The Acacia Crop sweater was inspired by the Acacia Karroo (or sweet thorn) tree that grows all over Southern Africa. It celebrates it’s light, delicate shapes and movements, as well as it’s resilience and strength in often-times harsh environments. The robust cropped length with the full dolman sleeves, gives way to delicate herringbone stitch and textured lace details; resulting in flattering shapes and lines that will accentuate and flow with your unique feminine form. Acacia is fully size inclusive and the pattern includes several modifications to change the length and shape to suit your style and body type.

Construction:
A fun sideways construction starts with one sleeve which is put aside. The second sleeve is then knit along with the body and finally grafted to the first sleeve using Kitchener stitch. Special techniques include one short provisional cast on; seaming of a basted stitch to create structure for the shoulders; simple charted and written out lace repeats; herringbone stitch and German short rows. Full descriptions, illustrations and, where necessary, illustrated and video tutorials are provided in and with the pattern.

What you will need:
1 x circular needles with at least 70- 100cm // 29 - 40” cable, in the size used to obtain gauge (I used 3.75mm needles)
Extra set of circular needles in same or smaller size with a medium-length cable for the graft.
Smaller set of circular needles or dpn for Prov CO
Stitch markers - at least 4 unique st markers and 2 or more removable st markers
Scrap yarn for holding live sts and provisional cast on
Darning needle
If working MOD2: A number of removable markers for keeping track of short rows.

Yarn requirements:
A fingering weight yarn of your choice at +-360m per 100g // +-394 yards per 100g.
Approximate yarn quantity: 230 (250, 300, 350) 350, 400, 400, 450 grams + extra if you are intending to modify the pattern for extra length and/or body space.

Gauge: St st: 23 sts x 36 rows - 10cm // 4” after blocking vigorously. Suggested ndl range: 3.5mm - 4mm.

SIZING:

Acacia Crop is sized from X-small/Small to 5X and will fit bust sizes 71 - 158cm // 28 - 62”. Additionally, the pattern modifications provide the opportunity to lengthen the sweater by as many stitches as you’d like and widen the body (bust and waist) by up to 30cm // 12inches. See schematics on page 12 for a visual representation of what is possible with the modifications.

Sizes are numbered 1 (2, 3, 4) 5, 6, 7, 8 and correspond with bust sizes as follows: 71-86 (91.5-96.5, 101.5-106.5, 111.5-117) 122-127, 132-137, 142-147, 152-158cm // 28-34 (36-38, 40-42, 44-46) 48-50, 52-54, 56-58, 60-62”. However, waist, upper arm circumference and wingspan measurements are essential to choosing a good size and modification for you. See the schematic and Considerations for choosing your size below, for more information.

Considerations for choosing your size:

1. Please refer to the Schematic provided for actual measurements of finished sweater.
2. In addition to looking at the bust sizes provided, refer to the waist (the narrowest part of your tummy between your ribs and hips), wingspan (elbow to elbow across your shoulders and back of neck) and upper arm circumference on the schematic to help choose between sizes if you are unsure.
3. Body length is for the average height, shoulder to waist; sleeve length is for average height and should reach your elbow or a little further when your arm is by your side.
4. Sleeve cuff (see schematic) starts with quite a bit of positive ease at your elbow - up to 10cm // 4” at your elbow and around 2 - 4 cm // .75 - 1” positive ease on your upper arm.

Modifications provided with the pattern: (see accompanying pdf file AcaciaMOD1andMOD2.pdf)
MOD1 : Extra length
MOD2 : Extra body space

TECHNIQUES AND ABBREVIATIONS:

Special Techniques:

German short rows: Full instructions and video tutorial provided in pattern

Herringbone Stitch: Acacia features herringbone st in short rows; a detail section on the back; and as the bottom edging of the sweater. A video tutorial and written instructions for herringbone st are provided in the pattern.

Provisional Cast On and Removing Provisional Cast On: Video tutorial provided in pattern and also see Special Techniques tutorial downloaded as a separate document with your pattern purchase.

Kitchener Stitch: See Special Techniques tutorial downloaded as a separate document with your pattern purchase.