Foster

Foster Knitted Slipover by Pat Menchini

What is Being Made

Foster is a knitted slipover design created by independent designer Pat Menchini. This garment is a sleeveless pullover available in six different sizes, ranging from chest measurements of 81-86 cm (32-34 inches) up to 132-137 cm (52-54 inches). The slipover offers a versatile layering piece suitable for various body types, with length measurements from shoulder ranging from 61 to 67 cm (24 to 26½ inches) depending on the size selected.

Craft and Techniques

Foster is designed as an intermediate-level knitting project, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond the basics. The pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques combined with cable work, as evidenced by the inclusion of a cable needle in the materials list. This combination of techniques creates visual interest while remaining accessible to intermediate crafters.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure is stockinette stitch (abbreviated as st st in the pattern), which forms the foundation fabric of the slipover. The pattern also incorporates knit (k) and purl (p) stitches as building blocks, with cable techniques worked using a cable needle to create textured pattern elements throughout the design.

Materials and Yarn

• Yarn: Rico-Design Creative Melange DK weight yarn in shade Grey-Turquoise. The yarn provides 200 metres (218 yards) per 50g ball.
• Yarn Quantity: Pattern requires between 4 and 6 balls of 50g depending on the size chosen (4 balls for smallest sizes, increasing to 6 balls for the largest sizes).
• Needles: Two pairs of needles are required—3.25 mm (UK size 10, US size 3) needles and 4 mm (UK size 8, US size 6) needles. The 4 mm needles are used for the main fabric knitting.
• Additional Notions: One cable needle for working cable stitches, and two stitch holders for managing stitches during construction.

Tension and Gauge

The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over stockinette stitch using 4 mm needles. Achieving correct tension is essential before beginning the project; knitters should test their tension swatch and adjust needle sizes accordingly if their gauge is too loose or too tight.