Ironbark Graphic Sweater by Debra Kinsey Knits

Ironbark Graphic Sweater

Knitting
July 2017
DK (11 wpi) ?
24 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches
in colourwork pattern
US 7 - 4.5 mm
US 3 - 3.25 mm
935 - 1766 yards (855 - 1615 m)
75 (83, 92, 100, 108, 117, 125, 133) cm/29 (33, 36, 39, 43, 46, 49, 52) inches
English
This pattern is available for AU$8.50 AUD buy it now

The graphic stitch used in this sweater is a nod to Barbara Walker’s simulated basketweave pattern. However, instead of using a mosaic (slip-stitch) pattern, it has been reworked into stranded colourwork. The all-over graphic pattern is a symmetrical 10-stitch, 10-row repeat and is easy to memorise.
This classic-style sweater requires intermediate to advanced knitting skills. It is a great layering piece worn fitted or a bit looser, depending on your preference.
Knitted in separate pieces, beginning at the lower edge, and seamed using mattress stitch, it features 1 x 1 rib bands and short set-in sleeves. The back has shallow neck shaping and the front a standard crew neck shape.
The Adagio Mills alpaca yarn works beautifully in this pattern, and blooms and softens after wet blocking. The colours complement each other perfectly and there are many combinations to choose from.

Finished Measurements
Finished bust circumference 75 (83, 92, 100, 108, 117, 125, 133) cm /29½ (32¾, 36¼, 39¼, 42½, 46, 49¼, 52¼) ins
Finished length approx 55 (56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62) cm /21¾ (22, 22½, 22¾, 23¼, 23½, 24, 24½) ins
Armhole depth (to beg of shoulder)
20 (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27) cm /8 (8¼, 8½, 9, 9½, 9¾, 10¼, 10¾) ins
Sleeve width (after rib cuff)
30 (34, 34, 38.5, 42.5, 46.5, 46.5, 51) cm /11¾ (13½, 13½, 15¼, 16¾, 18¼, 18¼, 20) ins
Sleeve length approx 8cm /3ins

Choose the size to make based on how much positive ease is required. For example if your bust size is 95cm/37½ins you may wish to make the finished size that measures 100cm/39¼ins for 5cm/2ins positive ease, or for a looser fitting garment, the 108cm/42½ins size, which will give you 13cm/5¼ins positive ease. I suggest measuring an existing garment that you like the fit of and use that measurement to select the size to knit. The sizes increase in 20-stitch increments (10 sts on each of the Back and Front pieces) so that when the pieces are seamed (one full stitch in seam) the pattern is continuous around the body. It will be necessary to wet block this garment once seamed.

Yarn
Adagio Mills Alpaca 8 ply 100% Australian Alpaca 50g/1¾oz balls 95m/104yds
Main Colour (M): 5 (6, 6, 7, 8, 8, 9, 10) balls
Contrast Colour (C): 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 7) balls

Needles and Other Equipment

  • 3.25mm/US 3 and 4.5mm/US 7 knitting needles in straights or circulars depending on your preference when knitting in rows
  • 3.25mm/US 3 dpns or a short circular knitting needle for working the neckband
  • 2 stitch-holders
  • yarn needle and stitch-markers (as desired)

Gauge
After wet blocking, 24 sts and 26 rows to 10cm/4ins over colourwork pattern using 4.5mm needles.