- 1). Knit a gauge swatch. You will need to size your needles to achieve a gauge of approximately 4.5 stitches per inch in stockinette stitch. If you get more stitches per inch, decrease your needle size. If you get fewer stitches per inch, increase the needle size.
- 2). Cast on 84 stitches using a stretchy method and a needle at least two sizes smaller than the one used to get gauge. This will produce a stretchy ribbing that fits snugly against the skin. The twisted German cast on will produce a stretchy hem which can be easily pulled on and off over the head. Place a marker and join in the round. Knit in a two by two ribbing pattern for 6 inches. This ribbing is achieved by knitting two, purling two and repeating until the end of the round.
- 3). Switch to the larger circular needle that you used to get gauge. Knit 32 stitches from the smaller circular and leave the rest of the stitches on this needle. Cast on an additional 50 stitches and place a marker. Knit in stockinette stitch for 4 inches.
- 4). Begin decreasing. Alternate decrease rows with non-decrease rows until the end. On the first row, knit 11 stitches and knit two together, repeating until the end of the round. Knit one row. On each subsequent decrease round, reduce the number of stitches knitted between decreases (knit two together) by one, until you have reached two stitches between decreases. Switch to double pointed needles when necessary. On the next row, knit one, knit two together until end of the row. On the following row, knit two together around. Leave these stitches on the needles. Cut the yarn with a 10 inch tail and use a tapestry needle to weave the tail through the live stitches on the double pointed needles twice.
- 5). Pick up stitches around the face opening using the smaller needle that still has stitches on it. You will need to pick up a number of stitches that is divisible by four. Knit in a two by two ribbing for 1 inch. On the last row, decrease by a total of eight stitches in the purl sections evenly around the upper part of the face opening. Bind off all stitches in pattern.
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