INTRODUCTION: The double gourd is very popular in Chinese symbolism. It is used as a charm to ward off evil spirits and disease because its first character (hu lu 葫芦) has the same pronunciation as the word to “protect” or “guard” (hu 护) and the word for “blessing” (hu 祜). The Chinese word for gourd, 葫芦, has other auspicious meanings. In some dialects, the character hu (葫) has a similar pronunciation to fu (福) which means “happiness” or “good fortune”. My mom used to dry up double gourds and hung them as decoration on the rearview mirror of our car.

The shape of the double gourd also looks like the number “8”. In Chinese culture, the number 8 is an omen for good luck. Because the gourd contains many seeds, ancient Chinese associate the gourd with “10,000 children”. Families who hoped for many children used the gourd as a charm for good luck in fertility and healthy children. Thank you, Kim Dyes Yarn, for collaborating with me on this design!

Thank you, Kim Dyes Yarn, for collaborating with me on this design!

CONSTRUCTION: top-down color work sweater with split hems and front slits in two length options.

SKILLS: knitting in the round, colorwork, increases/decreases, picking up stitches, short rows.

NEEDLES: Body: US 6 / 4.0 mm, or any size to obtain gauge

Neck Collar, Bottom Hem, Sleeve Cuffs: Smaller needles if desired.

For Colorwork: use bigger size needles for color work sections if your tension tightens from stockinette.

NOTIONS: stitch markers, tapestry needle/latch hook/crochet hook for ends, measuring tape, gauge ruler if needed

GAUGE (Using Body needles): 25 sts & 31 rows/rnds per 4”/10 cm in stockinette, knitting in the rnd, after steam or wet blocking.

YARN: DK weight

Sample knit in: Kim Dyes Yarn, “Crumpets DK”, 100% non-Superwash Falkland wool, 100g/262 yds/240 m

CA: Lippy (red), CB: Warmth (burnt orange), CC: Sherbet (yellow peach)

SIZES: 1 (2, 3, 4) 5, 6, 7, 8

SEE TABLE FOR FINISHED MEASUREMENTS and YARN USAGE.

PATTERN NOTES: This guideline can help you find the ease that is right you!

1. Measure around your chest at the fullest/widest point.
2. Grab one of your favorite fitting tops. Measure the top flat, at about 1”/ 2.5 cm below the armhole. Multiply by 2 to get the top’s circumference.
3. (Top Circumference – Full Chest = Ease) If negative number, that’s negative ease. If it is a positive number, that’s positive ease.

Sample photographed is Size 4 worn with 2”/5 cm of positive ease at chest with front slit length 6”/15cm.

Pattern has been test knitted. Examples of other knitters who have knit this pattern during test knit are in the Blog.

Look up hashtags on Instagram with #DoubleGourdSweater and #tinatseknits to share your progress and FOs and to find other projects! Also tag me @tina.say.knits.