Novita 7 Veljestä: Akvarelli-Nordic patterned knitted sweater
Designed by Pirjo Iivonen, the enchantingly beautiful Akvarelli (watercolour) Sweater is, in the words of the designer, 'a delicate knit, with stylized floral patterns repeated on the hem, cuffs and the yoke'.
Designer
Pirjo Iivonen
Size(s)
XS/S(M)L(XL)XXL
Finished dimensions
Finished measurements
Chest circumference: 88(100)106(112)122 cm / 34(39)42(44)48 inch
Front length from neckline to hem: 61(63)65(67)69 cm / 24(25)25.5(26)27 inch
Underarm length: 44(45)46(47)48 cm / 17.3(17.7)18(18.5)19 inch
Yarn demand
Novita 7 Veljestä (563) Knapweed 350(400)450(500)550 g and (047) Lichen 250(300)300(350)350 g
Needles and other supplies
Needles Novita 80 cm/32"circular needles, size 3.5 & 4 mm (US 4/UK 10 or 9 - US 6/UK 8) and 4 & 4.5 mm (US 6/UK 8 - US 7/UK 7), Novita dpns, size 3.5 & 4 mm (US 4/UK 10 or 9 - US 6/UK 8) and 4 & 4.5 mm (US 6/UK 8 - US 7/UK 7) for the sleeves. Notions: Stitch markers, spare needles or scrap yarn, tapestry needle.
Finished dimensions
Finished measurements
Chest circumference: 88(100)106(112)122 cm / 34(39)42(44)48 inch
Front length from neckline to hem: 61(63)65(67)69 cm / 24(25)25.5(26)27 inch
Underarm length: 44(45)46(47)48 cm / 17.3(17.7)18(18.5)19 inch
Main stitch patterns: 3/1 ribbing (k3, p1) in the round: *k3, p1, rep from * throughout. Stockinette stitch in the round: knit all sts. Nordic colorwork pattern: work in st st acc to the instructions and charts.
Gauge/Tension: 18 sts and 23 rows in st st, using the larger size ndls = 10 x 10 cm / 4” square, 18 sts in Nordic colorwork pattern, using the larger size ndls = 10 cm / 4”
Tip: The Nordic colorwork pattern only has floats that are longer than 5 stitches in a few places. To make sure that these floats don’t get in the way on the inside, you need to trap the floats as you knit, crossing the main color and contrast color at the middle stitch.
Front- and back, lower part
The sweater is worked in one piece up to the armholes.
CO 160(180)188(200)220 sts, using the smaller circ. ndls and color Lichen, join for working in the rnd, making sure not to twist the sts. Place marker to indicate beg of rnd, which is located at the center back of the sweater.
Work in 3/1 ribbing in the rnd for 5 cm/2”. Change to the larger size ndls, knit 1 rnd and at the same time, inc 0(0)2(0)0 sts, evenly spaced = 160(180)190(200)220 sts.
Join color Knapweed, continue working acc to chart I, rnd 1 and work patt rep of 10 sts a total of 16(18)19(20)22 sts times (pM after each patt rep of 10 sts, if necessary, to make it easier to follow the chart). Work rnds 2-21 of the chart. Cut yarn in color Lichen and continue working in st st in the rnd, using color Knapweed.
When work measures about 38(39)40(42)43 cm/15(15.5)15.8(16.5)17”, place all sts on hold.
Sleeves
CO 40(40)44(44)44 sts, using the smaller ndls and color Lichen. Join for working in the rnd, making sure not to twist the sts. Place marker to indicate beg of rnd. The beginning of the round is on the inside of the sleeve, at the wrist.
Work in 3/1 ribbing in the rnd for 5 cm/2”. Change to the larger size ndls, knit 1 rnd and at the same time, inc 0(2)0(0)2 sts, evenly spaced = 40(42)44(44)46 sts.
