Supporting Sweater in Viking Of Norway Alpaca Storm - UK-2307-7 - Downloadable PDF

Supporting Sweater in Viking Garn Alpaca Storm – Pattern UK-2307-7 by Turid Stapnes

About This Pattern

The Supporting Sweater is a beautifully crafted knitted pullover designed by Turid Stapnes and published by Viking of Norway under pattern number UK-2307-7. This intermediate-level knitting pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, making it instantly accessible for knitters who are ready to take on a project with a little extra technique and detail. The sweater is worked in the round using the traditional steek method, giving it an authentic Scandinavian construction character.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a classic pullover sweater with set-in sleeves. It is sized generously across six sizes, ranging from x/small through xx/large, with finished chest circumferences spanning 87 cm to 142 cm (34¼ in to 56 in). The whole length ranges from 50 cm to 58 cm (19¾ in to 22¾ in), and the sleeve length from 48 cm to 53 cm (19 in to 20¾ in), making it a versatile garment suitable for a wide range of body types. The design features a structured, wearable silhouette that suits both casual and smart-casual occasions.

Yarn and Materials

The specified yarn is Viking Alpaca Storm, a premium DK-weight yarn composed of 40% Superfine Alpaca and 40% Merino wool (with additional fibre content referenced in the full pattern). This luxurious blend delivers exceptional softness, warmth, and a beautiful drape that flatters the sweater's silhouette. The pattern references natural white as one of the colours used, particularly for the internal facing at the sleeve cuffs, suggesting the sweater may incorporate a contrast or tonal colourwork element. Knitters will need both circular knitting needles for working the body and sleeves in the round, as well as a smaller needle size for finishing details such as the facing.

Construction and Techniques

The Supporting Sweater is constructed using a number of classic and intermediate knitting techniques that make it a rewarding project for knitters looking to expand their skills:

• Knitting in the round: The body and sleeves are worked circularly, which allows for easier colourwork reading and a seamless fabric on the main sections.
• Steek construction: Armhole steeks and a centre front steek are incorporated into the design. These extra stitches are worked alongside the main fabric and later reinforced and cut open to create openings for the armholes and front neckline. This is a traditional Scandinavian technique that allows circular knitting to be used even where openings are required.
• Machine-sewn steek reinforcement: The pattern instructs knitters to sew two machine seams up each steek using a small zigzag stitch before cutting between them, and then to finish the raw edges with a regular zigzag stitch. This secures the cut edges and prevents unravelling — a key skill for anyone new to steeking.
• Facing at sleeve cuffs: The sleeves are finished with an internal facing worked in natural white over six rounds of stocking stitch, then cast off loosely and turned to the wrong side. This creates a neat, professional cuff finish that conceals raw edges.
• Diagram A: The pattern references a schematic diagram (Diagram A) to guide sleeve shaping, ensuring accurate increases and measurements are followed throughout the sleeve construction.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (stockinette): The primary stitch used throughout the body and sleeves, worked in the round as knit every round.
• Steek stitches: Additional stitches worked alongside the main fabric to facilitate cutting and opening of armholes and the centre front.
• Likely ribbing or a textured border stitch for cuffs and hem, as is standard in sweater construction of this type (refer to the full PDF for specifics).

Finishing

The making-up process is clearly outlined in the pattern. Knitters are instructed to carefully steam the piece from the wrong side