Windbreak

Windbreak Sweater by Jenise Reid

What Is Being Made

Windbreak is a fitted pullover sweater designed by Jenise Reid, featuring a distinctive waist shaping that creates a flattering silhouette. The sweater is constructed using a bottom-up method with seamless construction, combining the body and sleeves into a unified yoke section. Six size options are available to fit bust measurements from 28 to 52 inches, making this design adaptable for a range of body types.

Construction Techniques

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key construction methods. The body and sleeves are knit separately from the bottom up using circular needles, then joined together onto a single needle to work the yoke section. Short rows are incorporated into the yoke construction to raise the back, creating proper shoulder shaping and fit. The sweater is worked primarily in the round, which eliminates seaming and creates a seamless, professional finish. The ribbed cuffs and waistband are created using garter ribbing, a textured stitch pattern that provides both visual interest and elastic recovery.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The main fabric is worked in stockinette stitch, the fundamental knit stitch pattern that creates a smooth, classic appearance. Garter ribbing is used for the cuffs and waistband sections, providing texture and stretch. The pattern requires proficiency with fundamental knitting techniques including knit and purl stitches, increases and decreases for shaping, and the ability to work comfortably in the round.

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: Malabrigo Merino Worsted, a 100% Merino Wool yarn with 210 yards per 100 grams. Yardage requirements range from 6 skeins for the smallest size to 10 skeins for the largest size. The sample shown is knit in colorway 12 Very Berry.

Needles: US size 3 (3.25 mm) circular needles in 24 to 36 inch lengths for the body, plus double-pointed needles or a long circular needle using the magic loop method for working the sleeves.

Additional Notions: Yarn needle for finishing, optional elastic thread for reinforcing the ribbed sections, and stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction sections.

Gauge and Finished Measurements

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 5 stitches and 7 rows per 1 inch when measured in stockinette stitch on blocked fabric. Finished bust and hip measurements range from 30 inches in the smallest size to 50 inches in the largest size, while the waist is intentionally shaped smaller, ranging from 22.5 inches to 42.5 inches, creating the sweater's characteristic fitted silhouette.

Skills Required

• Working in the round using circular needles
• Short row shaping for proper fit and shoulder construction
• Increases and decreases for waist shaping
• Knit and purl stitches for stockinette and ribbing
• Joining separate pieces onto one needle for yoke construction