Ōkāreka

Ōkāreka is a semi-fitted sweater with some shaping around the waist for a timeless and versatile silhouette.

The pattern is intended to be beginner-friendly. It is written in an expanded format and uses simple techniques.

The pattern combines mohair lace-weight yarn with a dk (8ply) yarn to make a fabric that is quick to knit (with about 40% less stiches than if knitted in just an average dk yarn), but also lighter and luxuriously soft.

The simple construction of flat pieces hand-sewn together provides structure and strength and also break the work into manageable pieces.

It can be edged with traditional ribbing (as in the image) or with a ‘raw’-look option with neck stitches are left to naturally roll.

It is named after stroll around the picturesque lake Ōkāreka.

Sizing:

To fit bust:

Size XS: 71-76cm (28-30 inches)

Size S: 82-87cm (32-34 inches)

Size M: 92-97cm (36-38 inches)

Size L: 102-107cm (40-42 inches)

Size XL: 112-117cm (44-46 inches)

Yarn:

Two strands are held and knitted together: one of a dk (8 ply) yarn and a second of a lace-weight mohair.

For the dk (8 ply) choose a yarn recommended for 4mm (US 6) needles and a gauge of about 22 sts and 30 rows to 10cm (4 inches) in stockinette using 4mm (US 6) needles. Suggested yarn:

Wild Earth Yarns Somerset DK, 100% Perendale/Black Merino Wool, 125m per 50 grams,

• Sockmatician Edition DK, Recycled Natural Fibre Yarn with Possum, 104m per 50 grams.
• Southlander DK, 100% Wool, 200m per 100g, which is coarser but a good hard-wearing yarn.
• Wild Earth Yarns Eden 8 Ply, 100% Polwarth wool, 110m per 50 grams.

For the mohair the following options are suggested: 

• Rowan Kidsilk Haze, 70% Mohair, 30% Silk, 210m (229 yards) per 25 grams.
• Isager Silk Mohair, 75% Super Kid Mohair, 25% Silk, 212m per 25 grams.

The example is worked in Wild Earth Yarns Somerset DK, shade Dark Sky and the Rowan Kidsilk Haze shade 'bracken'.

Approximate Yardage:

(for each yarn):

Size XS: 560 m (615 yards)

Size S: 600 m (630 yards)

Size M: 660 m (720 yards)

Size L: 740 m (805 yards)

Size XL: 830 m (810 yards)

Gauge:

16 stitches and 23-24 rows to 10cm (4 inches) in stockinette with the two yarns held together