Aomame

Aomame Seamless Saddle Shoulder Sweater by Judith Brien Knits

What Is Being Made

Aomame is a top-down, seamless knit sweater featuring a distinctive saddle shoulder construction. The design takes its name from the Japanese word meaning "Green Pea" and is available in six sizes ranging from 32" to 46" finished bust measurements. The sweater is designed with approximately 2" ease at the bust and 3" ease at the hips, offering a comfortable, relaxed fit suitable for various body types.

Construction Method

This intermediate-level knitting project uses a top-down seamless construction technique, which allows knitters to try on the garment as they work and make adjustments easily. The saddle shoulder design is a classic knitwear construction method where the shoulder seams are positioned slightly back from the natural shoulder point, creating a flattering silhouette and improved fit. Because the sweater is seamless, there are no seams to sew together at the end, streamlining the finishing process.

Stitch Details and Design Features

• Twisted Rib Stitch Panels: The sweater showcases twisted rib stitch panels as a primary design element. These panels run down the length of each sleeve, creating vertical lines that enhance the visual appeal of the garment. A matching twisted rib panel is repeated down the middle of the back, providing continuity and visual interest throughout the design.
• Twisted Rib Bands: Twisted rib bands finish both the sleeves and body of the sweater, creating a polished, structured edge. These bands are completed with a stockinette stitch bind-off, providing a neat and professional finish.
• Stockinette Stitch: The main body of the sweater is worked in stockinette stitch, the most common knit fabric, providing a smooth, classic appearance that allows the twisted rib details to stand out.

Yarn and Materials

Yarn Weight: Fingering weight yarn is recommended for this project. The sample sweater was knitted using Lioness Arts BFL (Blue-Faced Leicester), a wool fiber known for its durability and stitch definition. The pattern notes that because the neckline is quite structured, a robust yarn that is not too soft works best, making BFL an excellent choice for this design.

Yarn Quantities: Yardage requirements vary by size. The 32" and 34" sizes require 875 yards (800 meters) of main color yarn, while the 37" size needs 985 yards (900 meters). The 40" size requires 1095 yards (1000 meters), the 43" size needs 1202 yards (1100 meters), and the largest 46" size requires 1313 yards (1200 meters) of main color. Contrast color yardage is also included for a two-color design option.

Needles and Tools: While specific needle sizes are not detailed in the provided content, fingering weight yarn typically requires US 0-2 (1.5-2.75mm) needles. Knitters should refer to the complete pattern instructions for exact needle size recommendations and any additional tools needed, such as stitch markers and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Difficulty Level

This sweater is rated as an intermediate-level knitting project, making it suitable for knitters who have completed several projects and are comfortable with techniques such as top-down construction, working in the round, and managing multiple stitches. The saddle shoulder shaping and twisted rib details require attention to pattern instructions, but the seamless construction method provides built-in fitting opportunities throughout the knitting process.