The Elisabeth Blouse is worked from the top down. First the collar is worked so that it has stockinette stitch with the RS facing out on both front and back. After this, the first section of the yoke is worked back and forth with raglan increases on a circular needle. Stitches are picked up and knitted along the edges of the yoke, and double knitted front edges are worked along these, before the rest of the yoke is joined in the round and completed in this way. The neckline is shaped using short rows.
The following techniques are used in this pattern: Judy’s Magic Cast On, German Short Rows, double knitting and the Italian bind-off technique. Start by knitting a swatch to determine which needle size you need to achieve the correct gauge.
Size guide
The Elisabeth Blouse is designed to have approx. 6 cm [2¼ inches] of positive ease, meaning it is designed to be approx. 6 cm [2¼ inches] larger in circumference than your bust measurement. The sizes XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL (4XL) 5XL are designed to fit a bust circumference of 80-85 (85-90) 90-95 (95-100) 100-110 (110-120) 120-130 (130-140) 140-150 cm [31½-33½ (33½-35½) 35½-37½ (37½-39½) 39½-43¼ (43¼-47¼) 47¼-51¼ (51¼-55) 55-59 inches]. The measurements for the finished garment are listed on the front page of the pattern. Note that these measurements are only achieved if the design is knitted in the correct gauge. Before beginning your project, measure yourself to determine which size will fit you the best. For example, if you measure 90 cm [35½ inches] around your bust (or around the widest part on your upper body) you should knit a size S. A size S sweater has a bust circumference of 96 cm \37¾ inches] which in the given example would give you 6 cm [2¼ inches] of positive ease.
Sizes: XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL (4XL) 5XL
Bust circumference: 90 (96) 101 (106) 117 (125) 136 (146) 155 cm [35½ (37¾) 39¾ (41¾) 46 (49¼) 53½ (57½) 61 inches]
Length: 50 (51) 52 (53) 55 (56) 57 (59) 60 cm [19¾ (20) 20½ (21) 21½ (22¼) 22½ (23¼) 23½ inches] (measured mid back excl. collar)
Gauge: 23 sts x 32 rows = 10 x 10 cm [4 x 4 inches] in stockinette stitch on 4 mm [US6] needles
Needles: Circular needles: two sets of 4 mm US6 / 80 and/or 100 cm 32 and/or 40 inches, 3.5 mm [US4] / 80 and/or 100 cm [32 and/or 40 inches] and 2.5 mm [US1½] / 60 cm [24 inches]; Double-pointed needles: 3.5 mm [US4] and 4 mm [US6] (unless you are using the Magic Loop technique)
