” positive ease around the chest.

Yarn: DK weight yarn. Depending on the length of the sweater, allow approximately:

• 1160 (1250, 1360, 1440, 1540, 1640, 1730, 1845, 1950) m
• 1265 (1365, 1485, 1575, 1680, 1795, 1895, 2015, 2135) yds

Yarn used in the sample (size 2) is 11 balls of Willow & Lark Poetry (60% Merino wool, 10% Camel, 30% Acrylic, 114 m 125 yds / 50 g), Owl Grey (#602) colourway.

Gauge: 20 sts & 28 rows = 10 cm / 4” in Stockinette flat and in the round, blocked.

Suggested needles: 3.75 mm (US 5) circulars 60-150 cm / 24-60″ long and (optional) DPNs for small circumference knitting.

Notions: Stitch markers, row counter, scissors, tape measure, stitch holders or waste yarn, tapestry needle.

Techniques used: Lifted increases, Backwards loop cast-on, knitting in the round, Grandma’s favourite bind-off.

Construction notes: This sweater is worked seamlessly from the top down, beginning with a shoulder band. The band is a 5-stitch-wide tube, knitted to match the circumference of the yoke, forming the foundation for the rest of the garment. Once the band is complete, stitches are picked up along its edges to create the yoke. Raglan increases are then used to shape the yoke as it grows to the underarm.

At this point, the sleeve stitches are set aside, and front and back are joined, with additional underarm stitches added for certain sizes. The body is then worked in the round down to the hem, which is finished with 2x2 ribbing.

The sleeves are completed separately, worked from the underarm down to the cuff. Increases are used to create a trumpet-like flare, ending with a fold-over 2x2 ribbed cuff. Finally, stitches are picked up along the top edge of the shoulder band to form the fold-over collar. It is worked with some increases until it reaches the desired length.