This sweater begins at the neckline and is worked down. No need to pick up any stitches when you are finished!
Cast on 33 (37, 41) stitches and knit 4 rows. On the next row K5, M (place marker)—front sts, p1, M, p4 (5 6)—sleeve sts, M, p13 (15, 17)—back sts, M, p4 (5, 6), M, p1, M, k5
Increases are worked by inserting the left needle into the bar between the stitches on the row below and knitting into the back of the bar.
Set-up row for increases: K5, slip M, increase 1, *knit to the next M, increase 1, slip M, k1, increase 1, repeat from * to the last M, and remove it, K4. Replace M after the k5 on the next row.
Row 1: K5, purl to last 5 stitches, slipping the markers, k5
Row 2: K5, slip M, increase 1*knit to the next M, increase 1, slip M, k1, increase 1, repeat from * to the last M, increase 1, slip M, K5
Row 3: Knit across all stitches slipping the markers
Row 4: Repeat Row 2
Row 5: Repeat Row 1
Row 6: Repeat Row 2
Repeat these 6 rows until there are 21 (25, 31) stitches across the back and 14 (16, 19) stitches on each front. At this point omit the increase before and after each 5 garter stitch band.
Make your first buttonhole here. Make the buttonhole in the band at the end of a right side row for a girl and at the end of a wrong side row for a boy.
Work up to the garter band. K2 tog, YO needles twice, k2 tog, k1. On the next row knit into the front and back of the YO. Repeat buttonhole every 2.5” twice. (Note: This makes a large buttonhole. If you want a smaller buttonhole k1, YO, k2 tog, k1)
Continue in pattern and working all the other increases until you have 37 (41, 45) stitches across the back, 28, (31, 34) sts for each sleeve and 22 (24, 26) stitches on each front and have completed a wrong side row.
At this point measure down. If work measures 5.5 (6.5, 7)” divide for sleeves and body. If work measures slightly more, this will not be a problem as it is okay to have a loose armhole. If work does not measure quite enough work a few rows without increasing until the correct measurement is achieved. Place fronts, sleeves and back on threads.
Work sleeves first. For each sleeve cast on 3 stitches; knit across the 28, (31, 34) sleeve stitches and cast on 3 more stitches. 34, (37, 40) sts on needle.Work in stockinette stitch decreasing 1 stitch at each end of every 6th row until sleeve measures 8 (9, 10)” or desired length to cuff. End having completed a right side row. Knit 7 rows and bind off.
Work the body