Sporty 45: Two Retro-Inspired Sweater Knitting Patterns by Elizabeth Smith
Step into the ✨ wayback machine ✨ with me...
In 2019, Heather of Ewe Ewe Yarns and Elizabeth of Elizabeth Smith Knits did a fun collaboration to celebrate our 40th birthdays. We were born in the same year (1979), just a week or so apart. We thought it would be fun to celebrate with a knitting collaboration and that was the Sporty Forty, a shawl designed by Elizabeth using Heather's Ewe So Sporty yarn.
🪩 That brings us to what's launching today...
Fast-forward five years and our 45th birthdays this year, we decided to do another celebratory collaboration!
Introducing: Sporty 45!
Two designs with one retro-inspired sweater vest vibe – available as either a pullover or cardigan and again knit with Ewe Ewe's Ewe So Sporty yarn.
The Sporty 45 patterns take their design cues from the fashion trends of yesteryear, offering a nostalgic nod to retro sweater vests while infusing the patterns with modern fit and styling.
Available in both a pullover and cardigan variation, these versatile pieces are set to become a staple in any knitter's wardrobe, blending comfort and cool vibes.
Knit with Ewe Ewe's signature Ewe So Sporty yarn, known for its vibrant colors, softness, and quality, Sporty 45 promises an entertaining knitting experience and a Top 40 Hit to any collection! 🎶
The first step is to decide what colors you'll be using! Ewe So Sporty yarn comes in 25 saturated colors which means there's something for everyone. We pulled together some groovy color combos but you know your wardrobe better than us so be sure to choose a pairing that fits your style.
The second step is to choose if you'll be making the cardigan or the pullover! All the specs and links for both are below. 🪩
Sporty 45 Cardigan Knitting Pattern Details
Sporty 45 (cardigan) is a birthday collaboration between myself and Heather of Ewe Ewe Yarns to celebrate our 45th birthdays (we happen to be born in the same year, just a week or so apart)! Using Ewe Ewe Yarn’s “Ewe So Sporty” sport-weight yarn and taking inspiration from our 1979 birth year, this light-weight sweater vest has a retro vibe and a modern silhouette, created with simple knitting techniques.
Sporty 45 Cardigan Specs
Sizes: 1 (2, 3, 4, 5) (6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
Finished Body Circumference (with front bands overlapping): 35.25 (38.75, 43, 46.75, 50.25) (54.5, 58.75, 62.25, 65.75, 70)” / 90 (98, 109, 119, 128) (138, 149, 158, 167, 178) cm
Picking Your Size: Choose a size that is approx 5-10”/13-25 cm larger than your actual bust measurement, depending on your desired fit. Shown in size 2 (38.75”/98 cm), being worn with approx 5.5”/14 cm of positive ease at the bust. Visit my tips page for more sizing tips.
Gauge: 22.5 sts & 33 rows = 4”/10 cm in St st on body needle after blocking.
Yarn: Sport-weight yarn, shown in Ewe So Sporty by Ewe Ewe Yarns (100% Superwash Merino; 50g = 145 yds), broken down as follows:
Main Color (MC): 825 (925, 1050, 1175, 1250) (1400, 1525, 1625, 1750, 1900) yards, 6 (7, 8, 9, 9) (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) skeins, shown in color Wheat.*
Contrasting Color (CC): 65 (70, 75, 80, 85) (95, 105, 110, 120, 125) yards, 1 skein, shown in color Orange Peel.
*If you plan on making your garment longer you will need extra MC yardage.
Sporty 45 Cardigan Pattern Links:
Shop at elizabethsmithknits.com (25% off when you add both to your cart!) >
Shop pattern bundle on Ravelry (25% off both patterns!) >
Ewe So Sporty merino yarn to knit the Sporty 45 cardigan:
Use code: SPORTY45 for 10% off your Ewe So Sporty yarn order!
Sporty 45 Pullover Knitting Pattern Details
Sporty 45 (pullover) is a birthday collaboration between myself and Heather of Ewe Ewe Yarns to celebrate our 45th birthdays (we happen to be born in the same year, just a week or so apart)! Using Ewe Ewe Yarn’s “Ewe So Sporty” sport-weight yarn and taking inspiration from our 1979 birth year, this light-weight sweater vest has a retro vibe and a modern silhouette, created with simple knitting techniques.
Sporty 45 Pullover Specs
Sizes: 1 (2, 3, 4, 5) (6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
Finished Body Circumference: 36.25 (40, 44.25, 48, 51.75) (56, 60.25, 64, 67.75, 72)”/ 92 (102, 112, 122, 131) (142, 153, 163, 172, 183) cm
Picking Your Size: Choose a size that is approx 5-10”/13-25 cm larger than your actual bust measurement, depending on your desired fit. Shown in size 2 (40”/102 cm), being worn with approx 7”/18 cm of positive ease at the bust. Visit my tips page for more sizing tips.
Gauge: 22 sts & 30 rnds = 4”/10 cm in St st in the rnd on body needle after blocking.
Yarn: Sport-weight yarn, shown in Ewe So Sporty by Ewe Ewe Yarns (100% Superwash Merino; 50g = 145 yds), broken down as follows:
Main Color (MC): 850 (950, 1075, 1200, 1300) (1425, 1550, 1675, 1775, 1950) yards, 6 (7, 8, 9, 9) (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) skeins, shown in color Pistachio.*
Contrasting Color (CC): 75 (80, 90, 95, 105) (115, 120, 130, 135, 145) yards, 1 skein, shown in color Chocolate.
*If you plan on making your garment longer you will need extra MC yardage.
Sporty 45 Pullover Pattern Links:
Shop at elizabethsmithknits.com (25% off when you add both to your cart! >
Shop pattern bundle on Ravelry (25% off both patterns!) >
Ewe So Sporty merino yarn to knit the Sporty 45 cardigan:
Use code: SPORTY45 for 10% off your Ewe So Sporty yarn order!
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There you have it... Such a great pair of patterns and the grooviest pattern collaboration I've done to date!
Which will you be knitting? Let us know in the comments below.
Happy knitting,
💗 Heather
p.s. – Here's the links for the patterns and the yarn to make them!
