Samhald Sweater in Viking Of Norway - UK-2316-41 - Downloadable PDF

Samhald Sweater in Viking Garn Alpaca Bris – Pattern Summary (UK-2316-41)

The Samhald Sweater is a beautifully constructed raglan-style pullover designed by Turid Stapnes and published by Viking of Norway. Worked in the luxuriously soft Viking Garn Alpaca Bris yarn, this intermediate-level knitting pattern produces a fitted, elegant sweater with clean lines and classic Scandinavian sensibility. The name Samhald reflects a sense of unity and cohesion — qualities that are mirrored in the seamless, structured construction of the garment itself.

Garment Overview

The Samhald Sweater is a long-sleeved pullover featuring a raglan yoke construction, which means the sleeves and body are joined and shaped simultaneously from the underarm upward to the neckline. This technique eliminates the need for set-in sleeve seams and creates a smooth, continuous fabric across the shoulders and chest. The sweater is finished with a neat ribbed neckband worked in k1, p1 ribbing for a tidy, stretchy collar that sits comfortably at the neck.

The pattern is available in six sizes, ranging from X-Small through XX-Large, with finished chest measurements spanning 85 cm to 139 cm (approximately 33½ in to 54¾ in). The whole length ranges from 65 cm to 70 cm (25½ in to 27½ in), and sleeve length from 46 cm to 50 cm (18 in to 19¾ in), making it a versatile pattern suitable for a wide range of body types.

Construction and Techniques

The Samhald Sweater is knitted using a combination of well-established knitting techniques that make it an ideal project for intermediate knitters looking to build confidence with seamless construction and shaping methods.

• Raglan yoke shaping: The defining structural feature of this sweater. Decreases are worked at four marked join points on every round or every second round, depending on the size being knitted. The specific decrease sequence involves working to 2 stitches before each marker, then working a slip 1, k1, psso (a left-leaning decrease) followed by a k2tog (a right-leaning decrease) after the marker. This paired decrease method creates the characteristic diagonal lines of a raglan yoke.
• Working in the round: The sweater is constructed in the round on circular needles, avoiding the need for seaming and producing a smooth, uninterrupted fabric on the right side.
• Stocking stitch (stockinette): The main body fabric is worked in stocking stitch, creating a smooth, flat surface that showcases the natural lustre and softness of the Alpaca Bris yarn.
• k1, p1 ribbing: Used for the neckband, this alternating knit-and-purl rib stitch creates a flexible, form-fitting edge. The neckband measures approximately 8 cm (3¼ in) and is cast off loosely in pattern to maintain stretch.
• Marker-based shaping: Four stitch markers are placed at the raglan join points and serve as reference points for all decrease rounds throughout the yoke construction.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch – the primary fabric stitch, worked in the round as knit every round
• k1, p1 ribbing – used for the neckband
• Slip 1, k1, psso (skpo) – a left-leaning decrease used at raglan shaping points
• K2tog (knit two together) – a right-leaning decrease used at raglan shaping points

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is written specifically for Viking Garn Alpaca Bris, a cobweb-weight yarn with a premium fibre composition of 60% baby alpaca, 11% merino wool, and 29% of an additional fibre (as referenced in the pattern). Baby alpaca is prized for its exceptional softness, natural warmth, and subtle sheen, making it an excellent choice