Sweater 18-07 in LOPI Álafoss

Sweater 18-07 in LOPI Álafoss

What is Being Made

This is a classic knitted sweater designed by Gréta Björk Jóhannesdóttir and adapted by Védís Jónsdóttir. The sweater is available in three sizes—Small, Medium, and Large—with chest measurements ranging from 97 cm (38¼ inches) to 118 cm (46½ inches). The garment features a contemporary fit with a center front neck edge length varying from 64 cm to 70 cm depending on size, and sleeve lengths to the underarm measuring between 41 cm and 45 cm.

Techniques and Construction

This sweater is constructed using seamless knitting in the round, a technique that creates a continuous fabric without seams. The body is worked circularly from the cast-on edge upward, and the sleeves are also worked in the round using double-pointed needles before being grafted to the body. The pattern incorporates colorwork charting, specifically referencing Chart 1, which guides the placement of multiple colors throughout the design. Strategic increases are worked at the beginning and end of sleeve rounds to create proper shaping and fit.

The construction method involves casting on stitches, working ribbed edging for structure, then transitioning to the main stitch pattern. Stitches are increased evenly across transition rounds to establish the correct stitch count for pattern work. The underarm seams are finished using the grafting technique, which joins live stitches together seamlessly for a professional finish. Loose ends are woven in carefully to complete the garment.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (st st) – The primary stitch throughout the body and sleeves, worked as knit stitches on every round for a smooth, classic fabric texture
• Ribbing – Used for the cuff and waistband edging to provide elasticity and structure
• Increases – Evenly spaced increases worked to shape the sleeves and adjust stitch counts between ribbed and patterned sections
• Grafting – A finishing technique used to join the underarm stitches together invisibly

Materials and Yarn

This sweater is worked in Álafoss Lopi, an Icelandic wool yarn from LOPI in the chunky weight category. The yarn is supplied in 100-gram balls. The color palette consists of four distinct shades:

• M (Main Color) – Dark Denim Heather (0010) – The primary color used throughout, requiring 5 balls for sizes S and M, and 6 balls for size L
• A – Dark Sienna (9118) – An accent color requiring 1 ball for all sizes
• B – Copper (9384) – A secondary accent color requiring 1 ball for all sizes
• C – Antique Gold (9332) – A tertiary accent color requiring 1 ball for all sizes

Needles and Tools

The pattern calls for 4½ mm double-pointed needles for the ribbed cuff and waistband sections, and 6 mm twin pins (circular needles) for the main body and sleeve pattern work. Double-pointed needles allow for seamless circular knitting of the smaller diameter cuffs, while the larger circular needles accommodate the increased stitch counts of the body and sleeves. A stitch pin is used to hold stitches during underarm grafting, and a tapestry needle is required for weaving in yarn ends.

Difficulty Level

This sweater is rated as intermediate difficulty. While the basic construction techniques—circular knitting, increases, and ribbing—are foundational skills, the pattern requires familiarity with colorwork charting and the ability to read and follow a multi-color design. The seamless construction and grafting technique add complexity beyond beginner level, making this an ideal project for knitters with some experience who are ready to expand their skills in color patterning and garment shaping.