Join color Knapweed, continue working Nordic colorwork pattern acc to chart II, rnd 1, starting at the point marked with the arrow for chosen size: knit the first 0(1)2(2)3 sts at the right side of the chart, work patt rep 4 times, then knit the last 0(1)2(2)3 sts at the left side.
Work rnds 2-21 of the chart. In every increase-rnd, work the first st in indicated color, M1L (left leaning inc; using left needle tip, pick up the bar between the st on the left ndl and the st on the right ndl, from front to back, and knit this st into the back loop) using the color of the second box in the chart, then work acc to pattern to the last st of the rnd, M1R (right leaning inc; using left needle tip, pick up the bar between the st on the left ndl and the st on the right ndl, from back to front, and knit this st into the front loop) using the color of the second-to-last box in the chart, then knit the last st acc to chart.
After finishing rnd 21 of the chart, a total of 48(50)52(52)54 sts are on the ndl. Cut yarn in color Lichen and continue working with color Knapweed.
When work measures 12(12)12(14)14 cm/4.8(4.8)4.8(5.5)5.5”, inc as follows: in the next rnd, k1, M1L, work in pattern to the last st, M1R, k1 = 50(52)54(54)56 sts. Rep these inc’s every 4(3,5)3(2)2 cm/1.6(1.4)1.2(0.8)0.8” another 6(7)9(12)12 times = 62(66)72(78)80 sts.
Continue working in st st, without inc’s, until sleeve measures 44(45)46(47)48 cm/17.3(17.7)18(18.5)18.9”. In the next rnd, knit to the last 4(5)6(8)9 sts. BO the next 8(10)12(16)18 sts for the armhole and place the rem 54(56)60(62)62 sts on hold.
Work the second sleeve in the same way.
Yoke
Place all sts of body and sleeves back onto the larger size circ. ndls, as follows: starting at the beg of rnd at the center back of the body, knit the 36(40)41(42)46 back-sts, place the next 8(10)12(16)18 sts on hold for the armhole, knit the 54(56)60(62)62 sleeve-sts, knit the 72(80)83(84)92 front-sts, place the next 8(10)12(16)18 sts on hold for the armhole, knit the 54(56)60(62)62 sts of second sleeve, then knit the rem 36(40)42(42)46 back-sts. There are now a total of 252(272)286(292)308 sts.
Knit 1 rnd and at the same time, dec 2(2)6(2)8 sts, evenly spaced = 250(270)280(290)300 sts. Knit 0(2)4(4) 6 more rnds.
Join yarn in color Lichen, continue working the Nordic colorwork pattern acc to chart III, starting with rnd 1 of the chart, work patt rep over 10 sts a total of 25(27)28(29)30 times. If necessary, pM after each patt rep of 10 sts, to make it easier to follow the chart.
Work rnds 2-50 of chart. In rnds 21, 28, 35, 39, 43 and 48, 1 st is decreased in each pattern repeat. There are now 100(108)112(116)120 sts. The yoke measures approx. 23(24)25(25)26 cm / 9(9.5)9.8(9.8)10.3” in height. Cut yarn in color Knapweed.
Neckline
Now continue working to end, using only color Lichen. Remove all stitch markers, except for the one at the beg of round. Short rows are now worked for a slightly raised back neckline.
Beg short row shaping on first rnd, starting from mid back, as follows:
Row 1 (RS): k10(10)12(12)14, turn work.
Row 2 (WS): make a double st (slip the first stitch purlwise, with yarn in front of the work. Tug the yarn up and over the needle, creating a “double” stitch), p19(19)23(23)27, turn work.
Row 3 (RS) : make a double st (slip the first stitch purlwise, with yarn in front of the work. Tug the yarn up and over the needle, creating a “double” stitch), k18(18)22(22)26, work the 2 legs of the double st of previous turn together as 1 st, k7 and turn work.
Row 4 (WS) : make a double st, p25(25)29(29)33, work the 2 legs of the double st of previous turn together as 1 st, k7 and turn work.
