ZIPPER SLIPOVER Printed Pattern by PetiteKnit KNiTT

The Zipper Slipover is worked from the top down. The collar is worked in rib, then folded double and knitted together. After this, the shoulders are worked with increases on both RS and WS rows and short rows are worked to shape the neckline. The stitches for the fronts are placed on stitch holders, while the back yoke is being worked. Then the fronts are worked to the bottom of the armholes, where back and fronts are joined again for the body, which is worked straight in the round. Rib edges are worked around the armholes from stitches that are picked up and knitted. Finally, a facing for the zipper is worked from resting stitches, so the zipper, after being sewn in, also looks presentable from the WS. The zipper is sewn in between the two layers of knitting – either by hand or on a sewing machine.

Begin by working a swatch to determine which needle size you need to achieve the correct gauge.

Size guide

The Zipper Slipover is designed to have approx. 25 cm [9¾ inches] of positive ease, meaning it is designed to be 25 cm [9¾ inches] larger in circumference than your bust measurement. The sizes XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL (4XL) 5XL are designed to fit a bust circumference of 80-85 (85-90) 90-95 (95-100) 100-110 (110-120) 120-130 (130-140) 140-150 cm [31½-33½ (33½-35½) 35½-37½ (37½-39½) 39½-43¼ (43¼-47¼) 47¼-51¼ (51¼-55) 55-59 inches]. The measurements for the finished garment are on the front page of the pattern. Before beginning your project, measure yourself to determine which size to knit. For example, if you measure 88 cm [34¾ inches] around your bust (or around the widest part of your upper body) you should knit a size S. A size S sweater has a bust circumference of 113 cm [44½ inches] which in the given example would give you 25 cm [9¾ inches] of positive ease.

Sizes: XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL (4XL) 5XL

Bust circumference: 108 (113) 119 (121) 132 (141) 152 (161) 172 cm [42½ (44½) 46¾ (47¾) 52 (55½) 59¾ (63½) 67¾ inches]

Length: 61 (63) 65 (66) 66 (67) 67 (68) 68 cm [24 (24¾) 25½ (26) 26 (26½) 26½ (26¾) 26¾ inches] (measured mid back excl. collar)

Gauge: 15 sts x 24 rows = 10 x 10 cm [4 x 4 inches] in stockinette stitch on 5 mm [US8] needles after wash and blocking. 16 sts x 24 rows = 10 x 10 cm [4 x 4 inches] in half-twisted rib (k1 tbl, p1) on 5 mm [US8] needles after wash and blocking (gauge of rib hem)

21-22 sts x 24 rows = 10 x 10 cm [4 x 4 inches] in half-twisted rib (k1 tbl, p1) on 4 mm [US6] needles after wash and blocking (gauge of rib collar)

Needles: Circular needles: 5 mm [US8] / 80 or 100 cm [32 or 40 inches] and 4 mm [US6] / 40 and 80 cm [16 and 32 inches]. You will need two sets of 4 mm circular needles. Double-pointed needles (or circular needle): 4.5 mm [US7]

Materials: 400 (400) 450 (450) 500 (500) 550 (550) 600 g Peruvian Highland Wool by Filcolana (50 g = 100 m [109 yds]) or 400 (400) 450 (450) 500 (500) 550 (550) 600 g Alpakka Ull by Sandnes Garn (50 g = 100 m [109 yds]) held together with 100 (100) 100 (100) 125 (125) 125 (150) 150 g Tilia by Filcolana (25 g = 210 m [232 yds]) or Tynn Silk Mohair by Sandnes Garn (25 g = 212 m [232 yds]). 6 mm / 35 cm [13¾ inches] zipper.

Difficulty: ★ ★ ★ ★ (4 out of 5)