Backshore

Backshore Knit Sweater by Alicia Plummer

What is Being Made

Backshore is a knitted pullover sweater designed by independent designer Alicia Plummer. This garment is available in six sizes ranging from 33 inches to 53 inches finished bust measurement (84 cm to 135 cm), with positive ease of 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) built into the design for comfortable wear. The sweater features raglan construction and intentional front neck shaping, making it a sophisticated layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Construction Techniques

The Backshore sweater employs a hybrid flat and circular knitting method. The garment begins worked flat, then transitions to working in the round once the front neck shaping is completed. This mixed approach allows for precise shaping at the neckline while maintaining the efficiency of circular knitting for the body. The design incorporates short rows as a key shaping technique, with pattern notes directing knitters to external resources for proper short-row execution. The sweater also features raglan sleeve construction, indicated by the use of four raglan place markers throughout the knitting process.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used in Backshore is stockinette stitch, worked on the larger needles at a gauge of 18 stitches and 28 rows per 4 inches (10 cm). This classic stitch creates a smooth, refined fabric suitable for a refined sweater silhouette. The pattern incorporates a stretchy bind-off technique, with pattern notes directing knitters to a specific tutorial for proper execution of this finishing method, ensuring the neckline and cuffs maintain appropriate elasticity.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Backshore is designed to be worked in DK weight yarn, with yardage requirements varying by size: 425 to 800 yards (388 to 730 meters) of main color, plus additional yardage for a contrasting color. The pattern uses a two-color yarn approach, requiring knitters to alternate between main color (MC) and contrasting color (CC) throughout the project.

The pattern calls for two needle sizes to achieve proper gauge and fabric control:

• US size 8 (5 mm) needles in 24-inch (61 cm) circular needles and double-pointed needles (DPNs) for working the main fabric at the correct gauge
• US size 6 (4 mm) needles in 24-inch (61 cm) circular needles and DPNs for ribbing or other stitch patterns requiring tighter gauge

Additional notions required include five place markers (four for raglan increases and one for marking the beginning of round) and a darning needle for weaving in ends.

Difficulty Level

Backshore is rated as an intermediate-level knitting project. This classification reflects the pattern's inclusion of techniques such as short-row shaping, raglan construction, and transitioning between flat and circular knitting methods. Knitters should have foundational skills in basic stitches and increases before approaching this design.