We may not wear as many sweaters during the summer months, but they can still be fun projects to work on so we’re ready for the cooler half of the year!

The Weekender by Andrea Mowry is one of these great summer sweater projects. It knits up quickly and is an ideal pattern for the adventurous beginner. Originally made from a woolen spun yarn, this sweater looks good when knit in countless yarns. (There are thousands of projects on Ravelry if you want to see what other folks have used!)  If you’re someone that always has a sweater on the needles or prefers to make garments over accessories, you should knit The Weekender. It will become a staple in your wardrobe!

On the surface, this looks like a relatively basic drop shoulder pattern, and it is not a taxing project by any means. That said, there are elements to the construction that will push a beginner knitter to learn and keep an experienced knitter engaged. It is knit bottom-up and begins with a split hem before moving into a reverse stockinette body that includes a slipped stitch detail down the middle. To achieve the reverse stockinette without constant purling, the pattern is actually written so that you are working the sweater body inside out! 

After completing the body, the ribbing along the neck and shoulders is worked flat. The tubular bind off used for the neck is a neat detail that takes the look of the ribbing all the way to the edge of the fabric. The shoulders on the other hand, are joined using a three-needle bind off that is easy to execute and creates a strong seam that is both decorative and functional! 

It may feel as if there are lots of techniques included for this to be a “simple summer sweater,” but each is straightforward and easily mastered with a bit of practice! So, if we’ve convinced you to give this project a try, the basic information for getting started is below. We are also always happy to help if you haven’t done the tubular cast on or bind off or need help with any of the other techniques. Just give us a call or stop by the shop!

Pattern: The Weekender
Designer: Andrea Mowry
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Yarn Weight: Worsted
Suggested Yarns: Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok 50 (or 150) or Stonehedge Fiber Mill Shepherd’s Wool

Tools Needed: 

• US 7 (4.5mm) 40” circular needles (or size to obtain gauge)
• US 8 (5mm) 40” circular needles (or size to obtain gauge)
• US 9 (5.5mm) 40” circular needles (or size to obtain gauge)
• Double pointed needles in US 7, 8 and 9 (if not using magic loop method)
• Stitch markers
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch holder or waste yarn
• Row counter (recommended)

Techniques Required: 

• Stockinette stitch
• Ribbing
• Slipped stitches
• Working in the round
• Three needle bind off
• Tubular cast on/bind off
• Short rows
• Picking up stitches