This pattern includes instructions for both the long sleeved version, with integrated handwarmers, and a sleeveless vest.

The pattern is 16 pages long and I have included quite a few pictures to highlight the details of the sweater. However, I have kept the pattern directions free of pictures, in case you want to print them. There are also pictures showing the construction of the thumb opening at the end of the pattern.

Difficulty - Challenging – While the techniques used in the sweater and vest are not necessarily challenging individually knit, purl, working flat and in the round, decreasing, short rows, the construction of the sweater is a bit unique and could be challenging for some knitters. You will be required to switch back and forth between circular and flat knitting, dividing and joining sections to construct the openings in the body.

Knit from the bottom up, working in a combination of in-the-round and flat. Shaping is achieved through panels of ribbing down the centre of the solid side and around the waist, which will adapt to and flatter your figure. The sleeves are worked top down with short rows for shaping.

The sweater is designed with minimal seaming to avoid rubbing under straps, an open back to minimize layers under your pack and long sleeves with integrated hand-warmers to keep you cozy. The sleeveless vest, worn over or under the sweater with the solid side to the back, will keep your back warm when you take your pack off. If your pack doesn’t cover your whole back, you can just omit the first opening, replacing it with 2x2 rib until the end of the waist ribbing.

The inspiration for this sweater came as I was planning and training for a long hiking trip. Anyone who has worn a backpack, or a baby carrier, for an extended period of time will understand how hot your back can get, while the rest of you is still exposed to the elements. I found myself making some ‘interesting’ wardrobe choices (like wearing a button front shirt backwards) and partway through a hike I decided that I could come up with a better option.

Not a hiker? You can still have fun with this sweater. The colour blocking effect can easily mix and match to your lifestyle. Each piece is reversible, with matching front and back necklines. A contrasting colour shirt worn under either piece would look great and make the openings pop when running around town or meeting up with friends. It is also well suited to act as an additional layer under a winter coat or vest, giving you extra warmth up front if you’d like to open up your jacket, without roasting your back.

indigodragonfly’s Octobaa is a great yarn for this project, a superwash merino that will hold up to hiking with a pack on, but not rough if you’ve got delicate skin.

Also, I owe a big thank you to Keri Williams for the help she gave me with the editing process.