I’ve fallen in love with the versatility of a fingering weight sweater. A short-sleeved piece is especially great, as I can wear it on its own in warmer months and layer it over a fitted long-sleeved top in cooler months.
I’ve combined some of my go-to simple stitch patterns in this design: the same 6-row knit and purl pattern from my Air Hugs Cowl and Air Hugs Wrap with my favorite squishy garter stitch, because I’m me! SHOULDER SEASON is a short-sleeved saddle-shoulder design featuring a pop color at the shoulders with a rhythmic texture and clean finishing details. Pair a fingering weight yarn with a fun accent color for a whimsical and wearable piece that can be styled and enjoyed throughout the year. Subtly different necklines in front and back allow for reversible styling.
This size-inclusive top is designed to fit with 4”-6” (10-15 cm) of positive ease. It also looks great with zero ease or up to 4” (10 cm) of negative ease. Schematic measurements reflect a design hitting at high hip. Adjust length to suit your personal preferences. Changes in length will impact yarn requirements.
Find full gallery images here.
YARN
Leading Men Fiber Arts Show Stopper, 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon, 463 yd / 423 m per 100 g, or similar fingering weight yarn.
This base is available in 100, 50, and 20 g skeins, so it’s easy to put together the right amount for your size.
SIZES
1 (2, 3, 4) [5, 6, 7] {8, 9, 10}
FINISHED BUST
32” (36”, 40”, 44”) [48”, 52”, 56”] {60”, 64”, 68”} / 81.5 (91.5, 101.5, 112) [122, 132, 142] {152.5, 162.5, 172.5} cm
Refer to schematic for additional measurements.
MAIN COLOR (MC)
689 (770, 907, 995) [1149, 1241, 1408] {1507, 1696, 1802} yd / 631 (705, 830, 910) [1051, 1135, 1288] {1379, 1551, 1648} m
149 (166, 196, 215) [248, 268, 304] {325, 366, 389} g]
Allow for approximately 11 (12, 13, 14) [15, 16, 17] {18, 19, 20} g of yarn for each additional 1” / 2.5 cm of length on the body.
CONTRAST COLOR (CC)
38 (47, 56, 65) [75, 84, 93] {107, 121, 130} yd / 35 (43, 52, 60) [69, 77, 86] {98, 111, 119} m
8 (10, 12, 14) [16, 18, 20] {23, 26, 28} g
NOTE: Yarn requirements use CC for shoulders only as shown in the samples. Many testers used CC for all of their ribbed trim.
GAUGE & NEEDLES
24 stitches & 44 rounds = 4” / 10 cm in 4 rounds stockinette, 2 rounds reverse stockinette, after blocking.
NOTE: the upper portion of the piece is worked flat at the same gauge (4 rows stockinette, 2 rows reverse stockinette).
US 4 / 3.5 mm circular needle, min. length 32” or 40” / 80 or 100 cm, or size needed to get gauge
US 3 / 3.25 mm circular needle in preferred length for working neckline and sleeve trim, or 1 size smaller than your main needle
TECHNIQUES
Provisional cast-on, knit stitch, purl stitch, picking up stitches along selvedge, increases and decreases, tubular bind off.
PATTERN ATTRIBUTES
This size inclusive reversible design is a written pattern with photos and a schematic. The pattern also provides links to useful video techniques.
EXPLORE ON INSTAGRAM
#ShoulderSeasonTop
Tech Editing: Bronwyn Hahn
Test knitting: Alicia A., Mandy B., Noa B., Cindy C., Jessica C., Jessica G., Vicky G., Rhianda G., Jen G., Kim G., Marietta G., Mary H., Kimberly H., Kristen H., Madeline J., Annette K., Jennie K., Kathrin K., Beth L., Erin L., Jess L., Laura L, Katie M., Wendy N., Holli P., Karen P., Louise R., Adrian S., Lauren S., Pam S., Felicia T., Katherine T., Marieke v.B., Allena W., Cera W., Emily W., Susie W., & Patty Y.
From Jen G.
Shanalines Designs patterns are clever in their design and enjoyable to knit. I’ve had the opportunity to take a class from Shana at Zombie Knitpocalypse and she is encouraging and patient and always open to feedback. I especially enjoyed knitting her Shoulder Season top. It is a lovely knit and easy to adjust to a longer length which I prefer. I’m never disappointed when I choose to knit one of Shana’s patterns.
Jen was a test knitter for Modular Coffee Cup Cozy, Shoulder Season, and Reach For It.
From Mary H.
After admiring Shana’s designs for a long time, I was excited to actually knit one of her patterns, and it did not disappoint! I am always interested in new construction and unique knits and this was a pleasure to knit up. Fun, engaging and easy to modify — Shoulder Season is a great pattern!
Mary was a test knitter for Shoulder Season.