Shelf

Shelf Sweater by Judith Brien Knits

What is Being Made

The Shelf is a knitted sweater design available in two distinct lengths: a cropped version that kicks out at the back, and a longer version that hugs the body. Both styles feature a distinctive open cable pattern combined with ribbed detailing. The garment is designed to be worn with minimal ease at the bust, with suggested positive ease of 1-2 inches for a comfortable fit. Finished bust measurements range from 31 to 46 inches (79 to 117 centimeters) across six size options.

Design Features and Fit

This sweater incorporates thoughtful shaping and construction details that contribute to its polished appearance. Raglan shoulder shaping ensures a neat, well-fitted shoulder line that moves smoothly from the neckline to the armholes. The ribbed hem is engineered to sit flat at the front and waist while being intentionally shorter at the back, creating visual interest and allowing for the different silhouettes between the two length options. The double-weight ribbed neck and cuffs are designed to fold in an interesting way, adding a design element that frames the neckline and wrists.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Cable knitting: An open cable pattern forms the primary stitch motif throughout the garment, creating texture and visual depth
• Raglan shaping: Shoulder construction uses raglan decreases to create a smooth armhole and shoulder line
• Ribbed construction: Ribbing is used strategically at the hem, cuffs, and neckline for structure and elasticity
• Circular knitting: The pattern is worked on circular needles, allowing for seamless or minimal seaming construction

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Shelf sweater combines open cable stitches as its primary pattern element with ribbed stitches used for functional and decorative edging. The ribbed sections at the neck, cuffs, and hem provide elasticity and help the garment maintain its shape, while the open cable pattern creates the main visual interest across the body of the sweater.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is designed for fingering weight yarn, classified as 4-ply. The garment shown in the pattern was knitted using The Uncommon Thread Tough Sock yarn in the colorway Charred. Yardage requirements vary depending on which length is being made: the short model requires approximately 1400-1600 yards (1285-1500 meters), while the long model requires approximately 1600-1900 yards (1500-1800 meters). Yardage variation between test knits and different yarn types is noted, so these figures serve as general estimations.

Needles and Tools

The pattern recommends using a 4mm (US 6) circular needle for this project. The use of circular needles facilitates the seamless or nearly seamless construction method typical of modern sweater design.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to tackle more complex shaping, cable patterns, and garment construction. The combination of cable work, raglan shaping, and fitted construction requires attention to detail and understanding of garment architecture.