Row 5 (RS) : make a double st, k32(32)36(36)40, work the 2 legs of the double st of previous turn together as 1 st, k7 and turn work.
Row 6 (WS) : make a double st, p39(39)43(43)47, work the 2 legs of the double st of previous turn together as 1 st, k7 and turn work.
Row 7 (RS) : make a double st, k46(46)50(50)54, work the 2 legs of the double st of previous turn together as 1 st, knit to end of rnd.
Knit 1 rnd and at the same time, dec 24(28)32(30)32 sts, evenly spaced, as follows:
Size XS/S: [*k2tog, k2, rep from * a total of 5 times, k2tog, k3] and rep the instructions between the square brackets [-] a total of 4 times = 76 sts.
Size M: [*k2tog, k2, rep from * a total of 6 times, k2tog, k1] and rep the instructions between the square brackets [-] a total of 4 times = 80 sts.
Size L: *k2tog, k1, k2tog, k2, rep from * a total of 16 times = 80 sts.
Size XL: k2, [*k2tog, k2, rep from * a total of 4 times, k2tog, k1], and rep the instructions between the square brackets [-] a total of 6 times = 86 sts.
Size XXL: [*k2tog, k1, rep from * a total of 2 times, *k2tog, k2, rep from * a total of 6 times], and rep the instructions between the square brackets [-] a total of 4 times= 88 sts.
Continue working in 3/1 ribbing (k3, p1) and for size XL only, dec 2 sts, evenly spaced, in the first rnd = 76(80)80(84)88 sts.
Work 7 rnds in 3/1 ribbing, or work until the desired height of the neckline border, then BO all sts in pattern (i.e. k1, * work next st as it appears, pass second st over first st of RH ndl, rep from * to end of rnd).
Finishing
Graft the live sts at the underarms together and secure the yarn ends at the inside. Wash the sweater in lukewarm water, roll it in a towel and use it to squeeze out the excess water, shape it to size and let it dry.
Abbreviations
acc = according
beg = begin(ning)
BO = bind off
circ. = circular
CO = cast on
dpn(s) = double pointed needle(s)
dec(‘s) = decrease(s)
inc(‘s) = increase(s)
k = knit
k2tog = knit 2 sts together
M = marker
M1 = increase 1 st by working the bar between 2 sts as a twisted knit stitch
M1L = make 1 left leaning increase
M1R = make 1 right leaning increase
ndl(s) = needle(s)
p = purl
patt = pattern
pM = place marker
rem = remaining
rep = repeat
rnd(s) = round(s)
RH = right hand
RS = right side
st(s) = stitch(es)
st st = stockinette stitch
WS = wrong side
Finished dimensions
Finished measurements
Chest circumference: 88(100)106(112)122 cm / 34(39)42(44)48 inch
Front length from neckline to hem: 61(63)65(67)69 cm / 24(25)25.5(26)27 inch
Underarm length: 44(45)46(47)48 cm / 17.3(17.7)18(18.5)19 inch
Main stitch patterns: 3/1 ribbing (k3, p1) in the round: *k3, p1, rep from * throughout. Stockinette stitch in the round: knit all sts. Nordic colorwork pattern: work in st st acc to the instructions and charts.
Gauge/Tension: 18 sts and 23 rows in st st, using the larger size ndls = 10 x 10 cm / 4” square, 18 sts in Nordic colorwork pattern, using the larger size ndls = 10 cm / 4”
Tip: The Nordic colorwork pattern only has floats that are longer than 5 stitches in a few places. To make sure that these floats don’t get in the way on the inside, you need to trap the floats as you knit, crossing the main color and contrast color at the middle stitch.
Front- and back, lower part
The sweater is worked in one piece up to the armholes.
CO 160(180)188(200)220 sts, using the smaller circ. ndls and color Lichen, join for working in the rnd, making sure not to twist the sts. Place marker to indicate beg of rnd, which is located at the center back of the sweater.
