Frances Sweater

Frances Sweater by Jo Sharp

What is Being Made

The Frances Sweater is a women's pullover sweater crafted from luxurious mohair yarn. This is a body-hugging garment featuring long sleeves with shaped and fitted cap construction. The design includes a ribbed neckband and comes in four size options (A through D) to fit bust measurements ranging from 80cm to 110cm (31½ to 43¼ inches). The sweater combines elegance with wearability, making it suitable for a range of occasions.

Techniques Used

The Frances Sweater employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginner-level crafters. The main body is constructed using flat knitting on straight needles, with the garment pieces worked separately before assembly. Shaped sleeve caps are incorporated to create a fitted silhouette that hugs the body contours. The neckband is worked in ribbed stitch using a circular needle, a technique that provides stretch and a finished appearance at the neck opening. Pieces are joined together using a tapestry needle, requiring basic seaming skills to complete the garment.

Stitches Used

• Stocking Stitch: The primary stitch used throughout the main bodice, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric with a flat appearance on the right side
• Rib Stitch: Applied to the neckband edgings to provide elasticity and a professional finish at the neck opening

Materials and Specifications

The Frances Sweater is knitted using Jo Sharp Rare Comfort Kid Mohair, a lace-weight yarn available in two colorways for this design. The pattern requires 4 to 5 balls of the main color (642 Metal) and 2 balls of the contrast color (608 Char), depending on the chosen size. The total yardage varies by size to accommodate the different bust measurements and bodice circumferences.

Knitting needles required include one pair of 8.00mm needles (USA 11, UK 0) for the main bodice work and one pair of 7.00mm needles (USA 10.5, UK 2) for the ribbed edgings. A 7.00cm (60mm) circular needle in 7.00mm size is used for working the neckband in the round. Additional notions include stitch holders for managing stitches during construction and a tapestry needle for seaming the finished pieces together.

Gauge and Sizing

The tension for the main bodice is 11.5 stitches and 16 rows measured over 10cm (approximately 4 inches) of stocking stitch using 8.00mm needles. The rib edgings are worked at a gauge of 16 stitches and 16 rows over the same measurement. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for the sweater to fit properly across the bust and maintain the intended bodice length of 50 to 54cm (19½ to 21¼ inches) and sleeve length of 48 to 49cm (19 to 19¼ inches) from underarm to cuff.