Columbia Sweater by Anna Schumacker

Columbia Sweater

Knitting
February 1904
Worsted (9 wpi) ?
20 stitches = 4 inches
US 7 - 4.5 mm
US 0 - 2.0 mm
1600 - 1700 yards (1463 - 1554 m)
36
English
This pattern is available for free.

This antique pattern from the Edwardian era was meant to be used for athletic activities, such as golf. It appeared in multiple editions of the Columbia Book of the Use of Yarns, and was re-printed in newspapers. Construction is typical of the era: it begins with the back, starting at the bottom. The sweater is knit up to the shoulders, and the center span of stitches is bound off for the neck. The right shoulder is worked and then stitches are cast on for the right front. As the knitter works down the front, stitches are cast on for the underarm and the front is worked until the final length of the side seam (minus ribbing) is reached. Short rows are worked to create the “pouch” (blousing effect) before switching to smaller needles for the ribbing.

Only one size option (36’’ bust) is given. No gauge is listed, but 5 sts and 7 rows per inch seem to be what is assumed. Landmarks in the pattern are based on row repeats of the stitch pattern (which is 10 sts wide and 10 rows long), although no row gauge is listed.