Phoenix

Phoenix Sweater by Truly Myrtle

What is Being Made

Phoenix is a bold and sumptuous knitted sweater designed by independent designer Truly Myrtle. This striking garment features a dramatic slipped-stitch yoke that creates a knockout visual effect while remaining surprisingly simple to execute. The sweater is versatile enough to layer over jeans, leggings, or skirts on winter days, combining cosy warmth with eye-catching design. Available in six sizes with finished bust circumferences ranging from 40.5 inches to 58.25 inches, Phoenix is suitable for a range of body types and fits.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

Phoenix is worked from the top down, a construction method that allows knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and easily adjust length to personal preference. The sweater's signature feature is its cleverly designed slipped-stitch yoke, which creates striking visual impact using just one colour per row. This approach eliminates the need for complex yarn wrangling or managing multiple colours simultaneously, making the colourwork accessible to intermediate knitters. The slipped-stitch technique creates beautiful, refreshing texture and pattern definition without the complexity of traditional stranded colourwork.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch technique featured in Phoenix is the slipped stitch, which forms the decorative yoke. Slipped stitches are worked by passing yarn over the needle without knitting into the stitch itself, creating elongated stitches that produce dramatic visual effects and interesting texture. The pattern also incorporates standard knit and purl stitches throughout the body of the sweater. Colourwork instructions are provided in easy-to-follow charts that guide knitters through the yoke construction step by step.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Phoenix is designed to be knitted using aran-weight yarn, a medium-heavy yarn weight that allows the sweater to knit up quickly while providing excellent drape and warmth. The pattern calls for Union Fibre 100% NZ Merino-Cross yarn, which is 100% wool with a yardage of 191 yards (175 metres) per 100-gram skein. Depending on size, the pattern requires approximately 5 to 7 skeins total, with 5 to 6 skeins of Colour A in the shade "Hearth" (a rich red) and 1 skein of a contrasting colour for the yoke detail. The aran weight makes Phoenix an excellent choice for even new sweater knitters, as the plump yarn creates visible stitches and works up at a satisfying pace.

Difficulty Level and Suitability

Phoenix is rated as an intermediate knitting project, making it ideal for knitters with some experience who are ready to expand their skills. While the slipped-stitch yoke may appear complex, the pattern provides clear, detailed instructions that make the techniques simple to master. The top-down construction and straightforward stitch patterns mean that even knitters new to sweater construction will find Phoenix approachable and rewarding to complete.