The Louisiana Sweater is worked from the top down with raglan increases on the yoke. The ribbing at the neck edge is folded and knitted together to form the neckline. The Louisiana Sweater has a short, feminine fit. The sleeves have tight fitting ribbed cuffs. I recommend using the Italian bind-off method on cuffs and hem for a neat, elastic edge.

Before you start knitting the sweater, begin by knitting a swatch to determine which needle size will give you the correct gauge.

Size guide

The Louisiana Sweateris designed to have approx. 10-15 cm [4-6 inches] of positive ease, meaning it is designed to be 10-15 cm [4-6 inches] larger in circumference than your widest upper body measurement. The sizes XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL are designed to fit a bust circumference of 80-85 (85-90) 90-95 (95-100) 100-110 (110-120) 120-130 cm [31½-33½ (33½-35½) 35½-37½ (37½-39½) 39½-43¼ (43¼-47¼) 47¼-51¼ inches]. The measurements for the finished garment are on the front page of the pattern (note that these measurements are only achieved if the sweater is knitted on the correct gauge). Before beginning your project, measure yourself with a measuring tape around your bust or the widest part of your upper body to determine which size will fit you the best. For example, if you measure 90 cm [35½ inches] around your bust (or wherever you are the widest) you should knit a size S. A size S sweater has a bust circumference of 104 cm [41 inches], which in the given example would give you 14 cm [5½ inches] of positive ease.

Sizes: XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL

Measurements:

Bust circumference: 100 (104) 110 (114) 124 (132) 138 cm [39¼(41) 43¼ (45) 48¾(52) 54¼inches]

Length: 53 (54) 56 (58) 58 (60) 62 cm [20¾(21¼) 22 (22¾) 22¾(23¼) 24½inches] (incl. folded neck edge)

Sleeve length: 41 (42) 43 (43) 43 (44) 44 cm [16¼(16½) 17 (17) 17 (17¼) 17¼inches]

Gauge: 10 sts x 14 rows in stockinette stitch on 9 mm [US13] needles with 2 strands of Børstet Alpakka held together = 10 x 10 cm [4 x 4 inches], after blocking

Needles: Circular needles: 8 mm [US11] / 40 and 80 or 100 cm [16 and 32 or 40 inches] and 9 mm [US13] / 40, 60 and 80 or 100 cm [16, 24 and 32 or 40 inches]. Double pointed needles: 8 mm [US11]

Materials: 450 (500) 500 (500) 550 (600) 650 g  Børstet Alpakka by Sandnes Garn (50 g = 110 m [120 yds]). Note that the design is worked in 2 strands of yarn held together throughout the pattern and the given yardage amount is the total yardage needed.

Difficulty: ★ (1 out of 5)