Daphne Plus - 12ply sweater with polo collar and pocket

Daphne Plus - 12ply Chunky Knit Sweater with Polo Collar

What is Being Made

The Daphne Plus is a ladies' sweater designed in plus sizes, created by Jennifer Lee. This garment features a classic polo neck collar, a practical front pocket, and comfortable raglan sleeves. The sweater is constructed using stocking stitch as the primary fabric, with 2x2 ribbed bands at the cuffs, hem, and neckline for a refined finish. Available in sizes 2XL through 5XL, the sweater is designed to fit bust measurements from 120cm to 150cm (47¼ to 59 inches), with garment measurements ranging from 130cm to 160cm (51¼ to 63 inches). The approximate length varies slightly by size, from 60cm to 63cm (23½ to 25 inches), while the sleeve length remains consistent at 43cm (17 inches) across all sizes.

Techniques and Construction Methods

This sweater employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginners, despite its sophisticated appearance. The pattern uses raglan sleeve construction, a method where sleeves are increased gradually from the cuff to the armhole, creating diagonal seam lines from the underarm to the neckline. This technique provides excellent fit and ease of movement. The stocking stitch fabric creates a smooth, professional appearance on the right side of the garment. The polo collar and ribbed bands are worked using 2x2 ribbing, a classic technique that alternates knit and purl stitches in groups of two, creating an elastic, fitted edge that hugs the body. The front pocket is integrated into the sweater's construction, adding both functionality and visual interest to the design.

Stitches Used

• Stocking Stitch (Stockinette Stitch): The primary stitch throughout the body and sleeves, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing the characteristic smooth, V-patterned fabric
• 2x2 Ribbing: Used for the cuffs, hem, and polo neck collar, this stitch combines knit and purl stitches in alternating groups of two to create elasticity and structure
• Increase and Decrease Stitches: Essential for shaping the raglan sleeves and achieving proper fit across the plus-size range

Yarn and Materials

The Daphne Plus is designed to be worked in Panda Brushed Wool 12ply yarn, a chunky-weight option that works up quickly and creates a warm, textured fabric. The pattern requires 24 to 29 balls depending on size, with each ball weighing 50g and measuring approximately 70 meters. The 12ply weight (equivalent to bulky or chunky weight in other classification systems) makes this an ideal choice for beginners, as the larger yarn creates visible stitches and works up rapidly. The brushed wool finish adds softness and a subtle napped texture to the finished garment.

Needles and Tools Required

Construction requires a pair of 5.50mm (UK 5, US 9) straight knitting needles for the main fabric, along with two circular needles in complementary sizes: a 5.50mm circular needle for working the ribbed bands in the round, and a 6.00mm (UK 4, US 10) circular needle for any larger circumference sections. Additional supplies include four stitch holders for managing stitches during construction and a wool needle for seaming and finishing. These needle sizes are specifically calibrated to achieve the required tension of 17 stitches and 23 rows per 10cm (4 inches) over stocking stitch.

Difficulty Level

Rated as Easy and suitable for beginners, the Daphne Plus pattern uses straightforward knitting techniques and clear construction methods. The chunky yarn weight makes stitches easy to see and manipulate, reducing the likelihood of errors. The raglan sleeve shaping, while requiring attention to increases, follows a logical progression that beginners can master with basic knitting knowledge.