#RECLINESWEATER
The story behind this Free Crochet Sweater Pattern – A while back, over on my Instagram account I mentioned that I wanted to slow down with magazine publication and focus more on getting things made for my children. My daughter was preparing for her upcoming summer abroad in Italy and I found myself a bit overwhelmed with how quickly they have grown. (Side note: If you’re curious about what I’m working on next, follow me on Instagram, I sneak peek there frequently.)
While I’ve been knitting and crocheting for many years, I rarely made anything for them. My stitches were always about work. I’m not saying this is a bad thing, just realizing the time had come for me to shift my focus a bit and create for them.
This will be much easier said than done, though. With 1 daughter and 3 sons, I expect she’s going to get the better end of the deal. Guys are just hard to design for, ya know? Here’s an idea- if you’ve something in mind you’d like to see me create for the fashionable guy in your life, let me know. I’ve got a bit of a block with it all and would appreciate the push.
Back to the sweater, I knew I needed the perfect yarn. In a kismet posting, Yarn on the House mentioned visiting the town where my daughter lives/goes to university. 2 days later, Best Friend was in my hands. Seriously, how perfect is that name?
- Stitch count for every row
- Complete Schematic
- Full stitch diagrams for sleeves and neck shaping- all sizes
- Stitch diagram detailing addition for front/back
- Stitch diagram detailing subtraction for front/back
PATTERN
Recline
A crochet pattern, by Rebecca Velasquez
YARN: Light Fingering (#0/1 super fine), 975 (1025, 1125, 1300, 1375, 1475, 1625, 1725, 1850) yd [892 (937, 1029, 1189, 1257, 1349, 1486, 1577, 1692) m]; Shown: YOTH Yarns
HOOK: F/3.75 mm
NOTIONS: Locking stitch markers (5), tapestry needle, tape measure
GAUGE: 22 sts and 10 rows = 4” [10 cm] in stitch pattern before blocking, 19 sts and 9 rows = 4” [10 cm] after blocking
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS: Bust / hip: 41 (43, 46¼, 51½, 55, 59, 63¾, 67½, 70¾)” [104 (109, 117.5, 131, 139.5, 150, 162, 171.5, 179.5) cm] after blocking ; Length: 17¼ (18¾, 20½,23, 25¼ )” [44(47.5, 52, 58.5, 64) cm]; Length: 25¼ (25½, 26, 26½, 26¾, 26¾, 27¼, 27¼, 27¾)” [64 (65, 66, 67.5, 68, 68, 69, 69, 70.5) cm].
Intended to be worn with about 5″ [12.5 cm] positive ease at the hip. Sample shown is size 1X, model is 5′ 10″ [178 cm] with 49 1/2″ [126 cm] bust
SIZE: XS (S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)
PROJECT LEVEL: Intermediate
TECHNIQUES USED: ch, dc, blo, flo, tr, dc2tog, sl st
ABBREVIATIONS:
Blo- back loop only
Ch- chain
Dc- double crochet
Ea- each
Flo- front loop only
PM- place marker
Rep- repeat
RS- right side
Sc- single crochet
Sk- skip
Sl st- slip stitch
Sp(s)- space(s)
St(s)- stitch(es)
Tog- together
Tr- triple (treble) crochet
WS- wrong side
Yo- Yarn over (hook)
- Take time to save time. Stitch, wash, and block a gauge swatch in the same manner you will be using for your garment to ensure proper measurements.
- Sweater is worked sideways, from cuff to cuff. It is divided for front and back panels at one edge of the neck opening and rejoined on the other.
- No waist shaping.
- Measure the full hip &/or bust, make size according to the ease/fit you desire.
- Read through each line before beginning to avoid any confusion during stitching.
GAUGE SWATCH
Ch 23.
Row 1 (RS): Stacked dc in first ch, * ch 1, sk next foundation ch, dc in next ch; rep from * to end.
Row 2: Stacked dc in first dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last dc, dc in last dc.
Row 3: Stacked dc in first dc, * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last 2 dc, ch 1, sk next dc, dc in last dc.
Rep Rows 2 and 3 only to create Gauge Swatch.
Be sure to block swatch for most accurate measurement.
SWEATER
Right Cuff
Row 1 (RS): Ch 13, stacked dc in first ch and pm in unused loop of this ch, dc in each ch to end, turn.
Row 2: Stacked dc in first dc, dc in flo of each dc to end.
Row 3: Stacked dc in first dc, dc in blo of each dc to end.
