Good Silence Sweater

Good Silence Sweater by Laura Reinbach

What is Being Made

The Good Silence Sweater is a knitted pullover design available in seven sizes ranging from extra-small to extra-extra-large, with finished bust measurements from 36 inches (91 cm) to 55 inches (140 cm). This intermediate-level knitting project is crafted using the DK weight yarn category, making it suitable for knitters with some foundational experience seeking a moderately challenging garment construction.

Knitting Techniques Used

This sweater employs several core knitting techniques to achieve its finished structure. The pattern utilizes circular needle knitting for seamless construction, worked in the round using both 24-inch and 32-inch circular needles depending on the section being worked. The design incorporates increases and decreases for shaping, allowing the sweater to fit properly across different size ranges. Stitch markers are used throughout to track pattern repeats and construction sections, ensuring consistent shaping and stitch placement.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The Good Silence Sweater uses fundamental knitting stitches combined with strategic shaping methods. Key stitches and techniques include:

• Knit stitch (k) – the primary stitch forming the fabric base
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) – a right-leaning decrease used for shaping
• Make 1 left slanting (m1l) – an increase created by lifting the strand between stitches from front to back and knitting through the back loop, producing a left-leaning increase
• Make 1 right slanting (m1r) – an increase created by lifting the strand between stitches from back to front, producing a right-leaning increase
• Cast on (CO) – the foundation method for beginning the sweater
• Bind off (BO) – the finishing technique for securing stitches

These techniques work together to create a fitted, shaped garment with strategic increases and decreases that contour the sweater to the body.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Good Silence Sweater is designed to be knitted with Madelinetosh DK Twist, a yarn composed of 100% merino wool. Each skein contains 250 yards (229 meters), and the pattern requires between 5 and 8 skeins depending on the chosen size, with smaller sizes (XS, S, M) requiring 5–6 skeins and larger sizes (L, XL, XXL) requiring 7–8 skeins. The pattern is shown in the Good Silence colorway.

Needle requirements include US Size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles in both 24-inch and 32-inch lengths, as well as US Size 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles in the same lengths, plus US Size 5 and 7 double-pointed needles (DPNs) in 16-inch length for working smaller circumferences. This needle combination allows for seamless construction throughout the sweater body and sleeves using the preferred circular needle method.