Riddari Sweater in LOPI Léttlopi

Riddari Sweater Knitting Pattern in LOPI Léttlopi — A Classic Icelandic Yoke Sweater

The Riddari Sweater is a traditional Icelandic-style pullover designed by Védís Jónsdóttir and published by LOPIDESIGN.is. Worked in the beloved LOPI Léttlopi yarn, this pattern delivers an authentic Nordic aesthetic with a bold colorwork yoke, making it one of the most iconic styles in Scandinavian knitwear. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and is rated intermediate in difficulty, making it an excellent next step for knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques and ready to explore stranded colorwork and seamless construction.

Garment Overview

The Riddari is a classic seamless yoke sweater knitted in the round from the bottom up. The body and sleeves are worked separately and then joined to create the distinctive circular yoke, which features a traditional Icelandic colorwork pattern. The silhouette is relaxed and comfortable, with a rolled hem at the cuffs and body hem adding a casual, contemporary finish to an otherwise timeless design.

Sizing and Fit

• Sizes available: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
• Chest circumference: 89 (93) 98 (102) 107 (111) cm
• Length to underarm: 40 (42) 43 (44) 45 (46) cm
• Sleeve length to underarm: 47 (49) 50 (51) 52 (53) cm

The generous size range means the Riddari can be knitted to suit a wide variety of body types, and the ease built into the design is typical of traditional Icelandic lopapeysa-style sweaters, which are intended to be worn with a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Construction Method

The sweater is constructed in the round using a seamless, bottom-up approach — a hallmark of traditional Icelandic knitting. This method eliminates the need for seaming and creates a smooth, uninterrupted fabric that is ideal for showcasing colorwork motifs. The body and sleeves are each worked separately before being joined at the underarm to work the yoke as one continuous piece.

• Body: Cast on 160 (168) 176 (184) 192 (200) stitches using a 3½ mm circular needle with yarn A. Worked in the round for 4 rounds, then a contrast color (yarn B) is introduced for 1 round before working a *k2, p2* ribbed border for 5 rounds. The needle is then changed to a 4½ mm circular needle and the body is worked in stockinette stitch following the colorwork chart (Chart 1). Work continues in plain stockinette with yarn A until the body reaches the required length to underarm.
• Sleeves: Cast on 40 (40) 44 (44) 48 (48) stitches using 3½ mm double-pointed needles (dpns) with yarn A. Worked in the round for 4 rounds, then yarn B is introduced for 1 round, followed by *k2, p2* rib for 5 rounds. Needles are changed to 4½ mm dpns and the sleeve is worked in stockinette following Chart 1.
• Joining and Yoke: Underarm stitches are grafted together using Kitchener stitch (grafting), and the body and sleeves are joined to work the yoke seamlessly in the round.
• Finishing: Loose ends are woven in, and the sweater is rinsed by hand in lukewarm water and laid flat to dry. The rolled edges at the hem and cuffs are a deliberate design feature — the natural curl of stockinette stitch is left to roll freely for a casual, modern look.

Techniques Used

• Knitting in the round — both on circular needles (for the body and yoke) and double-pointed needles (for the sleeves)
• Stranded colorwork — following a traditional Icelandic chart (Chart 1) using two colors held together across the yoke and lower sections