Fishbone sweater

Fishbone Sweater by Natalie Totska

What is Being Made

The Fishbone sweater is a top-down knitted pullover designed by independent designer Natalie Totska. This garment is constructed in the round, beginning at the neckline and working downward to create a seamless, unified piece. The pattern is available in three sizes: Small, Medium, and Large, with finished bust half circumferences of 44–48–56 cm (17.25–19–22 inches), fitting bust measurements of 80/88–90/98–100/116 cm (31/35–35/39–39–46 inches). The body length to the underarm measures 35 cm (14 inches), and sleeve lengths from the underarm range from 44–44–47 cm depending on size.

Techniques and Construction Methods

This sweater employs the popular top-down circular knitting method, which allows knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and easily adjust the length before binding off. The construction begins at the neckline and works continuously downward in the round, eliminating the need for seaming. The pattern incorporates cable techniques, as evidenced by the inclusion of a cable needle in the materials list, which creates the distinctive fishbone textural pattern that gives the sweater its name. The sleeves are worked either on short circular needles or double-pointed needles, maintaining the seamless construction throughout the entire garment.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The primary stitch structure used in this sweater is stocking stitch (also called stockinette stitch), which creates a smooth, classic knitted fabric with a recognizable V-pattern on the right side. Cable stitches are integrated into the design to form the fishbone motif, adding visual interest and texture to the sweater. The neckline is worked with a smaller needle size to create a fitted edge that sits comfortably at the neck.

Yarn and Materials

The Fishbone sweater is worked with 1 strand of DROPS Kid-Silk yarn, a lace-weight yarn that creates an airy, delicate fabric. The yardage requirement is 3–3–4 skeins depending on size. The gauge for this yarn and needle combination is 15 stitches and 22 rows over 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 inches) when knitted with the specified needles.

Needles and Tools Required

• Circular needle size 5 mm (US 8) in lengths of 40 cm, 80 cm, or 100 cm (16, 32, or 40 inches) for working the body in stocking stitch
• Circular needle size 4.5 mm (US 7) in 40 cm (16 inch) length for the neckline ribbing or edge
• Cable needle for executing cable stitches that form the fishbone pattern
• Short circular needles or double-pointed needles size 5 mm (US 8) in 40 cm (16 inch) length for sleeve construction
• Additional notions: tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping points, and scrap yarn for holding stitches

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic techniques. The combination of top-down circular knitting, cable work, and shaping requires familiarity with these methods, though the straightforward construction and clear gauge information support successful completion by knitters at this skill level.