Claret Dress Knitting Pattern

Claret Dress by Lisa Richardson

What is Being Made

The Claret Dress is a knitted garment designed by Lisa Richardson, available in five sizes to fit bust measurements from 81-86 cm (32-34 inches) through 122-127 cm (48-50 inches). The finished garment features an actual bust measurement range of 115 cm (45½ inches) to 155 cm (61 inches), offering a comfortable fit across the size range.

Craft and Skill Level

This is an intermediate-level knitting project, suitable for knitters with foundational experience who are ready to tackle more complex shaping and color work techniques.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Claret Dress employs several intermediate knitting techniques:

• Raglan armhole shaping – decreases worked at regular intervals to create the distinctive raglan sleeve cap
• Front neck shaping – strategic decreases to form the neckline, worked simultaneously with armhole shaping
• Patterned stockinette stitch – a textured stitch pattern worked throughout the main fabric
• Ribbed edgings – elastic ribbing used for cuffs and lower edges to provide structure and shape retention
• Slip stitch decreases – slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, K1, psso) and slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, K2tog, psso) for refined edge decreases

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined in specific sequences:

• Knit stitch (K) – the primary stitch forming the fabric
• Purl stitch (P) – used in ribbing and pattern sequences
• Ribbing (K2, P2 repeat) – creates elastic cuffs and hem edges
• Patterned stockinette stitch – the main stitch pattern worked over the body and sleeves
• Decrease stitches – slip 1 knit 1 psso, knit 2 together (K2tog), and slip 1 knit 2 together psso for shaping

Materials

The Claret Dress is worked in Rowan Kid Classic yarn, a soft and luxurious fiber choice. The pattern calls for two complementary colors:

• Yarn A – Cherry Red 847: 8 to 10 balls of 50 grams each, depending on size selected
• Yarn B – Feather 828: 5 to 7 balls of 50 grams each, depending on size selected

The project requires specific needle sizes to achieve the correct tension:

• 4½mm (US 7) needles – used for ribbed sections and as the primary needle size
• 5mm (US 8) needles – used for the main patterned stockinette stitch sections
• 4½mm (US 7) circular needle – no more than 40 cm long, used for neckline finishing

Tension and Gauge

The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 23 rows to 10 centimeters, measured over patterned stockinette stitch using 5mm (US 8) needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit and drape of the finished garment.

Construction Details

The Claret Dress is constructed using a classic raglan sleeve design. The back and front pieces are worked separately with ribbed lower edges, followed by patterned stockinette stitch sections. Raglan armhole shaping is introduced and maintained throughout the upper body. The front features neck shaping that occurs simultaneously with continued armhole decreases, creating a refined neckline. Sleeves are worked from the cuff upward with ribbed edging followed by patterned stockinette, incorporating increases to shape the sleeve cap before joining to the body through the raglan shaping sequence.