Finnian Man's Slipover

Finnian Man's Slipover by Martin Storey

What Is Being Made

The Finnian Man's Slipover is a sleeveless pullover sweater designed for men, available in three sizes: Small (to fit chest 92–97 cm / 36–38 in), Medium (102–107 cm / 40–42 in), and Large (112–117 cm / 44–46 in). This intermediate-level knitting project combines classic cable panel details with moss stitch texture, creating a sophisticated layering piece suitable for casual or smart-casual wear.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques. The garment begins with a ribbed cuff worked in single rib (alternating knit and purl stitches) to create stretch and structure at the cast-on edge. An increase row uses make-one (m1) increases to transition from the ribbed section to the main body, distributing new stitches strategically to accommodate the cable panels. The primary fabric combines moss stitch (also called seed stitch), which alternates knit and purl stitches on every row to create a textured, reversible surface, with cable panel sections that add visual interest and dimension. Cable panels require working stitches out of sequence to create twisted rope-like effects.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (k) – the fundamental stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl stitch (p) – used in combination with knit stitches to create texture
• Single rib (k1, p1) – elastic ribbing at the cast-on edge
• Moss stitch – alternating knit and purl stitches on consecutive rows to create a bumpy, textured surface
• Cable panels – multi-row pattern sections that feature crossed stitches to create raised, twisted effects
• Make-one increase (m1) – a method for adding new stitches between existing stitches during the transition from ribbing to main body

Materials

This pattern is worked in DK weight yarn, a medium-light yarn that creates a fabric with good drape and definition for stitch detail. The pattern requires two needle sizes: 3.25mm (US 3) needles for the ribbed cuff section, which creates a tighter gauge and elastic edge, and 4mm (US 6) needles for the main body, which produces a slightly looser gauge to accommodate the cable and moss stitch patterns. The larger needle size allows the cable panels and textured stitches to display clearly while maintaining proper fabric structure.