Spectrum Sweater – Knitting pattern

There is black and there is white, BUT: in between lies a whole spectrum. While opposing categories can help us describe and understand the world around us, thinking solely in these binary word pairs – black and white, good and evil, “us” and “the others” – can deepen divides and doesn’t reflect reality. After all, most things happen in that area in the middle. And this design aims to highlight the beauty and impact of those nuances.

The Spectrum Sweater invites you to experiment with contrast. It is a top-down raglan with colourwork stripes. But unlike a classic raglan, increases are worked at varying intervals, creating a fit that reflects the actual body shape. The body is finished with a neat split hem. Choose between a long-sleeved sweater and a short-sleeved T-shirt!

Sizes

10 sizes, finished bust circumference:
77 (86; 96; 105; 115) (124; 134; 143; 153) 163 cm
30.25 (34; 37.75; 41.5; 45.25)  (49; 52.75; 56.5; 60.25) 64”

Ease: 3 to 10 cm (1.25 to 4”) of positive ease

Recommended yarn:

Sport- or DK-weight yarn in one main and one or more contrast colours

Yarn estimates:

• long-sleeved version:
  main colour: approx. 950 (1,020; 1,100; 1,160; 1,220) (1,310; 1,400; 1,500; 1,600) 1,650 m / 1,040 (1,115; 1,200; 1,270; 1,330) (1,430; 1,530; 1,640; 1,740) 1,800 yds
  contrast colour: approx. 175 (190; 210; 230; 260) (280; 310; 330; 350) 370 m / 190 (210; 230; 250; 280) (300; 340; 360; 380) 400 yds
• short-sleeved version:
  main colour: approx. 665 (720; 770; 810; 855) (920; 980; 1,050; 1,120) 1,150 m / 730 (790; 840; 880; 930) (1,000; 1,070; 1,150; 1,220) 1,260 yds
  contrast colour: approx. 140 (150; 175; 200; 210) (225; 250; 260; 280) 300 m / 155 (165; 190; 220; 230) (245; 275; 285; 305) 330 yds
  

Needles and notions needed:

• 3,75 mm (US 5) circular needles, 60–100 cm (24–40") (depending on the size you are knitting)
• 3.5 mm (US 4) circular needles, 60–100 cm (24–40") and (optional) DPNs for the sleeves
• 3 mm (US 2.5) circular needles, 60–100 cm (24–40") and 40 cm (16") (neckband) and (optional) DPNs for the sleeves
• scrap yarn, stitch holders or spare cords, scissors, tapestry needle, removable stitch markers

Gauge:

• Stockinette: 23 stitches x 32 rows = 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4” on 3.5 mm (US 4) needles in the round, blocked
• Colourwork: 23 stitches x 25 rows = 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4” on 4 mm (US 6) needles in the round, blocked

Level of difficulty:

adventurous beginner to intermediate

Techniques (explanation/tutorial included):

• increases
• decreases
• stranded colourwork in the round
• tubular bind-off (optional)