Linear Links Sweater

Linear Links Sweater by Brigitte Reydams

What Is Being Made

The Linear Links Sweater is a cropped knit sweater designed by Brigitte Reydams. This intermediate-level knitting project features a modern, fitted silhouette with finished measurements of 40, 44, or 48 inches wide and 19 inches in length. The sweater is constructed using a side-to-side knitting method, creating a unique directional construction that builds the garment horizontally rather than in the traditional top-down or bottom-up approach.

Construction and Techniques

This sweater is knitted side to side, beginning with the sleeve and working across the body in one continuous piece. The construction method involves strategic increases worked every 6 rows along both edges to shape the garment as it grows. Each increase is carefully integrated into the pattern stitch to maintain design continuity throughout the piece. After the main body is completed, a 5-inch ribbed edging is worked at the end to finish the sweater with a polished, structured edge.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The Linear Links Sweater showcases a distinctive pattern stitch that creates visual interest through a combination of knit and purl stitches with slip-stitch elements. The pattern stitch is worked as follows:

• Row 1 (Right Side): Purl 3 stitches, then repeat the sequence of knit 1, purl 5 across, ending with purl 3
• Row 2 (Wrong Side): Knit 3 stitches, then repeat the sequence of slip 1 purlwise, knit 5 across, ending with knit 3

This alternating pattern of knit, purl, and slip stitches creates a textured, linear design that gives the sweater its distinctive character. The slip stitches add subtle texture and help define the horizontal lines of the pattern.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Linear Links Sweater requires 6, 7, or 8 skeins of yarn depending on size, using DK or sport weight yarn. The original design was created using Malabrigo Mechita yarn in the Blooming colorway from Great Adirondack, though this specific yarn is no longer available. Yarn substitution is encouraged, provided the substitute yarn maintains the same weight and gauge specifications. The pattern is worked on Size 7 needles to achieve the correct gauge of 5 stitches per inch.

Skill Level

Rated as an intermediate knitting project, the Linear Links Sweater requires foundational knitting knowledge including the ability to work pattern stitches, execute increases while maintaining stitch patterns, and manage gauge. The side-to-side construction and patterning techniques make this suitable for knitters with some experience who are ready to explore directional construction methods.