The Otago Drylands sweater is a ‘down under’ take on the classic colourwork yoke sweater. It is inspired by the colours of the landscape in Otago, New Zealand, and the colourwork yoke incorporates motifs representing three Otago drylands flora: matagaouri (tūmatakuri) thorn, kōwhai pods and kānuka flower.

The sweater is worked in DK yarn from the top down, utilising short rows to form shaping on the back. Stitches are picked up under the arms before working the sleeves and torso in the round. The sleeves are worked last, also in the round.

We have assigned the sweater an “intermediate” difficulty level, and for those with experience in colourwork knitting, the sweater should be a straightforward project. For those who are new to colourwork knitting, it should be a fun project for developing colourwork experience.

Sizing
To fit bust:
Size 1: 71-76 cm or 28-30 inches
Size 2: 81-86 cm or 32-34 inches
Size 3: 91-97 cm or 36-38 inches
Size 4: 102-107 cm or 40-42 inches
Size 5: 112-117 cm or 44-46 inches
Size 6: 122-127 cm or 48-50 inches
Size 7: 132-137 cm or 52-54 inches
Size 8: 142-147 cm or 56-58 inches
Size 9: 152-157 cm or 60-62 inches

Finished bust with ease:
Size 1: 86 cm or 34 inches
Size 2: 96 cm or 38 inches
Size 3: 106 cm or 42 inches
Size 4: 118 cm or 46 ½ inches
Size 5: 127 cm or 50 inches
Size 6: 136 cm or 53 ½ inches
Size 7: 147 cm or 58 inches
Size 8: 157 cm or 62 inches
Size 9: 165 cm or 65 inches

Yarn
Choose three yarns recommended for 4 mm (US 6) needles with a gauge of 22 sts and 30 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) in stockinette. You will need one main colour and two accent colours. The example in the photos is worked in:

• Main colour: Skeinz Flight Natural Merino, 8 ply, approximately 104 m per 50 g, shade 601 Kiwi.
• Accent colour 1: Skeinz Poppy 8 ply, approximately 104 m per 50 grams, shade PY5 Golden Wheat.
• Accent colour 2: Skeinz Flight Natural Merino, 8 ply, approximately 104 m per 50 g, shade 605 Weka.

Approximate Yardage
Main Colour/ Accent Colour 1/ Accent Colour 2
Size 1: 710 m or 780 yards/ 150 m or 160 yards/ 130 m or 140 yards
Size 2: 760 m or 830 yards/ 150 m or 160 yards/ 140 m or 160 yards
Size 3: 830 m or 910 yards/ 160 m or 170 yards/ 140 m or 150 yards
Size 4: 910 m or 1000 yards/ 170 m or 190 yards/ 150 m or 160 yards
Size 5: 980 m or1070 yards/ 180 m or 200 yards/ 160 m or 170 yards
Size 6: 1040 m or 1140 yards/ 180 m or 200 yards/ 160 m or 170 yards
Size 7: 1150 m or 1260 yards/ 190 m or 210 yards/ 180 m or 200 yards
Size 8: 1230 m or 1350 yards/ 210 m or 230 yards/ 200 m or 220 yards
Size 9: 1310 m or 1430 yards/ 220 m or 240 yards/ 200 m or 220 yards