Finished Bust size: 37 inches

Yarn used : 6 balls Rowan All Seasons Cotton

Needles: 1pair 7UK

Gauge: 19sts by 29 rows

C.O. 86sts

Row 1: *P2, K2 repeat from * to end. The row will finish on a P2

Row 2: *K2, P2 repeat from * to end. The row will finish on a K2

These 2 rows form the double rib pattern.

Work 44 rows ending in a WS row.

The change from double rib to stocking stitch is achieved by making the first 2 purl stitches and the last 2 purl stitches on each RS row into knit stitches.

Next row: K4 *P2, K2 repeat from * to last 2 stitches K2

Next row (ws): Knit and purl every stitch as set on the previous row

Next row: K8 *P2, K2 repeat from * to last 6 stitches K to end

Next row (ws): Knit and purl every stitch as set on the previous row

Continue changing the first and last 2 purl stitches on each RS into knit stitches until you are knitting all the stitches on the RS and purling all the stitches on the WS.

Work in stocking stitch until back measures 12 inches (or desired length).

Cast off 5 sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows.

Cast off 2 sts at the beginning of the next 4 rows.

Dec 1 st at each end on every RS row until 62sts remain.

Continue straight until armhole measures 8 inches.

Cast off 5 sts at the beg of next 2 rows.

Cast off 5 sts and knit until there are 9 sts on the right needle and turn leaving rem stitches on a holder.

Work each side of the neck separately.

Cast off 4 sts at beg of next row.

Cast off rem 5 sts.

With RS facing, rejoin yarn to rem sts cast off centre 24 sts knit to end.

Work to match first side reversing shaping.

Work as back until 18 rows less have been worked on the armhole to the start of the shoulder shaping.

K23 and turn leaving rem sts on a holder.

Dec 1 st at neck edge on next 4 rows then on the next 4 alt rows leaving 15 sts..

Work 5 rows, ending with a WS row.

Cast off 5 sts at the beg of next and following 2 alt row.

With RS facing slip centre 16 sts onto a holder and rejoin yarn to rem sts knit to end.

Work to match the first side reversing shapings.

Join right shoulder seam and with right side facing pick up and knit 92sts all round and using the double-rib stitch work 19 rows .

Cast off.

Join left shoulder and neckband seam.

Fold neck band in half and slip stitch to the inside.

Pick up and knit 92 sts around armhole edge. Knit one row and then cast off.

Join side seams and block.

I’d work the rib, neckband and armhole edging on a smaller needle. I’d also pick up less stitches around the armhole and on the neckband.

I’d also have the rib coming further up the body before it changes to the stocking stitch.