Description
Alyssum is a textured knit sweater pattern with several variations. It’s designed for knitters looking to make their first seamed sweater, or more experienced knitters looking for a palate cleanser project. We all need those from time to time 😉
The inverted trapeze neckband is a close fit, designed to flatter the face, and the loose-fitting sleeves make layering easy. The stitch pattern is a crowd-pleasing blend of rib and garter stitch, so this will be a satisfyingly intuitive project!
A textured sweater with modular variations
You can mix and match the body and sleeve options to suit your personal style and the climate in which you live. Or, you can knit two versions in different yarns or fibres to suit the passing seasons. The photographed samples show the cropped body with long sleeves, and the regular body with short sleeves, but this isn’t the full story. You can also create:
- a classic sweater by combining the regular body and longer sleeves;
- a cute cropped top by using the cropped body and short sleeves;
- a tank top by dropping the sleeves altogether and only knitting the back and front.
The choice is all yours!
A friendly introduction to seaming and picking up stitches
As an extra bonus, there are no curved seams whatsoever in this design. This means that you don’t have to worry about picking up stitches around curves or setting in sleeves. The sleeves are an unusual semi-raglan cut, which confers freedom of movement AND the fitted benefit of a set-in sleeve. The depth of the sleeve inset also reduces the discomfort of several shoulder seams when layering clothes. The cuffs are comfortably loose for the same reason.
Both body variations feature side seam shaping, which is more subtle in the regular variation. The sweater is constructed in pieces from the bottom up, with the front and back joined via a 3-needle cast-off. The sleeves are set in flat, matching the straight edges, and the side seams of the body and sleeves are joined in one go.
Special Techniques
- Directional decreasing (ssk, k2tog, ssp, p2tog)
- 3-needle cast-off
- Make 1 style increases (M1L, M1R)
- CDD (central double decrease)
Alyssum is available in 6 dual sizes. Please see the schematic drawing and measurements table for further information.
Yarn information
The samples were knitted in Campo yarn by Purl Soho, which is an worsted/aran weight 50% merino wool/50% GOTS organic cotton blend. This yarn was discontinued in April 2024, but in general, an aran/worsted yarn with 18 sts and 24 rows to 10cm/4in is a good place to start for alternatives. I recommend any yarn with good stitch definition – it can be wool, cotton, linen, or a blend. Substitution advice is given in the pattern notes, but you may also like to visit YarnSub for more immediate information. https://yarnsub.com/
What happens after I buy the Alyssum pattern?
After checking out, you’ll be emailed a digital PDF file of the Alyssum sweater pattern. If you also chose to create an account, the pattern will be stored in your account area for safekeeping. I recommend downloading the pattern immediately and saving it to your chosen computer or device for safekeeping.
You then have the choice of either printing out the pattern or reading it from your mobile device – whichever suits you best.
You’ll receive more inspiration and styling ideas after purchasing Alyssum, so keep an eye on your inbox! You can also email me anytime with questions not covered here or in the follow-up emails.
One advantage of choosing a pattern like Alyssum for your first sweater is the ability to retrace your steps. You can knit the same basic design and practise following familiar pattern instructions without making identical garments. If you’ve been looking for a textured knit sweater pattern with versatility and depth, pick Alyssum. You won’t be sorry!
Look at more Natalie in Stitches knitting patterns by visiting the Garments section of the shop or viewing the Knitwear Collection.
