I designed the original Box Top Sweater pattern to mimic a favorite ready-to-wear boxy top. I first recreated the top in fabric, then decided I could create the same shape in yarn. This latest iteration is designed on larger needles. The sample was knit in fingering & mohair yarn held together; however, you can use DK or worsted as well. It will fly off your needles!

I’ve added simple texture and eyelets around the bottom of the body and sleeves.

This is a very easy sweater to knit. It is also very easy to alter the length of the sleeves or body. As written, this beginner-friendly sweater features a box-top fit with dropped shoulders, rolled boatneck, and loose, long sleeves with a cute puffed cuff.

I’ve included both top-down and bottom-up directions. The first time I knit a sweater, I like to knit it from the top down for ease of trying on the sweater. However, once I’m confident in the size I want to knit, I prefer to knit sweaters from the bottom up. This is a personal choice, so I’ve included both options in this pattern.

Sizes: 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
Sweater shown in Size 2 on a 38-inch (96.5 cm) bust with approximately 2 inches (18 cm) of positive ease.

Finished Measurements
Bust circumference: 37 (40, 45, 51, 56, 62) inches 94 (102, 114, 130, 142, 157.5) cm
Neck width: 7 (8, 8, 8, 8, 8) inches 18 (20, 20, 20, 20, 20) cm
Shoulder length (each side): 5.5 (6, 7.25, 8.75, 10, 11.5) inches 14 (15, 18, 22, 25, 29) cm
Armhole depth: 7 (7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 8.5) inches 18 (18, 19, 20, 21.5, 21.5) cm
Upper arm circumference: 13 (13, 14, 15, 16, 16) inches 33 (33, 36, 38, 41, 41) cm
Sleeve length from underarm to hem: 18 inches (46 cm), or desired length
Wrist circumference: 6.5 (6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8) inches 16.5 (16.5, 18, 19, 20.5, 20.5) cm
Body length from underarm to hem: 14 inches (35.5 cm), or desired length

Yarn
Fingering: 2 (2, 3, 3, 3, 3) skeins of Malabrigo Yarn Sock in color 857 Light of Love, 440 yards (402 meters)/100 g skein, 100% Merino, or 795 (846, 962, 1087, 1207, 1315) yards of fingering weight yarn.
Mohair: 3 (3, 3, 4, 4, 5) skeins of Pascuali Mohair Bliss in color 818 Pink, 328 yards (300 meters)/25 g skein, 60% Goat Mohair, 40% Mulberry Silk, or 795 (846, 962, 1087, 1207, 1315) yards of mohair lace weight yarn.

Note: Size 3 45-inch (114 cm) bust circumference walks the line between 2 or 3 skeins of fingering weight yarn. I was able to finish with 2 skeins of fingering with only 10 grams left. If you are comfortable potentially shortening the body or sleeves if you are running short, then you can adjust the skein recommendations above for Size 3.

If using DK weight yarn instead of fingering and mohair: 4 (5, 5, 6, 6, 7) skeins of DK weight yarn, 250 yards (230 meters)/100 g skein, or 995 (1046, 1162, 1287, 1407, 1515) yards of DK weight yarn.

Needles and Notions
US 10 (6 mm) circular needles; long cord for body in the round; 16 inches (40 cm) or double points for sleeves. Other notions: Stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn, tapestry needle.

Gauge
16 stitches and 23 rounds to 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch on US 10 (6 mm) needles. Please block swatch to check gauge.

Technical Editing by Bronwyn Hahn