CONSTRUCTION

Plusses is worked bottom-up in the round. Stitches are picked up and knit for the collar. Colorwork is worked flat for the optional bust darts and to shape the neckline.

Note: I’m a textured-knit lover, and after launch I decided I couldn’t resist playing with the existing pattern, and knit myself a gansey version of Plusses. To do that, I used the same chart but used purls instead of a contrasting color.
Along with the base pattern, you’ll receive a second PDF that includes modification notes should you wish to do the same. This is not a separate, graded pattern. It is yardage, gauge, and a schematic if you should wish to do the same with the existing pattern.
Because it is not a graded pattern and the gauge is different, you should not have the same expectations of fit that you would for a standalone pattern. Instead, please consider it a jumping off point for a riff on an existing pattern, and consider the sizing notes in the modification guide carefully :)

OPTIONAL BUST SHAPING

Optional instructions for adding short rows for bust shaping, in two sizes, give you your best fit.

SIZES

1 (2, 3, 4) (5, 6, 7, 8)

Notice fewer sizes than usual? The large stitch pattern means fewer sizes. 

Finished bust circumference: 33.5 (38.5, 43.25, 48) (52.75, 57.5, 62.5, 67.25) inches / 84 (96, 108, 120) (132, 144, 156, 168) cm
​
Finished upper arm circumference: 12.75 (14, 15.5, 16.75) (18.75, 20.75, 22.5, 23.5) inches / 32 (35, 39, 42) (47, 52, 56, 59) cm

Download the full schematic here.

YOUR BEST FIT

Choose the size closest to your actual upper chest measurement: 31.75 (35.75, 39.25, 42.25) (46, 50.5, 53.5, 56.5) inches / 79.5 (89.5, 98, 105.5) (115, 126.5, 134, 141.5) cm.

Upper chest is measured above the full bust, at an angle close to diagonal beneath the underarms, and straight across the back.

Plusses is designed to fit with approximately 2.75 inches / 6.5 cm of positive ease at the fullest part of your bust.

If you need additional room for the bust, as I do, working the optional short row shaping will give you the best fit in the shoulders and armholes, while still making room for your chest. Short rows add length to the front only of the garment, so that the hem does not rise in the front.

I am wearing size 4, Cup 1, with 3 inches / 7.5 cm of positive ease at the full bust and 2.75 inches / 6.5 cm of positive ease at the upper arm. My upper chest is 41.5 inches / 104 cm.

YARN

Sample shown in Simple Hill Farm Yarn

100% fine Merino wool; 180 yds / 165 m per 2 oz (approximately 57 g) skein. This is a naturally-dyed, 2-ply DK yarn. This is a woolen-spun farm yarn with modest vegetable material. It knits up squishy with soft stitch definition. The final fabric is low-drape with moderate density and oodles of texture.

Main color (MC) (shown in Sunflower Yellow): 765 (855, 975, 1085) (1220, 1330, 1470, 1600) yds / 700 (780, 890, 990) (1115, 1215, 1345, 1465) m; 5 (5, 6, 7) (7, 8, 9, 9) skeins.

Contrasting color (CC) (shown in Magnolia Cream): 570 (625, 705, 770) (850, 930, 1015, 1090) yds / 520 (570, 645, 705) (775, 850, 930, 995) m; 4 (4, 4, 5) (5, 6, 6, 7) skeins.

For optional bust darts, you will need an additional 25 - 75 yds / 25 - 70 m of the MC, and 15 - 40 yds /  10 - 35 m of the CC.

GAUGE

20 sts and 26 rows over 4 inches / 10 cm in Plusses Chart (both flat and in the round) with size A needles. 

NOTIONS

• 5 Stitch markers plus one unique marker for the beginning of the round
• Tapestry needle
• Waste yarn

TECHNIQUES

• Working directional shaping
• Working German Short Rows (optional, for the bust shaping)
• Tubular Cast-on (optional)
• Sewn Tubular Bind-off
• Picking up and knitting
• Seaming (for the underarms)

CREDITS

Tech edit: Sarah Endres, Kristina McGrath
Photography: TBD
Locations: TBD
For tester credits, photos, and reviews, visit the pattern page.
#SizeInclusive