Brigid Sweater

The **Brigid Sweater** is a fair isle drop shoulder sweater with a boxy unisex fit and is available from youth to adult sizes. Named after the Celtic goddess, Brigid, a healer and poet, she is often associated with the birch tree, a symbol of new beginnings. The Brigid sweater features bands of colourwork, separated by a section of stockinette in the main colour and a single row of colourwork, providing a break between the fair isle motifs, and emulating the bark of her sacred tree. Knit from the top down, the saddle shoulders are formed separately and individually, and are incorporated when working the back and front panels. Stitches are picked up along the saddle shoulder edges and cast on to form the collar and establish the back and front panels. The back and front panels are knit flat and connected into the round at the underarm. The sleeves are picked up along the front and back panel, and the live saddle shoulder stitches, providing a seamless transition from the shoulder through the sleeves. The collar is picked up along the front, back, and saddle shoulder cast on stitches and knit in the round. There are options provided for a regular or split hem, wide or tapered sleeves, and regular or double folded collar. Modification options for fit adjustment, length adjustment, and different yarn weights are provided. The male model is wearing a size **5** with 30 cm [11¾ inches] of positive ease in brown with a chest circumference of 101 cm [39¾ inches]. The female model is wearing a size **3** with 30cm [11¾ inches] of positive ease in purple with a chest circumference of 82cm [32¼ inches]. **Difficulty**: 2.5/5 Suitable for intermediate knitters. You should be able to read knitting charts, knit colourwork, and complete the basic stitches included in the abbreviations section. **Pattern Disclaimer**: This pattern provides significant opportunities for personal customizability. Therefore, there are instances in the pattern where direct instructions are not provided, such as row or stitch counts. Instead, the pattern indicates when it will be up to you to assess and determine the ideal length or width based on your individual preferences, with instructions provided on how to do so. **Sizes**: 1, 2, 3 (4, 5, 6) 7, 8, 9 **Finished Chest Circumference**: 80, 96, 112 (128, 144, 152) 168, 184, 200 cm [31½, 37¼, 44 (50½, 56¾, 59¾) 66¼, 72½, 78¾ inches] **Gauge**: 20 stitches x 20 rows = 10 x 10 cm [4 x 4 inches] in blocked colourwork on 4.5 mm [US 7] needles (Example: Rows 1-22 of the Colourwork Chart). **Suggested Needles**: - Colourwork: 4.5 mm [US 7] circular needles - Ribbing: 3.5 mm [US 4] circular needles **Suggested Yarn**: Yarn suggestions are made for garments that do not include any modifications such as tapered sleeves, additional length, or adjusted fit. If you choose to include modifications the total meterage of yarn required may vary. Berroco Ultra Wool (100g = 200 m / 219 yds) Berroco Vintage (100g = 200m / 219 yds) - Main Colour (MC) Brown: 250, 300, 350 (400, 450, 450) 500, 550, 600) g Worsted weight yarn - Contrast Colour 1 (1) Cream: 100, 100, 100 (100, 100, 150) 150, 150, 150 g Worsted weight yarn - Contrast Colour 2 (2) Light Blue: 100, 150, 150 (150, 200, 200) 200, 250, 250 g Worsted weight yarn - Contrast Colour 3 (3) Navy: 50, 50, 100 (100, 100, 100) 100, 100, 150 g Worsted weight yarn - Contrast Colour 4 (4) Green: 50, 50, 50 (100, 100, 100) 100, 100, 100 g Worsted weight yarn **Additional Materials**: * Stitch markers * Tapestry needle * Stitch holders or scrap yarn * Measuring tape * Scissors **Size Guide**: The **Brigid Sweater** is designed with 25-30 cm [10-11¾ inches] of positive ease. Positive ease refers to the final garment measuring larger than your initial measurement. It is recommended that you steam or wet block the sweater when measurements are provided to ensure you meet the recommended measurements. Sizes 1, 2, 3 (4, 5, 6) 7, 8, 9 are based on a chest circumference of 50-55, 66-71, 82-87 (98-103, 114-119, 122-127) 138-143, 154-159, 170-175 cm [19¾-21¾, 26-28, 32¼-34¼ (38½-40½, 44¾-46¾, 48-50) 54¼-56¼, 60¾-62½, 66¾-68¾ inches]. To choose your size: 1. Measure your chest at its widest circumference, making sure the measuring tape is snug but not too tight. You should be able to fit a finger underneath the measuring tape. 2. Add 25-30 cm [10-11¾ inches] to your chest measurement to account for positive ease. 3. Use the resulting measurements when selecting your size. For example, if your chest circumference measures 125cm [49¼ inches], knit a size 6.