1919 Cropped Striped Sweater

1919 Cropped Striped Sweater by Crucci NZ

What is Being Made

The 1919 Cropped Striped Sweater is a beginner-friendly knitted pullover featuring horizontal stripes in multiple colors. This design offers a contemporary cropped silhouette with a relaxed fit, available in four sizes ranging from Small (75-80cm bust) to Extra Large (105-110cm bust). The finished garment measures approximately 100cm to 130cm across the bust, depending on size selected, with a cropped length of 47-50cm and consistent sleeve length of 43cm.

Techniques Used

This project employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginners. The primary construction method uses stocking stitch (also called stockinette stitch), which creates the classic smooth, V-patterned fabric that forms the base of the sweater. The striped effect is achieved through color work, systematically changing yarn colors at regular intervals to create horizontal bands throughout the garment. The pattern requires basic shaping techniques including increases for sleeve cap shaping and standard cast-on and cast-off methods. Tension control is emphasized as critical to achieving proper fit and drape.

Stitches Used

• Stocking Stitch (Stockinette Stitch): The primary stitch throughout the sweater, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side to produce the characteristic smooth fabric
• Knit Stitches: Used for right-side rows in stocking stitch
• Purl Stitches: Used for wrong-side rows in stocking stitch
• Cast-On: Used to create the initial stitches at the beginning of the project
• Cast-Off: Used to secure and finish the final row of stitches

Materials and Tools

This sweater is knitted using super chunky weight yarn in Rhythm balls from the manufacturer's collection. The yarn requirements vary by size: Small requires 5 balls of main color, 2 balls of first contrast, and 1 ball of second contrast; Medium requires 6 balls main, 2 balls first contrast, and 1 ball second contrast; Large requires 6 balls main, 3 balls first contrast, and 2 balls second contrast; and Extra Large requires 7 balls main, 3 balls first contrast, and 2 balls second contrast. Quantities are noted as approximate due to natural variation between individual knitters.

The required tools include one pair of 12mm knitting needles (or the size necessary to achieve correct tension) and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming pieces together. The pattern specifies a tension of 8 stitches and 12 rows to 10cm over stocking stitch using 12mm needles. Knitters are instructed to work a 15cm x 15cm tension square by casting on 12 stitches and working 18 rows in stocking stitch before beginning the main project, ensuring proper gauge for accurate sizing and fit.