(TEST IS FULL) TEST CALL: Elan Sweater

TEST IS NOW FULL.

Deadline: 18th-May-25

We're starting a test for #elansweater - DK weight sweater worked seamlessly from the top down.

Note that the difficulty for this pattern is advanced beginner.

Sizes: 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)

Finished bust circumference: 

• 86 (96, 106, 116, 126, 136, 146, 156, 166) cm
• 34½ (38½, 42½, 46½, 50½, 54½, 58½, 62½, 66½)”

Designed to be worn with 5-10 cm / 2-4” positive ease around the chest.

To apply for testing, please fill out this form: https://go.zaneteknits.com/apply-to-test

Other details of the design:
Yarn: DK weight yarn. Depending on the length of the sweater, allow approximately:

• 1160 (1250, 1360, 1440, 1540, 1640, 1730, 1845, 1950) m 
• 1265 (1365, 1485, 1575, 1680, 1795, 1895, 2015, 2135) yds 

Yarn used in the sample (size 2) is 11 balls of Willow & Lark Poetry (60% Merino wool, 10% Camel, 30% Acrylic, 114 m [125 yds] / 50 g), Owl Grey (#602) colourway.

Gauge: 20 sts & 28 rows = 10 cm / 4” in Stockinette flat and in the round, blocked. 

Difficulty: Advanced Beginner

Suggested needles: 3.75 mm (US 5) circulars 60-150 cm / 24-60″ long and (optional) DPNs for small circumference knitting.

Notions: Stitch markers, row counter, scissors, tape measure, stitch holders or waste yarn, tapestry needle.

Techniques used: Lifted increases, Backwards loop cast-on, knitting in the round, Grandma's favourite bind-off.

Construction notes: This sweater is worked seamlessly from the top down, beginning with a shoulder band. The band is a 5-stitch-wide tube, knitted to match the circumference of the yoke, forming the foundation for the rest of the garment. Once the band is complete, stitches are picked up along its edges to create the yoke. Raglan increases are then used to shape the yoke as it grows to the underarm. 

At this point, the sleeve stitches are set aside, and front and back are joined, with additional underarm stitches added for certain sizes. The body is then worked in the round down to the hem, which is finished with 2x2 ribbing. 

The sleeves are completed separately, worked from the underarm down to the cuff. Increases are used to create a trumpet-like flare, ending with a fold-over 2x2 ribbed cuff. Finally, stitches are picked up along the top edge of the shoulder band to form the fold-over collar. It is worked with some increases until it reaches the desired length.