Yarnpond

Armstrong Sweater

Job type Test knit
Description

The Armstrong Sweater is a refined, minimalist evolution of my original Lydiard design—ideal for those who appreciate timeless simplicity without the intricacy of cables. This top-down, seamless raglan pullover features a cozy folded neckline, short-row shaping for improved fit, and a split hem finished with a sleek 1x1 rib and sewn bind-off for a modern touch. The long sleeves also end in matching 1x1 ribbing, offering a clean, cohesive finish.

Inspired by Armstrong Street in Ballarat—with its heritage charm and understated elegance—this sweater is a quiet nod to the beauty of everyday classics. With thoughtful construction and a relaxed silhouette, Armstrong is the ultimate go-to layer: polished, practical, and effortlessly wearable.


SKILL LEVEL

Advanced beginner to intermediate

**Sizes**

1 (2, 3, 4, 5) (6, 7, 8, 9)

Finished Chest Measurement 94 (101.5, 111.5, 121.5, 134) (144, 151.5, 161.5, 174) cm / 37 (40, 43.9, 47.8, 52.7) (56.6, 59.6, 63.5, 68.5) inches

Designed to be worn with 15 - 20 cm / 5.9 - 7.87 inches of ease

**Yarn**

GOR Woollen Mill La Bella 8ply (DK) – 100g / 200m (218.7 yds), 20% Alpaca, 80% Merino ‘Cream’

5 (6, 6, 7, 7) (7, 8, 8, 9) skeins

Or 

975 (1042, 1122, 1201, 1320) (1399, 1465, 1571, 1663) m / 1067 (1139, 1227, 1313, 1444) (1530, 1602, 1719, 1819) yds of heavy DK to worsted or Aran weight yarn 

Please note that yardage is estimated, and can vary between knitters.

**Needles**

US 6 / 4 mm, 80-100cm/32-40” circular needles for neck ribbing.

US 7 / 4.5 mm, 80-100cm/32-40” circular needles for body and sleeve ribbing.

US 8 / 5 mm, 80-100cm/32-40” circular needles for Stockinette Stitch.

**Notions**

Cable needle

12 stitch markers - 1 BoR and 2 for each raglan section

Tapestry needle 

Stitch holders or scrap yarn for placing stitches on hold.

Crochet hook

**Gauge**

15 sts x 33 rows to 10cm/ 4′′ on 5 mm needles in 1x1 ribbing, after blocking

16 sts x 26 rows to 10cm/ 4′′ on 5 mm needles in Stockinette Stitch, after blocking.


Tech edited This pattern has been tech edited.
Difficulty Moderate
Due date 2025-09-22   This is a flexible deadline!
Craft Knitting
Test secrecy Postable
Pattern access The pattern for this test will be sent to you by email. This means the designer will have access to your email address for this purpose. By applying for this test, you are allowing Yarnpond to show your email address to this designer for the purposes of sending you the pattern document only. The designer may not add you to their mailing list or send you marketing emails without you providing approval for them to use your address for that purpose. Designers found to be abusing their access to testers emails will be excluded from Yarnpond.
Advertiser Cow Cat Creations
Spots available 36
Sizes required 1 : 3 testers needed
2 : 4 testers needed
3 : 2 testers needed
4 : 3 testers needed
5 : 5 testers needed
6 : 4 testers needed
7 : 5 testers needed
8 : 5 testers needed
9 : 5 testers needed
Finished measurements

Finished Chest Measurement 94 (101.5, 111.5, 121.5, 134) (144, 151.5, 161.5, 174) cm / 37 (40, 43.9, 47.8, 52.7) (56.6, 59.6, 63.5, 68.5) inches

Designed to be worn with 15 - 20 cm / 5.9 - 7.87 inches of ease


Gauge 15 sts x 33 rows to 10cm/ 4′′ on 5 mm needles in 1x1 ribbing, after blocking 16 sts x 26 rows to 10cm/ 4′′ on 5 mm needles in Stockinette Stitch, after blocking.
Charted or written pattern Written
Skills required

Provisional cast on, Tubular bind off, knitting in the round, german short rows

Construction type top down, raglan
Required or recommended yarn Heavy DK , worsted or aran
Yardage 975 (1042, 1122, 1201, 1320) (1399, 1465, 1571, 1663) m / 1067 (1139, 1227, 1313, 1444) (1530, 1602, 1719, 1819) yds of heavy DK to worsted or Aran weight yarn
Tools required

US 6 / 4 mm, 80-100cm/32-40” circular needles for neck ribbing.

US 7 / 4.5 mm, 80-100cm/32-40” circular needles for body and sleeve ribbing.

US 8 / 5 mm, 80-100cm/32-40” circular needles for Stockinette Stitch.

12 stitch markers - 1 BoR and 2 for each raglan section

Tapestry needle 

Stitch holders or scrap yarn for placing stitches on hold.

Crochet hook


Ownership of the finished item The finished item is yours to keep.
Requirements from the maker

Knit your chosen size using any Heavy DK to worsted or Aran weight yarn (or yarn that meets gauge)

Check gauge if possible, or make note if it differs

Provide clear, kind feedback on any typos, confusing instructions, or errors

OPTIONAL: Create a project page on Ravelry, using code: TEST-RM-KZRW45

Submit the Feedback Form once complete: https://forms.gle/pQXFkTUVFKnJQg1P8 

Finish by the deadline: 22 September 2025

Share at least one photo of your finished sweater (in daylight if possible)

Optional but appreciated: Share progress or FO pics on Instagram using #armstrongsweater and tag @cow.cat.creations


Rewards from the designer

The designer is offering discounted or free pattern(s) to testers

Copy of the finalised pattern

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Thumb aa4f91ad2edba4f559a591dde0d387be

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