BACK

Cast on 122 (134: 146: 158: 170) sts using 3.25mm needles. Row 1 (RS) K2, *P2, K2; rep from * to end.

Row 2 P2, *K2, P2; rep from * to end.

These 2 rows form rib.

Work in rib for a further 16 rows, ending with RS facing for next row. Change to 3.75mm needles.

Beg with a knit row, work in st st throughout as folls: Cont straight until Back measures 46 (46.5: 47: 47.5: 48) cm, ending with RS facing for next row.

SHAPE ARMHOLES

Cast off 3 sts at beg of next 2 rows. [116 (128: 140: 152: 164) sts] Dec 1 st at each end of next and foll 5 alt rows. [104 (116: 128: 140: 152) sts]

Cont straight until armhole measures 21 (22.5: 24: 25.5: 27) cm, ending with RS facing for next row.

SHAPE SHOULDERS

Cast off 3 (4: 4: 5: 6) sts at beg of next 8 (10: 4: 10: 10) rows, then 4 (0: 5: 0: 0) sts at beg of foll 2 (-: 6: -: -) rows. [72 (76: 82: 90: 92) sts]

SHAPE BACK NECK

Next row (RS) Cast off 4 (4: 5: 6: 6) sts, knit until there are 16 (18: 19: 22: 22) sts on right needle and turn, leaving rem sts on a holder. Work each side of neck separately.

Dec 1 st at neck edge of next 4 rows and at same time cast off 4 (4: 5:

6: 6) sts at beg of 2nd row, then 4 (5: 5: 6: 6) sts at beg of foll alt row. Work 1 row.

Cast off rem 4 (5: 5: 6: 6) sts.

With RS facing, slip centre 32 (32: 34: 34: 36) sts onto a holder, rejoin yarn and knit to end.

Complete to match first side, reversing shapings.