Rep Rows 2 and 3 only 8 (8, 9, 9, 9, 9, 10, 10, 10) more times.
Right Sleeve
With RS facing, rotate Cuff 90 degrees clockwise so that your cuff is horizontal and active loop is on the upper right and you are ready to work into the side edge sts.
Row 1 (RS): Stacked dc in dc just made, * ch 1, dc in next edge dc skipping “body” [see detail 1 & 2]; rep from * to end, placing dc in marked st, turn.
Remove marker.
Row 2: Stacked dc in first dc, ch 1, dc in first ch-1 sp, * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last dc, ch 1, dc in last dc, turn.
Row 3: Stacked dc in first dc, dc in first ch-1 sp, * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last dc, dc in last dc, turn.
Row 4: Stacked dc in first dc, dc again in first dc (in same st as stacked dc), * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last 2 dc, ch 1, sk next dc, 2 dc in last dc, turn.
Row 5: Stacked dc in first dc, * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last 2 sts, ch 1, sk next dc, dc in last dc, turn.
Rep Rows 2-5 only 9 (8, 8, 8, 7, 6, 7, 6, 5) more times.
Total rows worked so far: 41 (37, 37, 37, 33, 29, 33, 29, 25).
RIGHT SLEEVE
Size XS only:
Next 2 rows:
Row 1 (WS): Stacked dc in first dc, dc in first ch-1 sp, * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last st, dc in last dc, turn – 41 dc and 38 ch-1 sps.
Row 2: Stacked dc in first dc, * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last 2 sts, ch 1, sk next dc, dc in last dc, turn – 40 dc and 39 ch-1 sps.
Size S, M only:
Next 6 Rows:
Row 1 (WS): Stacked dc in first dc, ch 1, dc in first ch-1 sp, * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last dc, ch 1, dc in last dc, turn – 39 (41) dc and 38 (40) ch-1 sps.
Row 2: Stacked dc in first dc, dc in first ch-1 sp, * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last dc, dc in last dc, turn – 40 (42) dc and 37 (39) ch-1 sps.
Rows 3-5: Stacked dc in first dc, dc again in first dc (same st as stacked dc), * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last 2 sts, ch 1, sk next dc, 2 dc in last dc, turn – 43 (45) dc and 40 (42) ch-1 sps.
Row 6: Stacked dc in first dc, * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last 2 sts, ch 1, sk next dc, dc in last dc, turn – 42 (44) dc and 41 (43) ch-1 sps.
Size L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X only:
Next 6 (12, 16, 14, 18, 22) rows (beg WS): Stacked dc in first dc, ch 1, dc in next ch-1 sp, * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last st, ch 1, dc in last dc, turn – 46 (50, 52, 54, 56, 58) dc and 45 (49, 51, 53, 55, 57) ch-1 sps.
Back Panel
Next row (WS):Ch 82 (82, 82, 82, 80, 78, 78, 76, 76), stacked dc in first ch, dc in each of next 12 ch, dc in next ch, [ch 1, sk next ch, dc in next ch] across ch to first dc, [ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp] to last dc, (ch 1, dc) in last dc, turn.
Front Panel
Next row (RS): Ch 81 (81, 81, 81, 79, 77, 77, 75, 75), stacked dc in first ch, dc in each of next 12 ch, [ch 1, sk next ch, dc in next ch] across ch to first dc, [ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp] to last 13 dc, ch 1, dc in blo of each of last 13 dc, turn.
Right Shoulder
Row 1 (WS): Stacked dc in first dc, dc in flo of each of next 12 dc, dc in first ch-1 sp, * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last 13 dc, dc in flo of each of last 13 dc, turn.
Row 2: Stacked dc in first dc, dc in blo of next 12 dc, * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last 13 dc, ch 1, dc in blo of each of last 13 dc, turn.
Rep the last 2 rows 3 (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) more times, then rep Row 1 only once more.
Mark the 67th (68th, 69th, 70th, 71st, 71st, 72nd, 72nd, 73rd, 73rd) dc, (center dc of last row), for neck placement.
Front Panel / Neck Edge
Row 1 (RS): Stacked dc in first dc, dc in blo of each of next 12 dc, * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to ch-1 sp before marked dc, tr in this ch-1 sp, leave remaining sts unworked, turn.
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), dc in next ch-1 sp, * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last 13 dc, dc in flo of each of last 13 dc, turn.
Row 3: Stacked dc in first dc, dc in blo of each of next 12 dc, * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last 2 dc, sk next dc, tr in last dc, turn.
Row 4: Rep Row 2.
