Druid Circle - stranded colorwork sweater

In fantasy settings, I am often drawn towards the primal magics of druids. The leaf-inspired colorwork on this top-down, circular-yoke sweater evokes the druid’s connection to their land. With customizable shaping, thumb holes, and a folded collar, this sweater will be excellent for morning hikes.

Sizing

This pattern is written in gender-neutral sizes XS (S, M, L) (XL, 2L, 3L).

Finished Dimensions

Chest: 32 (36, 40, 44) (48, 52, 56)“ or 80 (90, 100, 110) (120, 130, 140) cm
Upper Arm: 13 (13.5, 14, 15) (16.5, 18.5, 20)” or 32.5 (33.75, 35, 37.5) (41.25, 46.25, 50) cm

A schematic is included with complete dimensions and additional sizing details.

Fit

Sweater is intended to be worn with 2-4” or 5-10cm positive ease in the chest, as well as some positive ease in the upper arms. Modification suggestions are provided for adjusting body and sleeve lengths, as well as modifying for different body shapes.

Yardage

MC: 700 (850, 1050, 1300, 1500, 1800, 2000) yds
CC1: 90 (90, 90, 90) (100, 105, 105) yds
CC2: 80 (80, 80, 85) (90, 95, 95) yds

Yardage estimates are approximate, and assume that the knitter knits to gauge without modifications. Yardage requirements will vary with yarn choice and modifications.

Yarn Requirements

Sport- to DK-weight yarn in a wool or wool-blend 2-ply ideal for colorwork. I have included some yarn suggestions. As long as you can get gauge, it should work! Refer to test knit projects for more suggestions.

Gauge: 6 sts x 8 rows = 1”/2.5cm or 24 sts x 32 rows = 4”/10cm

Gauge uses larger needles and is measured in stockinette stitch and MC, lightly blocked.

Tools

Size A: 16” and 32” circulars in size needed to obtain gauge (recommended: US4/3.5mm)
Size B: 32” circular one size smaller than Size A and optional DPN’s or 16” circular

Other Tools/Notions

tapestry needle, stitch markers, waste yarn

Construction/Techniques

This pattern is suitable for an advanced beginner with some familiarity with stranded colorwork and top-down sweater construction.

Prior to knitting this pattern, you should be comfortable with knitting in the round, increasing & decreasing, and simple stranded colorwork. Colorwork is charted only, with no floats longer than 5 stitches.

Some support is provided for wrap & turn short row shaping, the tubular bind off, and modifying to fit your body. Pattern Key describes all abbreviations and stitches used.

Sample Specifications

Sample sweater (project page) shows a S/36” size worn with 2” positive ease. Body and sleeves have been shortened by approximately 2” for my shorter frame.

Yarn - MC: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Woobu in “Bittersweet”, CC1: (green) North Light Fibers Water Street DK in “Salt Marsh”, CC2: (white) Water Street DK in “Snowflake”*