Sweater Shell Pattern

Sizes: 32, 34, 36

Materials Required:
AMERICAN THREAD COMPANY "AUNT LYDIA'S" HEAVY RUG YARN
9 (10, 11) - 70 yd. skeins Bongo
1 Pr. Knitting Needles No. 9 OR ANY SIZE NEEDLES WHICH WILL RESULT IN STITCH GAUGE BELOW
1 Plastic Crochet Hook Size H

GAUGE: 4 sts = 1 inch

Directions are given for size 32. Changes for sizes 34 and 36 are given in paren­theses.

PATTERN: 1st ROW (RIGHT SIDE): K across row. 2nd ROW: P across row. 3rd ROW: K 1, * K 2 tog, repeat from * across row. 4th ROW: K 1, * K 1 between sts (the horizontal yarn between last st knitted and next st on left needle), K 1, repeat from * across row. Repeat these 4 rows for pattern. BACK: Cast on 43 (49, 53) sts. 1st ROW: P 1, K 1 in 1st st, K across row to within last st, K 1, P 1 in last st. 2nd ROW: K 1, P 1 in 1st st, P across row to within last st, P 1, K 1 in last st. 3rd and 4th ROWS: Same as 3rd and 4th rows of pattern. Re­peat these 4 rows until there are 63 (69, 73) sts on needle ending with the 4th row. Work even in pattern until back measures 17 (17, 18) inches from beg ending with 4th pattern row. SHAPE ARMHOLES: Bind off 4 sts (all sizes) at beg of next 2 rows. Continue in pattern dec 1 st at beg and end of each K and P row of pattern 2 (3, 3) times - 47 (49, 53) sts. Work even in pat­tern until armholes measure 5½ (6, 6) inches from 1st bind off ending with 4th pattern row. SHAPE NECKLINE: NEXT ROW: K 10, K 2 tog (11 sts on needle), bind off next 24 (26, 27) sts, K 10 (11 sts on needle). NEXT ROW: Working one side at a time P across row dec 1 st at neck edge. NEXT 2 ROWS: Work even in pattern. NEXT ROW: K across row dec 1 st at neck edge. Work in pattern until armholes measure 8 (8½, 8½) inches ending with 4th pattern row. SHAPE SHOULDERS: Discontinue pat­tern and work in stockinette st (K 1 row, P 1 row). Bind off 4 sts at beg of row at armhole edge and dec 1 st at neck edge. NEXT ROW: Work even. NEXT ROW: Bind off re­maining sts. Attach yarn and complete other shoulder to correspond.

FRONT: Work same as back.

FINISHING: Sew shoulder seams. Sew straight edges of sides tog. EDGES: Work 1 row of s c around neck, armholes, and lower edge of garment.