Finnian Woman's Slipover

Finnian Woman's Slipover by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Finnian Woman's Slipover is a sleeveless knitted garment designed by Martin Storey, featured in the Aran Knits collection. This intermediate-level project creates a fitted pullover vest suitable for everyday wear, with three size options to fit bust measurements of 82–87 cm (Small), 92–97 cm (Medium), and 102–107 cm (Large).

Knitting Techniques

This slipover employs several essential knitting techniques to create its structure and visual interest. The garment begins with ribbed edging, which provides elasticity and a neat finish at the lower edge. Increases are worked using the make one (m1) technique, which creates new stitches without visible holes and allows the designer to shape the garment from the ribbed cuff upward. The pattern incorporates cable panels as decorative elements positioned strategically across the front and back of the piece. Between these cable sections, moss stitch (also called seed stitch) is worked, creating a textured, reversible fabric that complements the cables. The construction method involves working flat in rows rather than in the round, allowing for seaming at the sides and armholes.

Stitches Used

• Knit (k) and Purl (p) stitches form the foundation of the pattern
• Ribbing (alternating knit and purl stitches in columns) creates the elastic lower edge and helps define the garment's silhouette
• Moss stitch (alternating single knit and purl stitches in a checkerboard pattern) fills the spaces between cable panels and adds textural depth
• Cable panels (twisted stitches created by crossing groups of stitches over one another) serve as the primary decorative feature, repeated three times across the width of the garment
• Make one (m1) increases distribute shaping evenly across the garment during the transition from the ribbed lower section to the main body

Materials and Tools

This pattern is worked in DK weight yarn, a medium-light yarn that creates a fabric with good drape and definition suitable for showcasing cable and texture work. The pattern requires two needle sizes: smaller needles (3.25mm/US 3) for the ribbed cuff and lower edge, which create a tighter gauge to ensure the ribbing stays elastic, and larger needles (4mm/US 6) for the main body, which allows the cable panels and moss stitch to display their full textural beauty. The size progression accommodates different bust measurements through strategic increases in stitch count and length adjustments, ensuring a well-fitted slipover across all three sizes.

Pattern Structure

The Finnian Woman's Slipover follows a classic top-down construction beginning with a cast-on edge at the lower body. The first section establishes ribbed edging through repeated rows of alternating knit and purl stitches, repeated 15 times to create sufficient elastic cuff. An increase row then distributes new stitches evenly across the width, creating the foundation for the main body pattern. The designer positions cable panels symmetrically, with moss stitch sections separating them and forming the background fabric. The back measures 31–33 cm (12¼–13 inches) from the cast-on edge before reaching the armhole shaping, providing a classic slipover length suitable for layering or wearing as a standalone piece.