Row 5: Rep Row 3.
Row 6: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), pm in ch just made for use later when working the neck edging, dc in next ch-1 sp, * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last 13 dc, dc in flo of each of last 13 dc, turn.
Row 7: Stacked dc in first dc, dc in blo of each of next 12 dc, * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last 2 dc, dc in next dc, leave last dc (ch-3 from previous row) unworked, turn.
Row 8: Stacked dc in first dc, * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last 13 dc, dc in flo of each of last 13 dc, turn.
Row 9: Stacked dc in first dc, dc in blo of each of next 12 dc, * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last dc, dc in last dc, turn.
Rep Rows 8 and 9 only4 (5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 7, 7, 7) more times.
Next 3 rows:
Row 1 (WS): Stacked dc in first dc, pm in dc just made for use later when working the neck edging, * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last 13 dc, dc in flo of each of last 13 dc, turn.
Row 2: Stacked dc in first dc, dc in blo of next 12 dc, * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last st, (ch 1, tr) in last dc, turn.
Row 3: Stacked dc in tr, ch 1, dc in next ch-1 sp, * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last 13 dc, dc in flo of each of last 13 dc, turn.
Rep Rows 2 and 3 only twice more.
Fasten off, leaving a tail at least 10″ [25.5 cm] long.
Total rows worked for Front Panel / Neck Edge: 24 (26, 26, 28, 28, 28, 30, 30, 30).
Back Panel / Neck Edge
With WS facing, join new yarn with a sl st to first st (at ribbing edge).
Work same as Front Panel / Neck Edge, reversing blo and flo in order to keep ribbing in pattern.
Remove original neck placement marker, leaving 4 neck shaping markers.
Rejoin Front and Back Panels
With RS facing, join new yarn with a sl st to Front ribbing edge.
Next row (RS): Stacked dc in same dc as sl st, dc in blo of next 12 dc, * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last dc of Front, ch 1, dc in last dc of Front, ch 1, dc in first dc of Back, rep from * to * last 13 dc, ch 1, dc in blo of each of last 13 dc, turn.
Total rows worked so far in garment: 87 (89, 93, 99, 105, 109, 117, 121, 125).
Subtract Front Panel Stitches
With WS facing, mark st number 82 (82, 82, 82, 80, 78, 78, 76, 76) from end of row.
Next Row (WS):Stacked dc in first dc, dc in flo of next 12 dc, dc in next ch-1 sp * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to 1 st before marker, sk next dc, dc in next [marked] ch-1 sp, leave remaining sts unworked, turn.
Subtract Back Panel Stitches
With RS facing, mark st number 82 (82, 82, 82, 80, 78, 78, 76, 76) from end of row.
Row 89 (91, 95, 101, 107, 111, 119, 123, 127) (RS): Stacked dc in first dc, dc in blo of next 12 dc, * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to 1 st before marker, leave remaining sts unworked, turn.
Remove both markers.
Total rows worked so far in garment 89 (91, 95, 101, 107, 111, 119, 123, 127).
Left Sleeve
Size XS only:
Row 1 (WS): Stacked dc in first dc, dc in first ch-1 sp, * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last dc, dc in last dc, turn – 41 dc and 38 ch-1 sps.
Row 2: Stacked dc in first dc, ch 1, dc in first ch-1 sp, * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last dc, ch 1, dc in last dc, turn – 40 dc and 39 ch-1 sps
Row 3: Ch 3 and dc in next ch-1 sp (counts as dc2tog), * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last 2 dc, ch 1, sk next dc, dc2tog over last ch-1 sp and last dc, turn – 39 dc and 38 ch-1 sps.
Row 4: Stacked dc in first dc, dc in first ch-1 sp, * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last dc, dc in last dc, turn – 40 dc and 37 ch-1 sps.
Row 5: Stacked dc in first dc, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last 2 dc, sk next dc, dc in last dc – 39 dc and 36 ch-1 sps.
Row 6: Rep Row 2.
Rep Rows 3-6 only 9 more times – 20 dc and 19 ch-1 sps.
Sizes S, M only:
Rows 1-3 (begin WS): Ch 3 and dc in next ch-1 sp (counts as dc2tog), * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last 2 dc, ch 1, sk next dc, dc2tog over last ch-1 sp and last dc, turn – 39 (41) dc and 38 (40) ch-1 sps.
Row 4: Stacked dc in first dc, dc in first ch-1 sp, * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last dc, dc in last dc, turn – 40 (42) dc and 37 (39) ch-1 sps.
