Lizzie Sweater

Lizzie Sweater by Susanne Sommer

What is Being Made

The Lizzie Sweater is a casual fit cropped knit sweater designed by Susanne Sommer. This two-color knit top-down garment features a distinctive graphic textured raglan yoke paired with low sleeves, creating a modern and relaxed silhouette. The sweater is worked in a downloadable PDF pattern format and is suitable for advanced knitters seeking a project with sophisticated stitch techniques and color work.

Construction Method

This sweater is knit top-down, a construction method that allows knitters to try on the garment as they work and easily adjust length and fit. The top-down approach begins at the neckline and progresses downward through the yoke, body, and sleeves, eliminating the need for extensive seaming.

Techniques Used

• Raglan shaping – The yoke features a graphic textured raglan construction with increases that create the characteristic diagonal lines from neckline to underarm
• Two-color knitting – The sweater incorporates contrasting colors throughout the design, particularly in the yoke detail work
• Brioche knitting – Horizontally ribbed and vertically striped brioche triangles create the textured graphic elements within the raglan yoke
• Short-row shaping – Used to create the neckline with a custom fit
• Garter stitch shoulders – Adds textural interest and structure to the shoulder area

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch – The primary stitch used for the main body, sleeves, and remainder of the yoke, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric
• Brioche stitch – Featured in the horizontally ribbed and vertically striped triangles of the raglan yoke for dimensional texture
• Garter stitch – Applied to the shoulders for added structure and visual definition
• Twisted rib – Used for the cuffs, hem, and short-row neckline to provide elasticity and a refined finish

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Lizzie Sweater is designed for 4-ply (fingering weight) yarn, which provides fine stitch definition ideal for showcasing the brioche and textured yoke work. The pattern requires two colors of fingering weight yarn, each with a yardage range of 366–400 meters per 100 grams.

Total yardage requirements vary by size: sizes 1–5 require between 754–1315 meters (825–1438 yards) total across 3–4 skeins, while larger sizes 6–8 require 1447–1743 meters (1583–1906 yards) across 4–6 skeins. The contrasting color (CC) and main color (MC) are distributed throughout the pattern, with the contrasting color requiring 189–436 meters depending on size.

Sizing and Fit

The Lizzie Sweater is offered in 8 sizes to fit chest circumferences ranging from 81 cm (32") to 152 cm (60"). The finished sweater includes approximately 10 cm (4") of positive ease, providing a comfortable, relaxed fit. Knitters are advised to check the schematic before selecting a size to ensure proper fit.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated advanced, reflecting the complexity of techniques required. Knitters should be comfortable with brioche stitch, two-color knitting, raglan shaping, and short-row techniques before beginning this project.

Designer Information

The Lizzie Sweater is designed by Susanne Sommer, an independent designer. Additional pattern details and designer contact information can be found at www.sosu.at, with social media presence at @sosuknits and #sosuknits.