(TEST IS FULL) TEST CALL: Nevaeh Sweater

TEST IS NOW FULL.

Deadline: 16th-Feb-25

We're starting a test for #nevaehsweater - DK weight yarn sweater with cables worked seamlessly from the top down.

Note that this is an intermediate difficulty pattern. Ability to read cable charts is required.

We're looking for a few testers for each size who can complete this project by the 16th of February, 2025.

Difficulty: Intermediate. The ability to read cable charts is required.

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

Finished bust circumference: 

• 97 (107, 117, 127, 137, 147, 157, 167, 177) cm
• 38½ (42½, 46½, 50½, 54½, 58½, 62½, 66½, 70½)”

Designed to be worn with 15-20 cm / 6-8” positive ease around the chest.

To choose the most appropriate size, measure the wearer's chest and add the preferred ease. Or measure the circumference of an already-owned sweater that fits well. Then find the closest finished chest circumference.

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:

• 1145 (1230, 1340, 1430, 1545, 1640, 1755, 1880, 1980) m 
• 1250 (1350, 1465, 1565, 1690, 1795, 1920, 2055, 2165) yds 

Yarn used in the sample (size 2) is 9 balls of Knit & Note Highland Wool (100% pure wool; 137 m [150 yds] / 50 g) in colourway Tasty Chocolate. 

Gauge: 20 sts & 28 rows = 10 cm / 4” in Stockinette on larger needles, blocked. 

• Cable A width: 9.5 cm / 3¾” 
• Cable B width: 16.5 cm / 6½”

Remember to make a swatch and ensure you get the required gauge. If your gauge is different to the one stated above, adjust the needle size. Otherwise, you risk that your finished garment will not fit right. Block your swatch the same way you plan to block your sweater and let it fully dry before measuring the gauge.

Achieving the correct row gauge is equally important. This is because the sleeve cap shaping instructions rely on it, and the yoke rows are specifically calculated.

Suggested needles: 

• 4.00 mm (US 6) or needle size that gets the gauge; circulars 60-100 cm / 24-40″ long and (optional) DPNs for small circumference knitting 
• 3.25 mm (US 3) or 2-3 sizes smaller needles than above; circulars 60-100 cm / 24-40″ long and (optional) DPNs for small circumference knitting

Notions: Stitch markers, row counter, scissors, tape measure, stitch holders or waste yarn, tapestry needle, 2-3 22-30 mm / 1-1¼” buttons. 

Techniques used: Lifted increases, cable knitting, Backwards loop cast-on, knitting in the round, short rows, double-knitting.

Construction notes: The sweater is knit seamlessly from the top down. You’ll start by casting on stitches for the back neckline and working the back in rows back and forth, shaping the shoulders with lifted increases. Then, you’ll knit the back down to the underarms, adding the armhole shaping increases along the way.  

Next, you’ll pick up stitches along the back shoulders to create the front shoulders, working each side separately while shaping the front neckline with increases. Then you’ll continue the fronts down to the underarm with symmetric armhole shaping increases.  

Once the front and back are ready, you’ll join them by casting on extra stitches for the underarms and the base of the neckline. From there, the body is worked in the round down to the hem, finishing with a 2x2 rib on smaller needles.  

Next, you’ll add double-knit button bands to the front opening. Finally, you’ll pick up stitches around the neckline for a 2x2 rib neckband, shaping the slope with short rows. The neckband is worked to double the desired height, and the live stitches are joined to the picked-up stitches at the base before binding off.

For the sleeves, you’ll pick up stitches along the shoulder edges and the underarm cast-on edge. The sleeve caps are shaped with short rows, and then you’ll knit in the round shaping sleeves with decreases all the way down to the cuffs, finishing with a 2x2 rib.