Teasel

Teasel Knitted Sweater by Marie Wallin

Garment Overview

Teasel is an intermediate-level knitted sweater design from the Meadow collection by independent designer Marie Wallin. This pullover sweater is available in five sizes ranging from Small (to fit bust 81-86 cm / 32-34 in) through XXL (to fit bust 122-127 cm / 48-50 in), making it suitable for a wide range of body measurements.

Yarn and Materials

This design uses Jamieson's of Shetland Spindrift, a premium 4-ply yarn weight that provides excellent stitch definition and drape. The pattern features a sophisticated multi-color palette with twelve distinct yarn colors:

• Color A (Bramble) – the primary color, requiring 13-20 skeins of 25gm depending on size
• Color B (Thistledown) – accent color, 1 skein of 25gm for all sizes
• Color C (Moss) – accent color, 1 skein of 25gm for all sizes
• Color D (Moorgrass) – accent color, 1 skein of 25gm for all sizes
• Color E (Pacific) – accent color, 1 skein of 25gm for all sizes
• Color F (Highland Mist) – accent color, 1 skein of 25gm for all sizes
• Color G (Paprika) – accent color, 1 skein of 25gm for all sizes
• Color H (Sholmit) – accent color, 1 skein of 25gm for all sizes
• Color I (Cardinal) – accent color, 1 skein of 25gm for all sizes
• Color J (Yellow Ochre) – accent color, 1 skein of 25gm for all sizes
• Color K (Camel) – accent color, 1 skein of 25gm for all sizes
• Color L (Birch) – accent color, 1 skein of 25gm for all sizes

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires two pairs of needles: 2¾mm (US 2) needles for ribbed edgings and plain stockinette sections, and 3¼mm (US 3) needles for the main patterned sections of the sweater.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Teasel employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level crafters:

• Stockinette Stitch (St St) – the primary stitch used throughout the garment, created by alternating knit and purl rows to produce the classic smooth, V-patterned fabric
• Ribbed Edging – a K1, P1 (knit one, purl one) rib pattern used for finishing edges, providing elasticity and a neat border
• Stranded Colorwork – the pattern incorporates multiple yarn colors worked together using the stranded technique, where unused colors are carried across the back of the work, creating the patterned design

Gauge and Tension

Achieving correct gauge is essential for this design. The pattern specifies 31 rows to 10 cm measured over patterned stockinette stitch using 3¼mm (US 3) needles, and 39 rows to 10 cm measured over plain stockinette stitch using 2¾mm (US 2) needles. These different gauges reflect the density changes between plain and patterned sections, a common consideration in multi-color knitting.

Construction Details

The back panel begins with casting on 185 stitches (for Small size) using 2¾mm (US 2) needles with yarn A, establishing the foundation for the sweater body. The pattern commences with a ribbed edge created using the K1, P1 repeat, which provides structural support and helps the garment maintain its shape during wear and washing.

Design Characteristics

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