purlJam

**Boat Neck Sweater Pattern**

**Difficulty Level:** Intermediate

**Finished Measurements:**
- Neckline: 26.75 inches (68 cm)
- Shoulders: 43.25 inches (110 cm)
- Bust: 35.5 inches (90 cm)
- Underbust: 29.5 inches (75 cm)
- Waist: 27.5 inches (70 cm)

**Gauge:**
22 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch

**Yarn:**
- Weight: Sport
- Total Yardage: Approximately 1000-1300 yards (910-1190 meters), depending on size

**Needles:**
- US 6 (4 mm) circular needles, 32 inches for the body
- US 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles for the ribbing

**Notions:**
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
- Measuring tape

**Abbreviations:**
- k = knit
- p = purl
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd = round
- inc = increase
- dec = decrease
- k2tog = knit two together
- ssk = slip, slip, knit

**Materials:**
- Suggested Yarn: Choose a sport weight yarn with good centrality for stitch definition.

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**Pattern Instructions:**

**1. Cuff and Yoke:**
1. Cast on 148 (168, 188, 208, 228) stitches using the larger circular needle. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist your stitches. Place marker to indicate beginning of round.
2. Work in 1x1 Ribbing (k1, p1) for 1.5 inches (4 cm).

**2. Yoke:**
1. Switch to Stockinette stitch and knit all stitches for 10 rounds, placing markers as follows:
   - Place four evenly spaced markers for raglan increases. For size S: 37 sts between markers.
2. Begin Raglan Increases:
   - Rnd 1: Knit to 1 stitch before marker, inc1 (knit through front and back, kfb), slip marker, inc1, repeat around.
   - Rnd 2: Knit all stitches.
   - Repeat these two rounds 18 more times for a total of 19 (21, 23, 25, 27) increase rounds, ending with 228 (252, 276, 300, 324) stitches. **Ensure the neckline measurement is proportional.**

**3. Separate Sleeves:**
1. Knit to first marker, remove marker and transfer 36 (42, 48, 54, 60) sleeve stitches to waste yarn or stitch holder.
2. Using backwards loop method, cast on 6 (8, 10, 12, 14) stitches. Repeat for second sleeve.

**4. Body:**
1. You should now have 144 (160, 176, 192, 208) body stitches.
2. Continue working in the round in Stockinette until body measures 13 (14, 15, 16, 17) inches (33, 35.5, 38, 40.5, 43 cm) from the underarm cast-on stitches.
3. Switch to smaller needles. Work in 1x1 Ribbing for 1.5 inches (4 cm).
4. Bind off loosely in rib pattern.

**5. Sleeves:**
1. Transfer sleeve stitches from waste yarn to larger circular or DPN needles.
2. Rejoin yarn and pick up 6 (8, 10, 12, 14) stitches from underarm cast-on.
3. Knit in the round until sleeve measures 12 inches (30.5 cm) or desired length for 3/4 sleeve.
4. Decrease Rnds: *k1, k2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk, k1* every 6th round, until 56 (58, 60, 62, 64) stitches remain.
5. Switch to smaller needles and work 1x1 Ribbing for 1 inch (2.5 cm).
6. Bind off loosely in rib pattern.
7. Repeat for second sleeve.

**Finishing:**
1. Weave in all ends.
2. Block gently to measurements.

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**Notes:**
- Ensure to swatch and adjust needle size as necessary to achieve correct gauge.
- Optional customizations: For a more fitted waist, consider decreasing every 10th round by k2tog, ssk at the sides until desired waist size.
- Adjust length as necessary for personal preference or height.
- If a boat neck is too loose, consider using a smaller needle size for ribbing.