Sherwood Sweater

Sherwood Sweater by Rita Taylor

Project Overview

The Sherwood Sweater is an advanced-level knitting pattern designed by Rita Taylor for experienced knitters seeking a sophisticated garment. This downloadable PDF pattern provides comprehensive instructions for creating a luxurious pullover sweater in multiple sizes, ranging from 91cm to 132cm finished chest measurements (36 to 52 inches).

What Is Being Made

The Sherwood Sweater is a classic pullover-style sweater featuring a fitted silhouette with set-in sleeves. The pattern includes a full range of nine size options to accommodate various body measurements, with finished chest widths spanning from 91cm (39 inches) to 141cm (55.5 inches). Sleeve seams range from 46cm to 51cm (18 to 20.5 inches), and body length measurements vary from 63cm to 74cm (25 to 29 inches) depending on the selected size.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This pattern calls for Shilasdair Handspun Cashmere yarn in the shade Braes, S. The yarn is a premium blend containing 20% cashmere, 40% angora, and 40% lambswool, creating a luxuriously soft and warm fiber. Each ball weighs 100g and provides 300 meters or 330 yards of yarn. The yarn has a wrap-per-inch (WPI) measurement of 8, indicating an aran weight yarn suitable for creating fabric with good drape and warmth.

Yardage requirements vary by size: smaller sizes (91cm and 96cm) require 2100 meters (2310 yards) using 7 balls, mid-range sizes (101cm and 106cm) need 2400 meters (2640 yards) using 8 balls, larger sizes (111cm and 116cm) require 2700 meters (2970 yards) using 9 balls, and the largest sizes (121cm through 132cm) need between 3000 and 3300 meters (3330 to 3630 yards) using 10 to 11 balls.

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires two sizes of 5mm straight needles and 4½mm straight needles for working different sections of the sweater. Knitters will also need zippers as notions: sizes 91cm, 96cm, and 101cm require a 21cm zip, while all remaining sizes need a 24cm zip.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this advanced pattern. Knitters should work to a gauge of 18 stitches and 24 rows in stockinette stitch, measuring 10cm by 10cm (4 inches by 4 inches) when using 5mm needles or the size required to obtain proper tension. Careful gauge swatching is recommended before beginning the project to ensure the finished sweater meets the intended measurements.

Knitting Techniques

As an advanced-level pattern, the Sherwood Sweater incorporates standard sweater construction techniques typical of fitted pullover designs. The pattern involves working in stockinette stitch as the primary fabric, with set-in sleeve shaping and body shaping to create a tailored fit. The inclusion of a zipper detail suggests closure options that add both functional and design elements to the finished garment.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch used throughout the Sherwood Sweater is stockinette stitch, which creates the smooth, classic fabric characteristic of traditional knit sweaters. This fundamental stitch, combined with shaping techniques for sleeve caps and body contours, forms the foundation of this advanced pattern.