This is my first test for the talented designer, Kay Hopkiins. I love her classic, clean style. I can’t say enough good things about this pattern. The fit is great, it’s super comfy and flattering. Easy to follow instructions in both chart and written form. Body and sleeves are straight (no shaping). The small size fit me perfectly, but you can shape to fit yourself, if required. I followed all the stitch counts in the pattern without any alterations except to lengthen the sleeves and body a little. (I’m 5’-7.5” tall.)

Finished measurements (after shrinking in a warm dryer):

All circumference measurements were per the pattern for size S.

Body length from underarm - 13”

Sleeve length from underarm - 18”

Turtleneck length - 8”

Although I had 120 sts for my neckline/turtleneck (per pattern for size S), I shaped my turtleneck by alternating needle sizes throughout. I did this because I wanted it to fit very snug around my neck.

Pattern gives multiple options, so there’s something for everyone. My chosen options:

• Turtleneck

• no faux seams

• no split or uneven hem

• no antler detaiing on sleeves or lower body

Needles used:

Turtleneck - Sizes 0 through 5 US
Started and ended with size 5 US.

Body and sleeves - Size 6 US

Body ribbing - Size 5 US

Sleeve ribbing - Size 4 US

All purl rounds - Size 5 US

All bind off rounds - Size 4 US (JSSBO)

What I did differently:

• Instead of casting on as the pattern indicates and picking up stitches for the collar later, I did a tubular cast-on at the top of the turtleneck and worked my way down. This was because my yarn has good memory (chain construction) and will not stretch out over time. If you are using softer yarn such as merino, alpaca or cashmere, you may want to follow the instructions given in the pattern. The designer suggests doing it this way to prevent stretching and to give more structure around the neckline.

• I only did one round of purl stitches under the neckline ribbing and above the ribbing on sleeves and body. This was a mistake on my part, but I rather like the way it looks. If I were to knit this again using finer yarn, I might do the two rounds of purl stitches as instructed in the pattern. It looks good either way.

RT and LT - Right and Left Twist Stitch Video Tutorial

RLI and LLI - Right and Left Lifted Increases Video Tutorial

Knitting Calculators

Tubular CO in the Round w 1x1 ribbing without a Jog

Learn about this yarn.

Test Knit Forum