Cropped Yoke Sweater

Cropped Yoke Sweater by Jo Sharp

What is Being Made

The Cropped Yoke Sweater is a lightweight pullover garment designed with a fitted bodice that tapers into a structured yoke at the shoulders. This design features a cropped length and raglan-style sleeve shaping that transitions smoothly from the body into the yoke construction. The sweater is worked primarily in the round using circular needles, making it an efficient project for knitters seeking a quick-to-complete garment.

Knitting Techniques

This pattern employs several key techniques to achieve its distinctive silhouette. The sweater is constructed working in the round using a 60cm circular needle, which allows for seamless construction and continuous rounds of knitting. The design incorporates raglan shaping at the underarm, where stitches are cast off to create the characteristic diagonal lines that define the sleeve cap. The yoke is created through strategic decreasing that tapers the width from the bodice down to the neckline, resulting in the cropped yoke effect. Two strands of yarn are worked together throughout the pattern, which contributes to the fabric's drape and weight.

Stitches Used

• Stocking Stitch (Stockinette Stitch) – The primary stitch throughout the garment, created by knitting every round when working in the round. This produces a smooth, classic fabric with a distinctive V-pattern texture on the right side.
• Ribbing – A k1, p1 (knit one, purl one) rib is worked at the lower bodice for approximately 5 centimetres, providing elasticity and a finished edge.
• Increases and Decreases – The pattern includes strategic increases on certain sizes and decreases for the raglan shaping and yoke construction.

Materials and Tools

The Cropped Yoke Sweater is designed to be worked with 9.00mm circular needles measuring 60 centimetres in length. The pattern calls for two strands of yarn worked together, which can be achieved using yarn weights specified as varied. The designer recommends Jo Sharp Alpaca Kid Lustre and Jo Sharp Rare Comfort Kid Mohair as suitable yarn options, both of which are lightweight fibers that knit quickly and create a delicate, breathable fabric ideal for a cropped sweater silhouette.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as beginner level, making it accessible to knitters new to garment construction. While the project involves working in the round and managing raglan shaping, the straightforward stocking stitch and clear structure make it an excellent introduction to fitted sweater knitting.

Pattern Features

• Multiple size options (A, B, C) to accommodate different measurements
• Quick-to-knit construction using larger needles and lightweight yarn
• Seamless construction through circular needle knitting
• Raglan sleeve shaping that creates a modern, fitted silhouette
• Cropped yoke design that emphasizes the shoulders and neckline
• Ribbed edging at the bodice base for structure and comfort