Contagion by Helen Keith

Contagion

Knitting
October 2021
Fingering (14 wpi) ?
25 stitches and 34 rows = 4 inches
in stockinette
US 2 - 2.75 mm
US 4 - 3.5 mm
869 - 1914 yards (795 - 1750 m)
1, (2, 3, 4, 5) (6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
English
This pattern is available for $8.00 USD buy it now

Contagion is a seamless, top-down raglan featuring seed stitch panels on the front and back and cable detailing on the side panels.

The Contagion pullover is my first design, and it was conceived in the second year of the pandemic. The texture of the seed stitch panels reminds me of the red spiky virus icon that became a symbol of the pandemic. The cables down the sides represent increasing isolation, and a simultaneous desire to stay connected. They begin as 8 or 12 stitch cables and gradually diminish into twisted ribbing.
Similar to lockdown, designing this sweater took much, much longer than I expected, but it was a way to channel my emotions and make something positive out of this time. I hope that by sharing this pattern with you, you can do the same. Please enjoy.

Sizes
This sweater has sizes 1 (2, 3, 4, 5) (6, 7, 8, 9, 10), designed to be fitted with 2-4” (5-10 cm) of positive ease.

The red and gray samples are knitted in size 5 and shown on a 43” (109 cm) bust.

Finished bust measurements are 31 (35, 39, 43, 47) (51, 55, 59, 63, 67) inches, or 78.5 (89, 99, 109, 119.5) (129.5, 139.5, 150, 160, 170) cm.

Gauge
25 st by 34 rows = 4” (10 cm) in stockinette.

Materials
Yarn: Any fingering weight yarn that will fit the gauge.
Red Sample is knitted with Madeline Tosh Euro Sock in colorway Rocinante.
Gray sample is knitted with Malabrigo Mechita in colorway Polar Morn.

Yardage: 869 (969, 975, 1084, 1200) (1417, 1538, 1662, 1785, 1914) yards.
795 (887, 992, 1092, 1198) (1296, 1407, 1520, 1633, 1751) meters.

Needles: US 2 (2.75mm) circular needles for neck, cuff, and hem edging.
US 4 (3.5mm) circular needles for main body.
Or size needed to obtain gauge.

Notions: 2 stitch holders, or scrap yarn, to hold sleeve stitches while knitting body. Cable needle, stitch markers, tapestry needle to weave in ends.

Note about size inclusivity:
This pattern is currently graded to fit body sizes up to a 65” bust. If you need a larger size, don’t hesitate to contact me. I will do my best to accommodate you.