Agnes

Agnes Sweater by Deb Hoss

What Is Being Made

Agnes is an elegant, long-sleeved knit sweater designed by Deb Hoss. Inspired by a classic long-sleeved tee shirt, this piece combines refined simplicity with thoughtful shaping. The sweater features a snug fit at the bust and neckline, an A-line silhouette that extends to hip length, and a gently shaped waist defined by a 2x2 rib detail. The narrow sleeves are generously long, creating a sophisticated, elongated line. Available in seven sizes ranging from XS to 3X, Agnes is suitable for a range of body types and preferences.

Construction Method

Agnes is worked from the top down and in the round, a construction technique that allows for ease of fitting and customization. Stitches are picked up around the neckline for the rib trim and around the armhole for the set-in sleeves. The pattern employs a top-down set-in sleeve method, with techniques and guidance drawn from Elizabeth Doherty's Top Down: Reimagining Set-in Sleeve Design, a resource published by Quince & Co. This approach provides structure and professional finishing while maintaining the seamless quality of circular knitting.

Stitches and Techniques Used

This intermediate-level pattern requires a solid foundation in multiple knitting techniques:

• Cast-ons: Long-tail cast-on and cable cast-on
• Circular knitting: Working in the round for seamless construction
• Decreases: Slip, slip, knit (ssk) and knit two together (k2tog) for shaping
• Increases: Right-leaning lifted increase (RLI) and left-leaning lifted increase (LLI) for waist and sleeve shaping
• Stitch pick-up: Picking up stitches around the neckline and armhole
• Short-row shaping: Creating contoured shaping at the shoulders and sleeve caps for a custom fit
• Ribbing: 2x2 rib at the waist and neckline trim for structure and elasticity
• Blocking: Final finishing step to set stitches and achieve polished results

Yarn and Materials

Agnes is designed for sport-weight yarn, a versatile yarn weight that creates a refined drape and delicate fabric suitable for a fitted, elegant garment. The pattern requires circular needles appropriate for sport-weight yarn, as well as stitch markers and a tapestry needle for finishing. Specific yardage requirements vary by size and are detailed within the downloadable PDF pattern.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate, making it suitable for knitters with experience in basic techniques who are ready to develop skills in set-in sleeve construction, short-row shaping, and top-down garment assembly. The pattern provides clear instructions and references professional resources to support knitters through more advanced shaping techniques.