Blue Ocean Waves

Blue Ocean Waves Handknit Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Blue Ocean Waves is a handknit sweater designed by Annalisa Filippi. This pullover sweater features a classic construction with a fitted body and set-in sleeves, available in seven different sizes ranging from 33.75 inches to 49.75 inches finished bust circumference. The sweater is designed to be worn with 2–4 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Craft and Techniques

This is a knitting project suitable for beginner knitters. The sweater is worked in the round using circular needles, which is a fundamental technique for seamless garment construction. The pattern employs colorwork techniques to create the ocean wave design, incorporating multiple yarn colors to build visual interest and depth into the finished piece.

The garment uses ribbing for the neckline, body cuffs, and sleeve openings, which provides elasticity and a polished finish. The body and sleeves are worked in stockinette stitch, the most fundamental knit stitch that creates a smooth, flat fabric ideal for colorwork patterns and everyday wear.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch – forms the primary fabric of the body and sleeves, worked in the round for a seamless construction
• Ribbing – used for neckline, cuffs, and waistband to create stretch and structure
• Colorwork – integrated throughout the design to create the ocean wave pattern using contrasting yarn colors

Materials and Yarn

The Blue Ocean Waves pattern calls for Léttlopi Icelandic yarn by Istex, an aran-weight yarn that knits at a gauge of 18 stitches and 26 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch. This yarn weight is ideal for beginners, as it works quickly and creates a fabric with good drape and durability.

The color palette consists of three coordinating shades:

• Main Color (MC): Lapis Blue (#1403) – the dominant color, requiring 7–10 balls depending on size
• Contrast Color 1 (CC1): Haven Blue (#1402) – a secondary blue shade, requiring 1–2 balls
• Contrast Color 2 (CC2): White (#0051) – used for accent details, requiring 1 ball across all sizes

Each ball of Léttlopi contains 109 yards and weighs 50 grams, making yardage calculations straightforward for this beginner-friendly pattern.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires US 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles in both 16-inch and 32-inch lengths, along with double-pointed needles or a longer circular needle for magic loop technique, used for ribbing sections on the neckline, body, and sleeves.

US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles in 24-inch and 32-inch lengths are used for the main body and sleeve sections worked in stockinette stitch. The pattern accommodates various needle preferences, allowing knitters to use either traditional double-pointed needles or the modern magic loop method for working small circumferences in the round.

Size Range and Customization

Seven finished sizes are available, designated as A through G, with bust circumferences ranging from 84 centimeters to 124 centimeters. A detailed schematic is provided on page 7 of the pattern to help knitters select the appropriate size and verify additional measurements before beginning.

This pattern is available as a downloadable PDF for unlimited personal use, making it accessible for individual knitters to work at their own pace.