On the Ocean is a relaxed pullover with a part drop-shoulder, part dolman-style construction. This creates a sweater with a laid-back look that feels both modern and classic. And it’s designed it such a way to be both approachable for newer garment knitters while still being interesting and engaging for those with more experience.

It has top-down construction (including some short rows at the neck for a comfortable fit), and increases are worked at each shoulder to grow the body width. Full construction details can be found below.

It also features all-over wide stripes, though you can opt to work it in a single color if preferred. While the pattern is written with a ribbed neckline, I’ve included an optional rolled mock-neck variation for those who’d like a little more neck coverage (I’ve included photos here that show both options).

This pattern is part of my Water’s Edge mini collection. Patterns can be purchased separately or together as an ebook at a discounted price.

Pattern includes link to my online On the Ocean Tips Page that includes:

• Tips on picking a size, yarn and gauge swatching.
• Making modification, including an alternate neck trim treatment.
• FAQ about gauge, including how to knit the pattern “off-gauge”.
• Tutorials for every technique used in the pattern.
• Tips on working with 2 colors and carrying yarn as you go.

PATTERN INFORMATION:

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

Finished Body Circumference:
36.5 (40.25, 44, 48.5, 53) (57.5, 62.25, 66.75, 71.25)“/
92.5 (102, 112, 123, 134.5) (146, 158, 169.5, 181) cm

note: full schematic can be found on my website

Picking Your Size:
Because of this garment’s construction style, I recommend picking a size whose finished body circumference is approx 6-12”/15-30.5 cm larger than your actual bust measurement, depending on your desired fit. Shown in size 3, being worn with approx 10-11”/25.5- 28 cm of positive ease.

Gauge: 17.5 sts & 27 rnds = 4”/10 cm in St st in the rnd after
blocking.

Yarn: Worsted-weight yarn, shown in Sea Isle by Plymouth
(50% Organic Pima Cotton, 50% Fine Merino Wool; 100g = 329 yds), broken down as follows:

• MAIN COLOR (MC): 675 (775, 875, 975, 1075) (1175, 1275, 1375, 1500) yards, 3 (3, 3, 3, 4) (4, 4, 5, 5) skeins, shown in color 11 Sand Dollar.

• CONTRASTING COLOR (CC): 200 (225, 250, 275, 325) (350, 375, 400, 425) yards, 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) (2, 2, 2, 2) skeins, shown in color 1 Soft White.

Note: If you prefer to omit stripes, just add the two yardages together to get the total needed.

Needles & Other Supplies:
• For body/gauge: US 10/6 mm 24”/60 cm and 32”/80 cm circs, or size needed to obtain gauge (note: sizes 6-9 may also want to consider a 40”/100 cm long circ for the body).
• For neck ribbing & neck short rows: US 9/5.5 mm 16”/40 cm circ, or 1 needle size smaller than that used to obtain gauge.
• For hem ribbing: US 9/5.5 mm 32”/80 cm circ, or 1 needle size smaller than that used to obtain gauge.
• For sleeves: US 10/6 mm for working small circumferences (either DPNs, magic loop, or other preferred method), or size used to obtain gauge.
• For sleeve cuffs: US 9/5.5 mm for working small circumferences, or 1 needle size smaller than that used for sleeves.
• 4 stitch markers (one a different style than others).
• 1 locking stitch marker.
• Stitch holder cords or scrap yarn.
• Tapestry needle.

Construction:
• Piece is worked in the round starting at the top. After the neck trim is worked, increases are worked at each shoulder to create that dolman-style silhouette (and short rows are also worked at the top to lower the front neckline a bit).
• Once the body width is achieved through this shoulder shaping, each front and back is worked separately and flat down to the underarm to create the armhole depth, just like a drop-shoulder piece.
• Then the piece is joined back in the round (with some underarm shaping to help reduce excess fabric) and worked in one piece down to the hem.
• Bracelet-length sleeves are created by picking-up and knitting stitches around the armhole and working in the round to the cuff.