Baja Collection. Fall 2022. Cactus Sweater.
Cactus sweater has been on my needles for a long time - I played with different variations of design and it went a long way from what I originally casted on. I must say I am quite pleased with the final result - the body of a sweater is a breeze to knit, perfect for mindless zen knitting. The voluminous textured sleeves add a fun twist to your knitting plus create a dramatic effect when worn.
Design Notes
Cactus sweater is a seamless drop- shoulder pullover knit bottom-up in the round up to the armholes in simple stockinette stitch. Front and Back are worked flat separately, creating a V-neck at the Front. Knit in the baby alpaca, this oversize knit is like a cozy cocoon around your body.
The shoulders are seamed together, using a three needle bind-off with the seam exposed for the decorative purpose. I love using this element in my designs, as it adds more structure to the garment.
The sleeves play the main character in the sweater - voluminous, textured, contrasting both in color and fiber; and just slightly dramatic.
General Knitting Pattern Information
SIZING
The sweater is graded for 8 sizes with approximately 14-16" (35.5-40.5 cm) of ease. The sample is shown in size 2 with 15" (38 cm) of ease.
FINISHED BUST MEASUREMENT
Size 1 46” / 117.5 cm
Size 2 49 ½” / 126 cm
Size 3 54” / 137 cm
Size 4 57 ½” / 145.5 cm
Size 5 61 ¾” / 157 cm
Size 6 66” / 168 cm
Size 7 69 ½” / 176.50 cm
Size 8 74” / 187.5 cm
GAUGE
14.5 sts and 20 rows = 4" (10 cm) in St st after blocking.
YARN
Main Yarn: 6 (7, 7, 8, 8) (8, 9, 9) skeins of Plymouth Baby Alpaca, 100% baby alpaca. Worsted weight (204 yds/100 g). Or any other alpaca/merino yarn that gives you the gauge.
Acrylic blends will also work for this pattern, just make sure that the yarn you use has a nice drape, so the fabric is soft and flowing.
Contrast Yarn: 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) (2, 2, 2) skeins of Valley Yarns Southampton, 72% kid mohair, 28% mulberry silk. DK weight (230 yds/25 g). Or any other mohair yarn.
Color of Contrast Yarn should be the lighter version of Main Yarn color to achieve the visual gradient effect.
Note - the yardage is an estimate and may vary with the tension of your knitting and modifications you are making.
List of special techniques used:
Bubble stitch - written instructions are provided.
The pattern has been edited by a professional technical editor.I am offering an introductory 15% discount to celebrate the pattern release. Just add the pattern to the cart and the discount will be automatically applied. No code needed!
