Retro Hippie Hoodie ©

by Deborah Tomasello

Cover photo by Petra Vatne Modeled by Zoe Hannigan

The Retro Hippie Hoodie is a 21st-century take on the hemp Baja sweatshirts of the 1960s. These comfy, simply-constructed
hoodies have been called drug rugs by the new generation. This hand-knit version knits up fast, is easily constructed in
large, flat pieces, and is worked sideways. Because the hoodie is loosely shaped, sizing is easily adjusted. For the most part,
though, this fabulous hoodie is a one-size-fits-all piece. Using Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted yarn yields a drapey,
warm, breathable fabric that is gorgeous to look at and yummy to wear.

Sizes: Medium (Large) For a smaller fit with less drape, simply drop one needle size while working Medium

Knitted Measurements: Bust 42” (46”) 106cm (117cm)

Length 27”

Materials: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted:

10 (12) skeins Oyster Heather
2 skeins each: Coal, Marina, and Red
One #7 long circular needle, or straight needles (For a smaller, snugger fit, use #6 needles)
Tapestry needle
Stitch markers

Gauge: 16 sts = 4” using #7 needles

Abbreviations: CO = cast on
BO = bind off
TBL = through back loop
K2TOG = knit two stitches together
PM = place marker
M1 = knit in front loop and then again in the back loop of stitch

Back instructions: Using Oyster Heather, CO 98 stitches. Knit first row TBL. Turn. Knitting flat, continue to
knit in pattern shown in CHART A. New colors are always attached on an odd-numbered row. For Large size,
work 20 rows of Oyster Heather in each background section, rather than the 18 rows charted. After working 68
rows, work chart in reverse so the second half mirrors the first half.
All Oyster Heather rows are knitted in garter stitch. Colored stripes are worked in stockinette per chart, except
for the last 2 stitches, which will always be knitted to avoid curling. (Dot in chart means to purl that stitch.) BO
loosely. Stripes are knitted horizontally, but the piece will be turned 90 degrees so stripes are vertical when
sewn together. Also, the pieces reverse side will become the front of the design.

Front instructions: Using Oyster Heather, CO 98 stitches. Knit first row TBL. Turn. Knitting flat, continue to
knit in pattern shown in CHART A. New colors are always attached on an odd-numbered row. For Large size,
work 20 rows of Oyster Heather in each background section, rather than the 18 rows charted. Work row 68 to
last 25 stitches. BO 25 stitches. Next row, (beginning second half of front by reversing chart as with back)
continuing with Red, CO 25 stitches. Complete chart. BO loosely.

Sleeves: Make 2. Using Oyster Heather, CO 60 stitches. Knit first row TBL. Turn. Knitting flat, continue to
knit in pattern shown in CHART B, decreasing, where indicated by K2TOG. Work rest of sleeve on 54
stitches to desired sleeve length. BO loosely.

Hood: Using Oyster Heather, CO 98 stitches. Knit first row TBL. Turn. Knitting flat, continue to knit all 98
stitches in pattern shown in CHART C for 80 rows. For Large size, work 20 rows of Oyster Heather in each
background section, rather than the 18 rows charted. BO loosely. Fold piece in half and, using Oyster Heather,
graft or crochet back seam to shape hood.

Pocket: Using Oyster Heather, CO 60 stitches. Knit first row TBL. Turn. Knitting flat, continue to knit in
pattern shown in CHART D for 58 rows. BO loosely.

Placket: Using Oyster Heather, CO 51 stitches. Knit first row TBL, placing stitch marker after the 25th stitch,
and after the 26th stitch (isolating center stitch). Turn. Knit 25 stitches, PM, knit 3 stitches in center stitch, PM,
knit remaining 25 stitches. Turn. Knit to marker, PM. M1, knit 1, M1 for 5 stitches, PM, knit to end. Turn.
Repeat, increasing 2 stitches between markers each row. After working 6 rows with Oyster Heather, switch to
Red for 2 rows, knitting the first row and purling the second. Then work Marina for 2 rows, knitting the first
row and purling the second. Then Coal for two rows, knitting the first row and purling the second, still
increasing 2 stitches between markers each row. BO loosely.

Construction and finishing: Weave in all color change ends. Using mattress stitch or crochet method, attach
placket to front center remembering that the “wrong” or “back” side of each piece becomes the visible side. Tack
outer edges in place. Attach pocket to front, taking care to line up stitching evenly.
With right sides together (The front of the stockinette is actually the back side of the hoodie. The back side will
be used as the front-facing side.) join back to front at shoulders. Also with right sides together, join sleeves to
body, lining the center top of sleeve (widest part of sleeve) to shoulder seam. Take care to keep stitching loose.
Sew side seams and sleeve seams. Attach hood, lining center back of hood to center back of body. If desired,
knit a small placket as a facing, and attach to cover seam where hood joins hoodie. Soak and block to shape
desired.
CHART A (Back and Front)
Dots in squares indicate a purl stitch. Work all 98 stitches through row 68, then work chart in
reverse for a total of 136 rows.
CHART B (Sleeve)
CHART C (Hood)
CHART D (Pocket)
CHART E (Placket)