BACK

Using 4mm needles and the long-tail method, cast on 103 ( 115: 125: 137: 147) sts. Row 1 (WS): K1, *P1, K1; rep from * to end. Row 2: *P1, K1; rep from * to last st, P1. These 2 rows set rib.

Work 1 row more.**

Knit 13 rows, inc 1 st at end of last row, and ending after a RS row.

104 ( 116: 126: 138: 148) sts.

Change to 4.5mm needles.

Beg with a WS (purl) row and working in st st throughout, cont straight until Back meas 33 ( 33: 33: 33: 34) cm from cast-on edge, ending after a WS row.

SHAPE ARMHOLES

Next row (RS dec): K2, skpo, knit to last 4 sts, K2tog, K2. 2 sts dec’d.

Next row (WS dec): P2, P2tog, purl to last 4 sts, P2tog tbl, P2. 2 sts dec’d.

These 2 rows set armhole shaping.

Dec 1 st at each end of next 5 rows, then on 3 foll RS rows.

84 ( 96: 106: 118: 128) sts.

Cont without shaping until armhole meas 19 ( 21: 23: 25: 26) cm from beg of shaping, ending after a WS row.

SHAPE RIGHT BACK NECK AND SHOULDERS

Next row (RS): K20 ( 25: 30: 35: 40), turn and leave rem sts on a holder.

Next row: Cast off 3 sts at neck edge, purl to end.

17 ( 22: 27: 32: 37) sts.

Next row: Cast off 7 ( 9: 12: 14: 17) sts, knit to end.

10 ( 13: 15: 18: 20) sts.

Next row: Cast off 3 sts at neck edge, purl to end.

7( 10: 12: 15: 17) sts.

Cast off rem 7 ( 10: 12: 15: 17) sts.

SHAPE LEFT BACK NECK AND SHOULDERS

With RS facing and working on rem sts, leave first 44 ( 46: 46: 48: 48) sts on a holder for back neck, rejoin yarn to rem

20 ( 25: 30: 35: 40) sts and knit to end.

Work 1 row straight.

Next row (RS): Cast off 3 sts to start back neck shaping, knit to end.

17 ( 22: 27: 32: 37) sts.

Next row: Cast off 7 ( 9: 12: 14: 17) sts, purl to end.

10 ( 13: 15: 18: 20) sts.

Next row: Cast off 3 sts at neck edge, knit to end.

7( 10: 12: 15: 17) sts.

Cast off rem 7 ( 10: 12: 15: 17) sts.