About the Pattern
I’m not quite sure where the idea from this pattern came from. However, when I saw the sample knits at the Folklore Yarns stall at Yarndale in 2022 I really liked the little line of surface crochet incorporated into the rib of a lovely cardigan. So this design sort of popped into my mind as I browsed the stalls, and I went back and bought the yarn there and then.
This is a roomy tunic-style pullover worked from the bottom up, starting with a garter stitch hem. The horizontal coloured lines are worked as you go along, and the vertical lines are marked by columns of purl stitches and filled in with surface crochet afterwards.
The armholes are worked in a modified drop shoulder which reduces bulk at the underarms in the larger sizes and allows a consistent look over all sizes. Sleeves are picked up around the armholes and sleeve caps shaped with short rows (except for the smallest size which is a plain drop shoulder).
There is no sewing up to be done, always a bonus!
Finished measurements (after blocking)
Finished bust/chest circumference 89.599, 108, 120, 129.5 {141, 150.5, 160, 169.5} cm/35.2539, 42.5, 47.25, 51 {55.5, 59.25, 63, 66.75} inches.
The photo shows the 2nd size worn with approx 15 cm/6 inches of ease.
Yarn
Folklore Yarns Traditions aran weight 100% wool Donegal tweed. 80m/87 yds per 50 grams. This yarn is wound and sold off the cone in units of 50 grams and in 20g mini skeins, and is available from www.folkloreyarns.com in a large range of colours. This is an unplied yarn with nepps, at the heavier end aran weight.
MC Colourway 4644 Portnoo 910, 11, 12, 13 {15, 16, 17, 18} 50g balls
CC1 4596 Ballybofey (natural) 1 20g mini skein
CC2 4726 Skylight (blue) 1 20g mini skein
CC3 4728 Gild (gold) 1 20g mini skein
And in metres and yards:
MC – 714790, 865, 960, 1033 {1142, 1226, 1336, 1436} metres/781864, 946, 1050, 1130 {1249, 1341, 1461, 1570} yards.
These quantities include an extra 5% to allow for swatching and slight variations in gauge.
For CC 1-3, it is difficult to give a precise quantity of yarn due to the small amounts involved, but as a best guess you will need approx 13 metres of each colour for the smallest size, and around 25 metres for the largest size.
A note on choosing colours: For your main colour, choose a shade that is either at the darker end of the range or at the lighter end of the range. Choose contrast colours at the opposite end of the range. Don’t choose colours in the middle of the range, because the contrasts will not show up well.
For yarn substitutions, use a heavier aran weight yarn that gives gauge and a fabric that you like. Variegated yarn might work well for the contrast stripes, but not for the main colour.
Gauge
17 sts and 25 rows/rounds to 10cm/4in over st st, measured after blocking. This was
achieved using 4.5mm (US size 7) needles.
Needles and Notions
Circular needle size 4.5mm, or size needed to achieve gauge, at least 80cm long.
Circular needle of same size suitable for working small circumferences at sleeves and neck.
Stitch markers, one for marking start of round, six for marking pattern placement.
Stitch holders or waste yarn for holding sts at underarms and front neck.
Crochet hook size 4.5mm/US size 7 for working surface crochet.
Tapestry needle for sewing in ends.