Worked in fine cotton, this piece is light, crisp, and perfect for layering on breezy days or pairing with high-waisted trousers for a vintage-inspired outfit.
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What you need
3 balls J. & P. Coats Knit-Cro-Sheen in Color 40 French Rose
2 balls in Color 70 Blue Jewel
(or substitute any size 10 crochet cotton, fingering weight)
Knitting Needles:
Size 3 (3 mm)
Size 1 (2.5 mm steel)
Crochet Hook: Milward’s Steel Hook No. 6 (1.6 mm)
Buttons: 6 button forms, ¾ inch diameter
Gauge: Not stated; follow stitch pattern to desired fabric firmness
Size: 34–36 inch bust
Instructions
Stitch Pattern – “Wave Crest”
(Multiple of 3 sts)
Row 1 (RS): K 2, *k2tog, yo, k1; rep from * across, end k 2.
Row 2: *P 1, p2tog, yo; rep from * across, end p 3.
Row 3: Knit across.
Row 4: Purl across.
Row 5: K 2, *yo, k2tog, k1; rep from * across, end k 2.
Row 6: P 2, *p2tog, yo, p1; rep from * across, end p 2.
Rows 7–8: Knit, then purl.
Repeat these 8 rows for pattern.
Back
With French Rose and size 3 needles, cast on 96 sts.
Switch to size 1 needles and work k2, p2 ribbing for 2¾ inches.
Change to size 3 needles, knit 1 row, increasing 1 st in every 10th st (105 sts total).
Purl 1 row.
Work in Wave Crest pattern for 8 inches, ending with Row 6 of the pattern.
Armholes:
Bind off 9 sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows.
Continue pattern and decrease 1 st at each end of the next 3 rows (Rows 3, 4, and 5 of pattern).
Work even for 6 inches, ending with Row 6.
Shoulder and Neck Shaping:
Bind off 9 sts at beginning of next 6 rows.
Bind off remaining sts for neck.
Fronts (Make 2)
Work both fronts as for back, with the following changes for button bands and shaping.
With French Rose, cast on 104 sts.
Work ribbing as for back.
Switch to size 3 needles and increase 1 st in every 10th st (114 sts).
Purl 1 row.
Work in Wave Crest pattern for 7 inches, ending ready for Row 7.
Work right front first:
Right Front
Knit 39 sts; place remaining sts on holder.
Cast on 10 sts for front band (garter st).
Continue in pattern for main section, and garter stitch for the 10-st band, for 1 inch.
Armhole:
Bind off 9 sts at beginning of next row, work 3 rows even, then decrease 1 st at armhole edge every row 3 times.
Work even until armhole measures 6 inches (28 garter ridges).
Bind off 10 band sts.
Continue body pattern 9 rows, then bind off shoulder in groups of 9 sts.
Left Front
Work opposite to right front, including five buttonholes in the garter band:
- First buttonhole on 7th ridge.
- Remaining buttonholes spaced every 4 ridges.
To make buttonhole:
K 3, bind off 3, k 3.
On next row, cast on 3 sts over bound-off section.
When all 5 buttonholes are complete and you have 28 ridges in the band, bind off garter sts.
Finish shoulder to match right side.
Sleeves
Cast on 64 sts.
Work 2 inches in k2, p2 ribbing.
Switch to size 3 needles and knit 1 row, increasing 1 st in 5th st, then every 8th st (72 sts total).
P 1 row.
Work in Wave Crest pattern for 3 inches, ending with Row 6.
Cap Shaping:
Bind off 6 sts at beginning of next 2 rows.
Continue in pattern, decreasing 1 st at each end every 3rd, 4th, and 5th row, alternating as needed.
When 30 sts remain, omit all yarn overs on the final Row 6 and bind off tightly on next row.
Collar (in Blue Jewel)
Cast on 220 sts using size 3 needles.
Work 4 ridges in garter stitch.
Continue in Wave Crest pattern, keeping first and last 5 sts in garter stitch, until piece measures 4 inches, ending ready for Row 2 or 6.
On that row, omit all yarn overs (for a firm edge).
Switch to size 1 needles and work 3 rows of k2, p2 ribbing.
Bind off tightly.
Sew neatly around neckline as shown.
Crochet Buttons
With Blue Jewel and No. 6 steel hook:
Ch 2.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in 2nd ch.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc.
Rnd 3: 1 sc in each sc.
Rnd 4: 2 sc in every other sc.
Rnd 5: Sc evenly around.
Insert button form inside, and close with sc in every other sc until snug.
Leave a long tail to sew button to sweater.
Finishing Touches
Sew shoulder seams, then attach sleeves.
Sew underarm seams.
Attach collar and buttons.
Block lightly with a damp cloth for a professional finish.
Shellie’s Notes
- If you prefer a softer drape, try mercerized cotton or a fine cotton-bamboo blend instead of thread.
- For a fun update, reverse the colors—make the body Blue Jewel and the collar French Rose!
- A delicate mother-of-pearl or crocheted button will keep the vintage look authentic.
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