Meander Sweater

*I named this design the Meander Sweater because the colorwork incorporates the Greek Maiandros, also known as the “key” or “meander” pattern. The meander was an important symbol in Ancient Greece, symbolizing infinity or the eternal flow of things. Meander also reflects my favorite way to experience nature—unhurried, without expectation, rambling. This sweater is the perfect piece to throw on and go for evening walks and casual hikes, perhaps when you, too, are wanting to slow down and feel your own place in the eternal flow of things.* **NOTES** **Design:** The Meander Sweater is a modified drop shoulder pullover with a relaxed, slightly cropped fit. The lower body and sleeves feature stranded colorwork. The neckband, hem, and cuffs are worked in 2x2 ribbing. A Vikkel braid at the base of the neckband and exposed shoulder seams add a polished look. **Construction:** This sweater is worked from the bottom up with minimal seaming. The hem and lower body are worked in the round. Stitches are then divided for the front and back yoke, which are worked flat and joined at the shoulders with an exposed seam. The underarms are then seamed, and stitches are picked up for the sleeves, which are worked top down in the round. Finally, stitches are picked up to work the neckband. **Fit:** This garment is designed to fit with 6 to 10 in. (15 to 25 cm) of positive ease. To pick the best size for you, measure your **upper bust** circumference and add your preferred ease of between 6 to 10 in. (15 to 25 cm). Make the size with a finished chest circumference closest to that number. If you are unfamiliar with choosing garment size based on your upper bust measurement, One Wild Designs has a great [blog post][1] about this. **Length:** This sweater is intended to hit at the top of the hip—just a bit longer than a standard crop length so that you can comfortably move your arms without showing skin. **Stitch Patterns:** The stranded colorwork stitch patterns in this sweater are only charted, so you should be confident in your chart reading skills—or be open to learning! **SIZES** (1, 2, 3)(4, 5, 6)(7, 8, 9) [#sizeinclusive][2] **FINISHED CHEST CIRCUMFERENCE** (36.75, 43.25, 46.75)(50, 53.25, 56.75)(63.25, 66.75, 70) in. (92, 108, 117)(125, 133, 142)(158, 167, 175) cm *This sweater is intended to be worn with 6 to 10 in. (15 to 25 cm) of positive ease. Please see the note above on fit!* **YARN** Sport weight **MC:** (310, 360, 390)(420, 455, 505)(565, 615, 665) g/ (1240, 1440, 1560)(1680, 1820, 2020)(2260, 2460, 2660) yds or (1135, 1315, 1425)(1535, 1665, 1845)(2065, 2250, 2430) m **CC:** (55, 65, 70)(75, 80, 90)(100, 110, 115) g/(220, 260, 280)(300, 320, 360)(400, 440, 460) yds or (200, 240, 255)(275, 295, 330)(365, 400, 420) m **SUGGESTED YARN** The Farmer’s Daughter Fibers and Spincycle Yarns The Spinster’s Daughter (75 g/300 yds (274 m)) – 100% SW American wool **MC:** (5, 5, 6)(6, 7, 7)(8, 9, 9) skeins **CC:** (1, 1, 1)(1, 2, 2)(2, 2, 2) skeins *The sample sweater is knit in the colorways Chinook Winds (MC) and Many Moons (CC).* **NEEDLES** Needle A (body and sleeves): US 5 (3.75 mm) Needle B (ribbing): US 3 (3.25 mm) Needle C (Vikkel braid): US 2 (2.75 mm) *For each needle size, you will need 24 in. (60 cm) to 50 in. (125 cm) circular needles and your preferred needles for smaller circumference knitting.* **GAUGE** *Measure gauge on Needle A, after blocking. Gauge should be the same knit both flat and in the round.* 24 sts and 32 rows = 4 in. (10 cm) in stockinette 24 sts and 28 rows = 4 in. (10 cm) in stranded colorwork **SKILLS TO USE (OR LEARN!)** Knitting Purling Increasing Decreasing Knitting flat Knitting in the round Modified drop shoulder yoke construction Bottom-up construction Tubular cast-on Cable cast-on Backwards loop cast-on 2x2 ribbing Stranded colorwork Chart reading German short rows 3-needle bind-off Picking up stitches Tubular bind-off Vikkel braid Perfect for knitters looking for a relaxed, cozy sweater with simple colorwork and southwest vibes. [1]: https://onewilddesigns.com/blogs/articles/using-the-upper-chest-measurement-to-choose-your-sweater-size [2]: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/search#query=%23sizeinclusive