Overview
Tick Tick Boom is a top down, colorwork sweater that is custom-sized to your specific measurements. It’s also an annual experiment! Last year I designed the TannenBOOM sweater to use a yarn advent calendar I purchased. I challenged myself to write the entire design before I saw any of the yarn and then released the pattern before I opened my yarns (or knit my prototype) so that other folks could knit along with me. It was so much fun I decided to make it an annual tradition!

Like last year, 25 different sock yarn colors are used in the design’s yoke, cascading in a riot of color throughout. After the yoke is completed, remaining yarn is used for the rest of the garment, making stripes, fades, or anything else you like. It’s flexible based on each knitter’s personal taste as well as how much of each color remains.

No countdown/advent calendar? No problem! Dive into your sock yarn scraps or use any minis you have in your stash.

Sizing Info

Like all Swanky Emu Knits patterns, Tick Tick Boom is #sizeinclusive and has absolutely no upper size limits. It’s custom-fit based on your unique measurements.

The pattern asks you to input 8 of your body measurements (in inches or cm) and then calculates the pattern from there.

Note that because of the colorwork, there are lower size limits to the yoke depth. At the loosest row gauge, it cannot be sized smaller than an 8” yoke depth. At the tightest gauge, it cannot be sized smaller than a 6” yoke depth (approximately an adult women’s XS)

Gauge and Yarn information

25 colors of sock weight yarn suitable for colorwork.

To ensure a precise fit, gauge is important for this project. Using your sock yarn, choose a needle size and gauge that you like and select it from the dropdown boxes on your spreadsheet. Stitch gauge may be anywhere from:

28 to 36 stitches and 40 to 56 rows = 4” (10 cm) in stockinette stitch

When in doubt, especially if you have a shorter upper body, go with a tighter gauge.

Advent vs. Countdown?

I grew up (very) christian and celebrating christmas. However, I absolutely am no longer. While you may see me use the word advent occasionally, or see my christmas decor because I still love it for nostalgic reasons, I want to be VERY clear that this pattern is absolutely for everyone of all traditions! Like last year, there will be nothing christmas-themed in the pattern or colorwork itself!

I can’t wait to see everyone’s sweaters, please share your photos with us here on Ravelry (if accessible) and on social media! #TickTickBoomMysteryishKAL

Swanky Emu Knits design philosophy
I’ve had to modify every single garment I’ve ever knitted for myself. I know plenty of people who look like me, but my body is larger or differently proportioned than most knitting patterns seem to call for.

I create size-inclusive instructions to ensure my patterns work for absolutely every body size and shape, no matter what. No need to learn pattern grading to knit a perfectly-fitting garment every time.

I build this into the framework of the design rather than add it later.

Everyone deserves to wear something that is both tailored to their shape and that makes them look and feel amazing.

-Sarah, Swanky Emu Knits