My very first passion was for dinosaurs. I had an imaginary Saltopus friend that followed me around, and in first grade I was very proud to say that I wanted to be a paleontologist when I grew up (I’m sure my parents were just proud I could even pronounce the word at 6 years old). Now, eons later, I’ve excavated a knit top that brings together my first love and current passion with knitting (as well as my constant desire to live that cozy life) in the Stego Sweater!
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WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Needles
US5 (3.75 mm) circular needles (or size needed to obtain gauge).
Varying cable lengths are recommended to accommodate yoke, body, and sleeve circumferences.
(Optional) Set of 4 or 5 double pointed needles in same size as main circular needles for small circumference knitting (sleeves).
(Optional) Circular needles up to 1 size larger for colorwork section only (to maintain gauge).
US3 (3.25 mm) circular needles or a set of 4 or 5 double pointed needles for collar, body hem, and sleeve cuffs.
Notions
Tapestry needle
5 - 7 Stitch markers
2 Stitch holders or waste yarn
(Optional) Row counter
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YARN & YARDAGE
Yarn
Two highly contrasting colors in DK weight yarn. Sizes for this garment are shown in the pattern as 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)(7, 8, 9, 10).
Sample uses Yarnaceous Fibers Bronto DK base (85% superwash merino wool and 15% nylon; 246 yd / 225 m per 100 g) using colorway Hold Onto Somebody (off-white speckle) as main color and Zircon (rusty red) as contrast color.
https://yarnaceousfibers.com/
Length Required (Includes 10% Excess)
MC: 732 (810, 900, 1010, 1112, 1224)(1346, 1480, 1628, 1790) yards
669 (741, 823, 924, 1017, 1119)(1231, 1353, 1489, 1637) meters
CC: 328 (360, 396, 436, 472, 498)(524, 566, 612, 660) yards
300 (329, 362, 399, 432, 455)(480, 518, 560, 604) meters
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SIZING & GAUGE
Gauge
Stockinette: 22 stitches x 26 rounds = 4” / 10 cm after blocking worked in the round.
Ribbing: 26 stitches x 28 rounds = 4” / 10 cm after blocking worked in the round using smaller needles.
Sizing
Finished garment chest circumference:
29 (33.5, 38, 42, 46.5, 51)(55.5, 58, 62.5, 67) inches / 73.5 (85, 96.5, 106.5, 118, 129.5)(141, 147.5, 159, 170) cm
Yoke depth:
9 (9, 10.5, 10.5, 12, 12)(12, 12, 12, 12) inches / 23 (23, 26.5, 26.5, 30.5, 30.5)(30.5, 30.5, 30.5, 30.5) cm
Total body length from underarm (customizable):
16 inches / 40.5 cm
Sleeve length:
18 inches / 45.5 cm
Recommended positive ease is 2” - 6” / 5 - 15 cm at the chest based on personal preference.
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If sharing your progress and finished piece on Instagram or other social networks, please use the hashtag #StegoSweater so I can admire your beautiful work! Happy knitting, friend!