KnittingEasyBulky (5)2–3 weeks

Boxy Drop-Shoulder Sweater

Four rectangles-and-trapezoids and a boat neck. The easiest first sweater, and it knits quickly in bulky yarn.

Yarn: Bulky (5) wool or wool blend.
Needles: US 10.5 (6.5 mm) and US 9 (5.5 mm) for rib, straight or circular used flat
Sizes: Any adult size (size charts). Example: women’s M, bust 37 in, finished chest 44 in (112 cm) for a relaxed boxy fit.
Example gauge: 14 sts and 20 rows = 4 in (10 cm) in stockinette
Yarn needed: About 1,000 yd (910 m) bulky for the example. Check your size in the calculator.
Stitch multiple: 4 + 2 (for 2×2 rib)

Do the math

The examples use the gauge above. Put your own swatch into the gauge calculator first, then use your numbers in each formula.

Step	Formula	Example	Tool
Panel sts	(bust + 6–8 in) ÷ 2 × sts per in, to 4 + 2	22 × 3.5 = 77 → 78 sts	Cast-On Calculator
Shoulder seam	about 6 in each	6 × 3.5 = 21 sts each side	By hand
Sleeve top	2 × armhole depth (8–9.5 in) × sts per in, to 4 + 2	18 × 3.5 = 63 → 62 sts	By hand
Cuff	cuff width × sts per in, to 4 + 2	9 × 3.5 = 31.5 → 30 sts	By hand
Sleeve length	chart sleeve − (panel width − 15 in) ÷ 2	17 − 3.5 = 13.5 in	Size Charts
Sleeve increases	(62 − 30) ÷ 2 = 16 each side over 11 in (55 rows)	every 4th row × 8, every 2nd row × 8	By hand

Stockinette swatch, washed and dried.

Back and front (make 2)
With smaller needle, cast on the panel count (example: 78). Row 1 (RS): K2, *p2, k2; rep from *. Row 2: P2, *k2, p2; rep from *. Work 2.5 in (6 cm).
Change to larger needle. Work stockinette until the piece is 22 in (56 cm) or your length.
Work 4 rows of garter for a neat boat-neck edge. Bind off.
Sleeves (make 2)
With smaller needle, cast on the cuff count (example: 30). Work rib as for the body for 2.5 in.
Change to larger needle. Inc row (RS): K1, M1L, knit to last st, M1R, k1.
Repeat the inc row on every following 4th row 7 more times (8 inc rows so far), then on every 2nd row 8 times (16 inc rows in all; example: 62 sts). Work straight to sleeve length. Bind off.

Seam 6 in at each shoulder, leaving the centre open for the neck.
Place markers 9 in below the shoulder on both sides of front and back. Sew the sleeve tops between the markers.
Sew side and sleeve seams in one go. Weave in ends and block.

Sleeve top width must equal twice the armhole depth, or the sleeve won’t fit between the markers.
Too wide at the neck? Seam 7 in at each shoulder instead of 6.

Counter 1: rows. Counter 2: sleeve increases (goal 16).

Open the row & stitch counter for several counters, or use the quick one below.

Size ChartsLook up the finished measurements for the size you are making.
Gauge CalculatorEnter your swatch counts to get stitches and rows per 4 in (10 cm).
Cast-On CalculatorEnter your width and gauge; it rounds to the stitch multiple for you.
Yarn Quantity CalculatorPick the project, size and yarn weight to get total yardage and skeins to buy.
Row & Stitch CounterSet up the counters listed below; the screen stays awake while you work.