Work in 3/1 ribbing in the rnd for 5 cm/2”. Change to the larger size ndls, knit 1 rnd and at the same time, inc 0(0)2(0)0 sts, evenly spaced = 160(180)190(200)220 sts.
Join color Knapweed, continue working acc to chart I, rnd 1 and work patt rep of 10 sts a total of 16(18)19(20)22 sts times (pM after each patt rep of 10 sts, if necessary, to make it easier to follow the chart). Work rnds 2-21 of the chart. Cut yarn in color Lichen and continue working in st st in the rnd, using color Knapweed.
When work measures about 38(39)40(42)43 cm/15(15.5)15.8(16.5)17”, place all sts on hold.
Sleeves
CO 40(40)44(44)44 sts, using the smaller ndls and color Lichen. Join for working in the rnd, making sure not to twist the sts. Place marker to indicate beg of rnd. The beginning of the round is on the inside of the sleeve, at the wrist.
Work in 3/1 ribbing in the rnd for 5 cm/2”. Change to the larger size ndls, knit 1 rnd and at the same time, inc 0(2)0(0)2 sts, evenly spaced = 40(42)44(44)46 sts.
Join color Knapweed, continue working Nordic colorwork pattern acc to chart II, rnd 1, starting at the point marked with the arrow for chosen size: knit the first 0(1)2(2)3 sts at the right side of the chart, work patt rep 4 times, then knit the last 0(1)2(2)3 sts at the left side.
Work rnds 2-21 of the chart. In every increase-rnd, work the first st in indicated color, M1L (left leaning inc; using left needle tip, pick up the bar between the st on the left ndl and the st on the right ndl, from front to back, and knit this st into the back loop) using the color of the second box in the chart, then work acc to pattern to the last st of the rnd, M1R (right leaning inc; using left needle tip, pick up the bar between the st on the left ndl and the st on the right ndl, from back to front, and knit this st into the front loop) using the color of the second-to-last box in the chart, then knit the last st acc to chart.
After finishing rnd 21 of the chart, a total of 48(50)52(52)54 sts are on the ndl. Cut yarn in color Lichen and continue working with color Knapweed.
When work measures 12(12)12(14)14 cm/4.8(4.8)4.8(5.5)5.5”, inc as follows: in the next rnd, k1, M1L, work in pattern to the last st, M1R, k1 = 50(52)54(54)56 sts. Rep these inc’s every 4(3,5)3(2)2 cm/1.6(1.4)1.2(0.8)0.8” another 6(7)9(12)12 times = 62(66)72(78)80 sts.
Continue working in st st, without inc’s, until sleeve measures 44(45)46(47)48 cm/17.3(17.7)18(18.5)18.9”. In the next rnd, knit to the last 4(5)6(8)9 sts. BO the next 8(10)12(16)18 sts for the armhole and place the rem 54(56)60(62)62 sts on hold.
Work the second sleeve in the same way.
Yoke
Place all sts of body and sleeves back onto the larger size circ. ndls, as follows: starting at the beg of rnd at the center back of the body, knit the 36(40)41(42)46 back-sts, place the next 8(10)12(16)18 sts on hold for the armhole, knit the 54(56)60(62)62 sleeve-sts, knit the 72(80)83(84)92 front-sts, place the next 8(10)12(16)18 sts on hold for the armhole, knit the 54(56)60(62)62 sts of second sleeve, then knit the rem 36(40)42(42)46 back-sts. There are now a total of 252(272)286(292)308 sts.
Knit 1 rnd and at the same time, dec 2(2)6(2)8 sts, evenly spaced = 250(270)280(290)300 sts. Knit 0(2)4(4) 6 more rnds.
Join yarn in color Lichen, continue working the Nordic colorwork pattern acc to chart III, starting with rnd 1 of the chart, work patt rep over 10 sts a total of 25(27)28(29)30 times. If necessary, pM after each patt rep of 10 sts, to make it easier to follow the chart.
