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 Pam S.
I really appreciate Shana’s attention to detail in each of her patterns, and also across the scope of her patterns. There are certain things I can count on from a Shanalines pattern, whether it’s a garment, coffee cozy or fidget toy: The directions will be clear, the design will be innovative, and the thing WILL fit! Her modular knits are good on everybody, and they are also really fun to make! As a bonus, Shana is very interactive and fun to knit with! I’ve had the chance to spend time with her at a couple of events, and I always leave her side smiling!
If you are hedging about one of the shanalines patterns, and you happen to see her at an event, she may even take off that beautiful sweater she’s wearing (with a tank top underneath, of course) to let you see how it works on you, or to point out a specific stitch detail. And if you have questions while you’re knitting, just reach out. She is always ready with a thoughtful answer that makes sense. I always look forward to seeing what pattern will come out next!
Pam has been to Zombie Knitpocalypse 2021 and 2022. She has knit many Shanalines Designs patterns including PB Sandwich Hat and Recalibrate, and has test knit Semantics, Peapod Marble Fidget Toy, Textured Marble Fidget Toy, Modular Coffee Cup Cozy and Shoulder Season.
From Madeline J.
I have made two different Shanalines tops and one I made twice (and I generally don’t like repeating patterns!).
Her patterns are super clear and easily customizable. She offers a lot of size options, but also shows you how to make adjustments.
She is an architect by trade and you can absolutely tell – the patterns I made (Recalibrate and Shoulder Season) are modular and interesting. They are not your typical sweater construction, but the design makes sense and the pattern is not difficult to follow.
She’s very open to feedback and quick to help if you run into an issue. Cannot wait to see what else she comes out with!
Madeline was a test knitter for Shoulder Season, and has also knit Recalibrate.