Difficulty

★★★★★★★ (7/7 Very Difficult)

This pattern is intended for advanced knitters.
Confident experience with horizontal colorwork and chart reading is required.
The pattern is written using a combination of written instructions, charts, and partial video references.

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Construction

The Retro Sweater is a drop-shoulder sweater finished with folded hems at the body and sleeve cuffs. Elastic cord and stoppers are inserted into the folded hems to allow adjustable fit.

Work begins at the back yoke and continues to the armholes. Stitches are then picked up at the shoulders to work the front panels, with shoulder slopes shaped using the German short row technique.
The front and back are joined and the body is worked in the round. Sleeves are worked by picking up stitches around each armhole.

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Charts & Techniques

Armhole, body, sleeve, and pocket sections are charted.
Charts are worked either flat or in the round as indicated in the pattern.

Horizontal colorwork and wrong-side colorwork are used throughout, requiring clear understanding of chart symbols and color management.

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Collar Options

Two collar versions are included:
• Regular Henley neck (stockinette or 1×1 rib)
• High neck worked in double knitting

Choose one version when working the pattern.

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Fit & Size Guide

The Retro Sweater is designed with an oversized fit.
Choose a size with approximately 20–25 cm of positive ease from your chest measurement.

Size
0 (1) 2 (3)

Chest
109 (120) 127 (134) cm

Length
59 (60) 61.5 (63) cm

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Gauge

Colorwork stockinette stitch
11 sts × 15 rows = 10 × 10 cm on 8mm needles

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Needles
• 8mm (main)
• 7mm (ribbing)
• 6mm (double knitting)

Recommended cable lengths: 80cm, 60cm (or 40cm)
※ Cable length is a guideline only.

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Yarn

Knotsansknots Kowi (100g / 133m)
• MC: 6 (6) 7 (7) balls
• CC: 2 (2) 2 (2) balls

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Notions
• 18mm buttons: 3
• Stoppers: 2

Elastic Cord (approx. 2mm thick)
• Size 0–1: total approx. 182 cm
(Body 130 cm + Sleeves 52 cm)
• Size 2–3: total approx. 192 cm
(Body 140 cm + Sleeves 52 cm)

※ Preparing at least 2 meters of elastic cord is recommended to allow for adjustment.