Work rnds 2-50 of chart. In rnds 21, 28, 35, 39, 43 and 48, 1 st is decreased in each pattern repeat. There are now 100(108)112(116)120 sts. The yoke measures approx. 23(24)25(25)26 cm / 9(9.5)9.8(9.8)10.3” in height. Cut yarn in color Knapweed.
Neckline
Now continue working to end, using only color Lichen. Remove all stitch markers, except for the one at the beg of round. Short rows are now worked for a slightly raised back neckline.
Beg short row shaping on first rnd, starting from mid back, as follows:
Row 1 (RS): k10(10)12(12)14, turn work.
Row 2 (WS): make a double st (slip the first stitch purlwise, with yarn in front of the work. Tug the yarn up and over the needle, creating a “double” stitch), p19(19)23(23)27, turn work.
Row 3 (RS) : make a double st (slip the first stitch purlwise, with yarn in front of the work. Tug the yarn up and over the needle, creating a “double” stitch), k18(18)22(22)26, work the 2 legs of the double st of previous turn together as 1 st, k7 and turn work.
Row 4 (WS) : make a double st, p25(25)29(29)33, work the 2 legs of the double st of previous turn together as 1 st, k7 and turn work.
Row 5 (RS) : make a double st, k32(32)36(36)40, work the 2 legs of the double st of previous turn together as 1 st, k7 and turn work.
Row 6 (WS) : make a double st, p39(39)43(43)47, work the 2 legs of the double st of previous turn together as 1 st, k7 and turn work.
Row 7 (RS) : make a double st, k46(46)50(50)54, work the 2 legs of the double st of previous turn together as 1 st, knit to end of rnd.
Knit 1 rnd and at the same time, dec 24(28)32(30)32 sts, evenly spaced, as follows:
Size XS/S: [*k2tog, k2, rep from * a total of 5 times, k2tog, k3] and rep the instructions between the square brackets [-] a total of 4 times = 76 sts.
Size M: [*k2tog, k2, rep from * a total of 6 times, k2tog, k1] and rep the instructions between the square brackets [-] a total of 4 times = 80 sts.
Size L: *k2tog, k1, k2tog, k2, rep from * a total of 16 times = 80 sts.
Size XL: k2, [*k2tog, k2, rep from * a total of 4 times, k2tog, k1], and rep the instructions between the square brackets [-] a total of 6 times = 86 sts.
Size XXL: [*k2tog, k1, rep from * a total of 2 times, *k2tog, k2, rep from * a total of 6 times], and rep the instructions between the square brackets [-] a total of 4 times= 88 sts.
Continue working in 3/1 ribbing (k3, p1) and for size XL only, dec 2 sts, evenly spaced, in the first rnd = 76(80)80(84)88 sts.
Work 7 rnds in 3/1 ribbing, or work until the desired height of the neckline border, then BO all sts in pattern (i.e. k1, * work next st as it appears, pass second st over first st of RH ndl, rep from * to end of rnd).
Finishing
Graft the live sts at the underarms together and secure the yarn ends at the inside. Wash the sweater in lukewarm water, roll it in a towel and use it to squeeze out the excess water, shape it to size and let it dry.
Abbreviations
acc = according
beg = begin(ning)
BO = bind off
circ. = circular
CO = cast on
dpn(s) = double pointed needle(s)
dec(‘s) = decrease(s)
inc(‘s) = increase(s)
k = knit
k2tog = knit 2 sts together
M = marker
M1 = increase 1 st by working the bar between 2 sts as a twisted knit stitch
M1L = make 1 left leaning increase
M1R = make 1 right leaning increase
ndl(s) = needle(s)
p = purl
patt = pattern
pM = place marker
rem = remaining
rep = repeat
rnd(s) = round(s)
RH = right hand
RS = right side
st(s) = stitch(es)
st st = stockinette stitch
WS = wrong side