Maman Sweater
The Maman Sweater was designed to bring an easy-to-knit, classic chic sweater to your wardrobe. With its casual, oversized fit and stripe design, you can throw it on for the school run or the office and always look your best. Details on sizing and materials are listed below!
This is a digital pdf download in English.
Construction. This round-yoke sweater is knitted top down with KLL increases. The neckband is folded and knitted together before the back and shoulders are shaped with German short rows. The body features a split hem that is folded at the end for a clean finish. The length of the sweater is slightly cropped. After the sweater has been blocked, the word Maman (or any word you fancy) is embroidered in a split back stitch. The Bébé Sweater is the junior version for those of you who love a maman et bébé matching moment just as much as me.
Sizing. The sweater is graded into 16 sizes (A-P) for wearer bust circumferences between 75cm-150cm [30-60 inches] and has 13cm [5¼ inches] of positive ease. Bust adjustments were made for sizes G-P (wearer bust circumference 105cm-150cm [42-60 inches]) to allocate more stitches to the front and less to the back of the sweater, making room for the bust.
Tutorials. There are video tutorials available for extra help on the following techniques: folded neckband, KLL increases, German short rows, jogless stripes, split hems, simultaneously binding off and sewing on hems and all about knitwear embroidery.
The sweater pictured (size E, model bust 97cm [39 inches]) is knitted with Drops Lima in White (1101) and Blue Indigo (4305). The cotton embroidery thread is from DMC in colour 453.
Sizing & Measurements
The Maman Sweater is designed to have 13cm [5¼ inches] of positive ease at the bust, giving you an oversized look. Below are the key measurements for the finished sweater. Choose a size that is approx. 13cm [5¼ inches] larger than the bust circumference of the person you are knitting for to get the designed fit. If they are in between sizes, choosing a smaller size will give less ease and a larger size more. Sizes G-P feature a bust adjustment in which more stitches are allocated to the front than the back, creating room where you need it and avoiding loose fabric in the back. If you wish to knit your sweater with equal front and back stitches in those sizes, please get in touch for altered instructions.
Materials
Gauge
Stockinette stitch, 4mm [US6] needles: 22 sts x 30 rounds in 10x10cm [4x4 inches]
Stockinette stitch, 2mm [US0] needles: 25 sts x 40 rounds in 10x10cm [4x4 inches]
Needles
4mm [US6] circulars: 60cm, 80cm, 100cm [24, 32, 40 inches], one DPN and DPNs if not using the Magic Loop method for the sleeves.
2mm [US0] circular: 60cm [24 inches]
Yarn
Meterage and yardage are listed in the table below.
Skein specification refers to Drops Lima (DK weight, 65% wool and 35% alpaca, 50g [1.8oz] = 100m [109yds]). This yarn was used in the pictured sample: main colour White (1101) and contrast colour Blue Indigo (4305).
Notions
For the sweater: Stitch markers (preferably removable ones), embroidery needle, waste yarn or stitch holder for the sleeve stitches, scissors and a stitch counter.
For the embroidery: Pen, embroidery thread, water-soluble embroidery transfer paper (such as DMC Magic Paper), embroidery needle, scissors, embroidery hoop (optional).
Techniques
Folded neckband
KLL increases
Jogless stripes
Split hems
Folding and sewing on hems simultaneously
Knitwear embroidery