Cropped sweater

Cropped Sweater by Claire Montgomerie

What is Being Made

This is a contemporary cropped sweater designed by Claire Montgomerie from her spring/summer 2009 collection. The garment features a modern cropped silhouette that is intentionally styled to be worn layered over vests, t-shirts, and dresses rather than to expose the midriff. The design offers versatility, as the pattern can be easily modified to create a longer jumper for those who prefer extended length. The sweater is available in four size options with actual chest measurements ranging from 78 cm (30½ inches) to 101.5 cm (40 inches), modeled with approximately 3 cm (1 inch) of positive ease for comfortable fit.

Knitting Techniques Used

This advanced-level knitting project employs several sophisticated techniques to create its finished structure. The pattern utilizes cable knitting, as evidenced by cable stitches worked using a cable needle. The construction involves working with yarn held double for certain sections, which adds density and texture to specific areas of the garment. Stocking stitch forms the primary fabric base, worked at different tensions depending on yarn weight and needle size to achieve proper gauge. The pattern requires working from a stitch holder and incorporates shaping techniques to create the cropped silhouette and proper garment fit.

Stitches Used

• Stocking Stitch (st st) – The primary fabric stitch throughout the garment, creating a smooth, classic knitted surface
• Cable Stitches – Specifically C4F (Cable four forward), created by placing stitches on a cable needle to create twisted, dimensional texture
• Shaping Stitches – Techniques for increasing and decreasing to form the cropped shape and proper garment proportions

Materials and Specifications

The cropped sweater is designed to be knitted with Punte del Este Mericash yarn, a luxury blend composed of 80% Merino wool and 20% Mongolian Cashmere. This premium yarn comes in 50-gram balls with a yardage of 240 meters per ball, providing excellent warmth and softness. The project requires 7 to 11 balls depending on size, with shade 321 specified in the pattern.

Three needle sizes are required for this project, allowing for different fabric densities and textures: 2.5 mm (US 1½) needles, 3 mm (US 2½) needles, and 4 mm (US 6) needles. Additional tools include a cable needle for cable stitch work, a stitch holder for managing active stitches, and a darning needle for seaming and finishing.

Gauge and Tension

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this advanced project. When working with yarn held double using 4 mm needles, the tension should measure 22 stitches and 30 rows over 10 cm (4 inches) in stocking stitch. When working with a single strand of yarn using 3 mm needles, the tension increases to 32 stitches and 40 rows over the same 10 cm measurement. Knitters should swatch carefully and adjust needle size as needed to obtain the correct gauge before beginning the main garment.