The Lillee Boatneck Sweater is a beautifully simple yet stylish pullover that brings an airy, feminine touch to your spring wardrobe. Knit in the round from the bottom up, this piece features a flattering boatneck neckline and an all-over lace pattern that adds a delicate touch without being overly complicated. The sweater is worked flat after the armholes are divided, with the shoulders skillfully grafted together to maintain a seamless fit. The sleeves, knit from the bottom up in the round, preserve the delicate scalloped edges created by slipped stitches, ensuring that every detail of this sweater exudes elegance. Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or just starting out, the straightforward construction and lightweight design make this sweater a perfect piece to ease you into knitting for warmer weather. Add a versatile staple to your wardrobe with the Lillee Boatneck Sweater, perfect for breezy spring days and stylish layering.
Time: 1 Month Project
Skill level: Intermediate
Size: Finished Bust Size 38 (42, 46, 50, 54)(58, 62, 66, 70)” / 96.5 (107, 117, 127, 137)(147, 157.5, 167.5, 178) cm.
8-10” [20.5-25.5 cm] positive ease recommended.
Shown in size 42”
Gauge: 28 sts and 30 rnds = 4” [10 cm] in body lace pattern
Yarn: Eden Cottage Yarns Brimham 4 ply (85% superwash superfine Merino, 15% nylon; 436 yards [400 meters]/100 grams): Stone (1245 (1355, 1464, 1611, 1721)(1867, 1977, 2124, 2233) yards).
Needles: US size 4 (3.5 mm) 32” and 12” circular needle or size needed to match gauge; optional second 12” circular needle
Notions: Marker, waste yarn, tapestry needle
Pattern
Body
With longer circular needle and your preferred cast-on method, CO 272 (296, 320, 352, 376)(408, 432, 464, 488) sts. Join to work in the rnd, being careful not to twist, and place a marker to mark the beg of the rnd.
Begin working lace pattern as follows:
Rnd 1: *P1, sl1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, sl1; rep from * around.
Rnd 2: *P1, k7; rep from * around.
Rep last 2 rnds 65 more times.
Work additional reps, ending with Rnd 2, if you would like a longer garment, but be aware that this will use additional yarn.
Separate front and back: Work Rnd 1 across first 136 (148, 160, 176, 188)(204, 216, 232, 244) sts. Place rem sts on hold for front.
Back:
Sizes 38 (46, 50, 62, 66)” Only:
Row 1 (WS): *P7, k1; rep from * across.
Row 2 (RS): *P1, sl1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, sl1; rep from * across, working last st as k1.
Sizes 42 (54, 58, 70)” Only:
Row 1 (WS): P3, k1, *p7, k1; rep from * across.
Row 2 (RS): *P1, sl1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, sl1; rep from * to last 4 sts, p1, sl1, yo, ssk.
All Sizes:
Rep last 2 rows 24 (26, 28, 29, 31)(33, 35, 37, 39) more times, then work Row 1 once more.
Back neck:
Next row (RS): Work first 34 (40, 42, 46, 51)(57, 63, 69, 75) sts in pattern and place on hold, BO next 68 (68, 76, 84, 86)(90, 90, 94, 94) sts for back neck, work rem 34 (40, 42, 46, 51)(57, 63, 69, 75) sts in pattern and place on hold. Break yarn, leaving a long tail for joining shoulders (about 4 times the width of the shoulder sts).
Front:
Return held front sts to circular needle. Join yarn to work a RS row.
Sizes 38 (46, 50, 62, 66)” Only:
Row 1 (RS): *P1, sl1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, sl1; rep from * across, working last st as k1.
Row 2 (WS): *P7, k1; rep from * across.
Sizes 42 (54, 58, 70)” Only:
Row 1 (RS): K1, k2tog, yo, sl1, *p1, sl1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, sl1; rep from * across, working last st as k1.
Row 2 (WS): *P7, k1; rep from * to last 4 sts, p3, k1.
All Sizes:
Rep last 2 rows 25 (27, 29, 30, 32)(34, 36, 38, 40) more times.
Front neck:
Next row (RS): Work as for Back Neck.
Sleeve (make 2)
With shorter circular needle, CO 96 (96, 104, 112, 120)(128, 136, 144, 152) sts. Join to work in the rnd, being careful not to twist, and place a marker to mark the beg of the rnd.
Rnd 1: *P1, sl1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, sl1; rep from * around.
Rnd 2: *P1, k7; rep from * around.
Rep last 2 rnds 57 more times, then work Rnd 1 once more.
BO all sts to seam sleeve to armhole or, using an additional short circular needle, pick up and knit a matching 96 (96, 104, 112, 120)(128, 136, 144, 152) sts around the armhole opening and graft sleeve with Kitchener stitch to armhole opening. Sample is shown with sleeve grafted to armhole.
Finishing
Join shoulders:
Place held sts for front and back of one shoulder onto a short circular needle each. With RS of shoulders held tog and the long tail at the right edge of the armhole, use the 3-needle bind-off to bind off all shoulder sts. Rep for the second shoulder.
Neck trim:
With RS facing, pick up and knit 132 (132, 148, 164, 170)(176, 176, 184, 184) sts around the neck opening and join for working in the rnd. Place a marker for the beg of the rnd.
Purl 1 rnd.
BO loosely all sts kwise.
Weave in ends. Block sweater to open up lace and relax fibers.
