Kākā Sweater

The Kākā Sweater is a cropped V‑neck pullover featuring a relaxed silhouette, drop shoulders, and bold graphic lacework on the front. As it is designed for summer, we've suggested cotton yarns, but other fibers can also be used.

The sweater is worked from the bottom up in the round to the armholes. From there, the front and back are worked flat to the shoulders. Shoulder shaping is created by gradually increasing the width of each piece from the underarm to the shoulder seam. The only seaming required is at the shoulders.

After seaming, stitches are picked up around the neckline to work the neckband. The sleeves are worked top‑down, picking up stitches around the armhole and knitting them in the round.

Difficulty Level

This design is intended for intermediate to advanced knitters who are comfortable following a lace chart.

Sizing

Size 0

To fit bust: 71-76 cm (28-30 inches)

Finished bust (incl ease): 93 cm (37 inches) 

Back finished length: 43 cm (17 inches)

Size 1 

To fit bust: 79-84 cm (31-33 inches) 

Finished bust (incl ease): 100 cm (39 inches)

Back finished length: 44 cm (17 inches)

Size 2 

To fit bust: 87-92 cm (34-36 inches)

Finished bust (incl ease): 109 cm (43 inches)

Back finished length: 46 cm (18 inches) 

Size 3 

To fit bust: 97-102 cm (38-40 inches)

Finished bust (incl ease): 120 cm (47 inches)

Back finished length: 49 cm (19 inches)

Size 4 

To fit bust: 107-112 cm (42-44 inches)

Finished bust (incl ease): 129 cm (51 inches) 

Back finished length: 51 cm (20 inches)

Size 5 

To fit bust: 117-122 cm (46-48 inches)

Finished bust (incl ease): 138 cm (54 inches)

Back finished length: 53 cm (21 inches)

Size 6 

To fit bust: 127-132 cm (50-52 inches)

Finished bust (incl ease): 148 cm (58 inches)

Back finished length: 55 cm (22 inches)

Yarn

Suggested cotton yarns:  

• Scheepjes Cahlista, Aran/10ply, 85 m per 50 grams (held single). 
• Queensland Collection Coastal Cotton, Pure Soft Cotton, 170 m per 100 grams (held single). 
• Rowan Summerlite 4ply, 100% Cotton, 175 m per 50 grams (held double). 

Approximate yardage:

Size 0: 650 m (710 yards) 

Size 1: 715 m (780 yards)

Size 2: 810 m (880 yards) 

Size 3: 930 m (1015 yards)

Size 4: 1060 m (1160 yards)

Size 5: 1190 m (1300 yards)

Size 6: 1300 m (1430 yards

Gauge:

18-19 stitches and 22-24 rows per 10 cm / 4 inches in stockinette.