Row 5: Stacked dc in first dc, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last 2 dc, sk next dc, dc in last dc – 39 (41) dc and 36 (38) ch-1 sps.
Row 6: Stacked dc in first dc, ch 1, dc in first ch-1 sp, * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last dc, ch 1, dc in last dc, turn – 38 (40) dc and 37 (39) ch-1 sps.
Row 7: Ch 3 and dc in next ch-1 sp (counts as dc2tog), * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last 2 dc, ch 1, sk next dc, dc2tog over last ch-1 sp and last dc, turn – 37 (39) dc and 36 (38) ch-1 sps.
Row 8: Stacked dc in first dc, dc in first ch-1 sp, * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last dc, dc in last dc, turn – 38 (40) dc and 35 (37) ch-1 sps.
Row 9: Stacked dc in first dc, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last 2 dc, sk next dc, dc in last dc – 37 (39) dc and 34 (36) ch-1 sps.
Row 10: Rep Row 6.
Rep Row 7-10 only 8 more times – 20 (22) dc and 19 (21) ch-1 sps.
Sizes L, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X only:
Next 6 (12, 16, 14, 18, 22) rows (begin WS): Ch 3 and dc in next ch-1 sp (counts as dc2tog), * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last 2 dc, ch 1, sk next dc, dc2tog over last ch-1 sp and last dc, turn – 40 (38, 36, 40, 38, 36) dc and 39 (37, 35, 39, 37, 35) ch-1 sps.
Next 4 rows:
Row 1: Ch 3 and dc in next ch-1 sp (counts as dc2tog), * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last 2 dc, ch 1, sk next dc, dc2tog over last ch-1 sp and last dc, turn – 39 (37, 35, 39, 37, 35) dc and 38 (36, 34, 38, 36, 34) ch-1 sps.
Row 2: Stacked dc in first dc, dc in first ch-1 sp, * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last dc, dc in last dc, turn – 40 (38, 36, 40, 38, 36) dc and 37 (35, 33, 37, 35, 33) ch-1 sps.
Row 3: Stacked dc in first dc, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp, * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last 2 dc, sk next dc, dc in last dc, turn – 39 (37, 35, 39, 37, 35) dc and 36 (34, 32, 36, 34, 32) ch-1 sps.
Row 4: Stacked dc in first dc, ch 1, dc in first ch-1 sp, * ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * to last dc, ch 1, dc in last dc, turn – 38 (36, 34, 38, 36, 34) dc and 37 (35, 33, 37, 35, 33) ch-1 sps.
Rep the last 4 rows 8 (7, 6, 7, 6, 5) more times – 22 (22, 22, 24, 24, 24) dc and 21 (21, 21, 23, 23, 23) ch-1 sps.
Total rows worked so far in garment: 133 (135, 139, 145, 153, 157, 167, 171, 175).
Left Cuff
Ch 13.
Row 1: Stacked dc in first ch, dc in each ch to end, (sk next ch-1 sp, sl st in next dc, sl st in ch-1 sp, sl st in next dc) at Sleeve edge, turn.
Row 2: Dc in first dc of Cuff, dc in blo of each dc to end, turn.
Row 3: Stacked dc in first dc, dc in flo of each dc to end, (sk next ch-1 sp, sl st in next dc, sl st in next ch-1 sp, sl st in next dc) at Sleeve edge, turn.
Rep Rows 2 and 3 7 (7, 8, 8, 8, 8, 9, 9, 9) more times, then rep Row 2 only once more.
Last row: Stacked dc in first dc, dc in flo of each dc to end.
Fasten off.
FINISHING
Neck Edging
Using yarn tails, secure front to back at neck edge.
With RS facing, join new yarn with a sl st to 1 st to the left of any neck marker.
Round 1: Sc in same st as joining slip st, sc around placing 1 sc in top loop and 1 sc around body of each st [see detail 3], move each marker to corresponding sc, do not turn, continue working in a spiral.
Round 2: * Sc in each sc to 1 st before marker, sc2tog over next st and marked st, move marker to sc2tog just made; rep from * to end, do not turn.
Round 3: * Sc in each sc to marker, sc2tog over marked st and next st, rep from * to end.
Fasten off.
For best results, wet block to measurements before seaming, being sure to not over-block the ribbed portions.
With RS facing together and beginning at cuff, use Mattress st to seam underarm and side, stopping at body ribbing for side vent (optional).
Repeat on opposite side.
Turn sweater right-side-out.
Weave in all loose ends.
#ReclineSweater
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