Men's Check Sweater in BC Garn Loch Lomond - 4023BC - Downloadable PDF

Men's Check Sweater in BC Garn Loch Lomond – Pattern 4023BC by Sanne Fjalland

About This Pattern

This is a free, downloadable PDF knitting pattern for a classic men's check sweater, designed by Sanne Fjalland and published by BC Garn as pattern number 4023BC. The design features a bold, graphic check motif worked in colourwork, making it a striking and wearable addition to any man's wardrobe. With its relaxed, generous fit and timeless aesthetic, this sweater is an excellent project for knitters who enjoy colourwork and are comfortable working at an intermediate skill level.

Sizes and Finished Measurements

The pattern is written for four sizes:

• Small: 108 cm chest width, 70 cm length
• Medium: 114 cm chest width, 71 cm length
• Large: 121 cm chest width, 72 cm length
• XL: 127 cm chest width, 73 cm length

The generous chest measurements reflect a relaxed, comfortable fit suited to everyday wear, and the lengths are proportioned to complement a range of body types.

Yarn: BC Garn Loch Lomond

The sweater is knitted in BC Garn Loch Lomond, an aran weight yarn. Three colourways are used to create the check pattern:

• LL 08: 400 (400) 450 (500) g – the main colour, used for the body of the sweater
• LL 13: 50 (50) 50 (50) g – a contrast colour used in the check design
• LL 01: 50 (50) 50 (50) g – a second contrast colour completing the check motif

BC Garn Loch Lomond is a well-regarded yarn known for its warm, rustic character, making it ideal for substantial, cosy knitwear such as this men's sweater. Its aran weight means the fabric knits up at a satisfying pace while still producing a fabric with excellent stitch definition, which is particularly important when working a structured colourwork check pattern.

Needles Required

This pattern requires both straight and circular needles in two sizes:

• 4 mm needles (US size 6 / UK size 8) – straight needles and circular needles in 40 cm and 80 cm lengths
• 4½ mm needles (US size 7 / UK size 7) – straight needles and circular needles in 40 cm, 60 cm, and 80 cm lengths

The use of both straight and circular needles across multiple lengths allows for efficient working of the body, sleeves, and neckband, with the circular needles particularly useful for picking up and working stitches in the round at the neckline and cuffs.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this pattern, especially given the structured check colourwork design. The stated tension is:

• Before washing: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 10 x 10 cm in stockinette stitch
• After washing: 19 stitches and 25–26 rows = 10 x 10 cm in stockinette stitch

It is worth noting that the tension changes after washing, which is typical of many natural fibre yarns. Knitters are advised to wash and block their tension swatch before beginning the main project to ensure accurate sizing.

Stitches and Techniques Used

This pattern is classified as intermediate in difficulty, making it well suited to knitters who have moved beyond the basics and are ready to develop their colourwork skills. The following stitches and techniques are used throughout:

• Stockinette stitch (St st): The primary fabric stitch, worked as knit on the right side and purl on the wrong side. This smooth, classic stitch forms the background of the check pattern and provides an ideal