Gwanwyn

Gwanwyn Knitted Sweater by Verena Cohrs

What is Being Made

Gwanwyn is a knitted sweater designed by Verena Cohrs, available in eight sizes with finished bust circumferences ranging from 82.25 cm (32.5") to 136.75 cm (53.75"). This design is intended to be worn with 2–4 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit. The pattern is presented as a downloadable PDF and is suitable for beginner-level knitters.

Knitting Techniques

The Gwanwyn sweater incorporates short rows as a key construction technique. Short rows allow for shaping without increasing stitch counts dramatically, making them ideal for creating fitted garment sections with minimal bulk. This technique is worked seamlessly as the sweater is knitted in the round, which eliminates the need for seaming and creates a smooth, professional finish.

Stitch Patterns Used

• Stockinette Stitch (worked in the round): The primary stitch pattern, created by knitting every round. Stockinette produces a smooth, classic fabric with a V-shaped texture on the right side and a bumpy texture on the wrong side. This stitch is worked on the larger needle and is used as the base fabric after blocking.
• 1x1 Half-Twisted Rib (worked in the round): A ribbed stitch pattern worked over a multiple of 2 stitches. Each round alternates knit-through-the-back-loop (K1tbl) with purl (p1), creating a textured, elastic fabric. This rib is typically used for cuffs, hems, and necklines to provide stretch and recovery.

Materials and Gauge

The Gwanwyn sweater is knitted using Moel View Yarn Welsh Mule, a DK-weight yarn composed of 100% wool. Each 100-gram skein yields 200 metres (218 yards). Yarn quantities range from 700 metres (766 yards) for size 1 to 1,176 metres (1,287 yards) for size 8, allowing knitters to select the appropriate yardage based on their chosen size.

The recommended gauge is 18 stitches by 24 rounds over 10 by 10 centimetres (approximately 7.2 stitches and 9.6 rounds per inch), worked in the round using Stockinette Stitch on the larger needle after blocking. Achieving correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements and proper garment fit.

Needles

The pattern calls for 4.5 mm (US 7) circular needles. Circular needles are essential for knitting this sweater in the round, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a seamless, professional construction. The pattern references a larger needle size for the main body fabric, with the implication that a smaller needle size may be used for ribbed sections to achieve the appropriate gauge and elasticity.