from “Guide to Knitting for the Services” by the Australian Comforts Fund, 1940
Materials
- 4-ply wool, about 6 ozs. Shade No. 2015, Light Navy Blue.
- l pair of needles, UK No. 12/2.75mm/US 2
- l set of four needles, UK No. 12/2.75mm/US 2
Pattern
Front
Cast on 90 stitches.
Knit first row into the back of the stitches.
Knit six rows in k1, p1 rib.
Next Row: Knit plain.
Second Row: Knit 4, purl to the last 4 stitches, K4.
Repeat these two rows until work measures 12 inches, ending with a purl row.
Next Row: K23, K2tog, K1 turn.
Work on these stitches for shoulder as follows:
First Row: Purl to the last 4 stitches, K4.
Second Row: K to the last 3 stitches, K2tog, K1.
Repeat these two rows seven times more (making 17 stitches on needle).
Work ten rows without decreasing.
Cast off.
Join on wool again at neck, * K6, K2tog *. Repeat from * to * three times, K6.
Place these 34 stitches on a spare needle and leave for the neck ribbing.
Work the other shoulder on the remaining 26 stitches.
First Row: K1, K2tog through back of loops, knit plain to end of row.
Second Row: Knit 4, purl to end of row.
Repeat these two rows until 17 stitches remain.
Work ten rows without decreasing.
Cast off.
Back
Work another piece exactly as for Front, but 3 inches shorter.
Sew shoulder pieces firmly together.
Neck Ribbing
With front of work facing you, join on wool at right side of neck.
Using the set of four needles, with the first needle knit 34 stitches across front of neck; with a second needle pick up and knit 38 stitches over shoulder and knit 17 stitches across back of neck; with a third needle knit the remaining 17 stitches across back of neck and pick up and knit 38 stitches over shoulder.
Divide stitches equally on to three needles, 48 on each.
Knit in rib of 1 plain, 1 purl for 10 inches. Cast off.
The original publication of this pattern is in the public domain, however this modernised and clarified version is copyright Sarah Bradberry, May 31st 2012. All rights reserved.