In 2022, I released the “Gender Unicorn of the Sea Cowl” pattern, donating 100% of the proceeds to an organization supporting trans communities. I was overwhelmed by the reception of the pattern, and the donations the knitting community generated. A year later, I set out to turn the dueling narwhal motif into a full colorwork sweater for kids.

A portion of all proceeds (after fees) are donated to an organization supporting trans communities. As of June 2023, the organization receiving donations is the GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders. As bigots target trans communities and trans healthcare, especially for children, I thank you deeply for helping to generate donations to an organization that is challenging the laws targeting trans kids. Protect Trans Youth <3

This DK weight sweater is knit top-down and in full stranded colorwork. There is a new addition of fish to this pattern. Each size features a slightly different arrangement of bubble, wave, and fish motifs.

SIZES
A (B, C, D, E) F, G, H, I
Chest Circumference (final garment) in inches: 17.5 (19.5, 21.75, 24, 26.25) 28.25, 30.5, 32.75, 35
The pattern is designed for about 1in/2.5cm ease, a snug fit. If you want a wider sweater, go up a size and shorten the body and sleeves to desired length

YARN
DK weight yarn in two (or more) contrasting colors. (see schematic in photos for full details on yardage)
MC yards: 270 (325, 385, 445, 535) 635, 710, 890, 990
CC yards: 155 (185, 220, 225, 305) 365, 410, 505, 570

GAUGE AND NEEDLES
22 sts and 26 rnds in 4 in (10 cm) in colorwork. 22 sts in 1x1 ribbing (rnd gauge not critical for ribbing).

Varying cable lengths in needle size(s) needed to obtain gauge. Long circular or DPNs for small-circumference knitting. Sample was knit with US8 (5mm) and US7 (4.5mm) needles, but you are strongly recommended to knit a gauge swatch in colorwork, wet block your gauge swatch, and choose a needle size that allows you to meet gauge.

NOTIONS
Stitch markers, tapestry needle, smooth waste yarn

CONSTRUCTION DETAILS
The sweater is knit from the top down. It begins with 1x1 ribbing, and then uses concentric circle shaping throughout the colorwork yoke. There is a page of Yoke Charts for this section.

The sweater is then split into body and sleeves, and the sleeves are placed on hold while the colorwork body is completed. Each size has its own colorwork chart for the body. I find it helpful to place stitch markers throughout the body to help me keep track of when the repeats before and after the narwhal motif start and stop. This is personal preference and I encourage you to experiment with stitch marker placement and see what works for you! The Body Charts (pgs 19-36) for larger sizes span more than one page. If printing this pattern, only print the chart needed for the size you are knitting. After the colorwork, there is waist ribbing.

The sleeves are then picked up. The Sleeve Charts include colorwork than mostly matches that in the body of the sweater. Because each sweater body is different, the sleeve part of the pattern is rather lengthy so that the colorwork on the sleeves matches the body colorwork.

The BOR marker stays at the center back throughout the body. There will be a slight jog in the pattern there and at the underarm BOR marker. To minimize this (optional), follow the tutorial (link included) for jogless stripes.

SKILLS NEEDED

• Two-stranded colorwork

• Trapping long floats

• Knitting in the round

• Small circumference knitting