Inspired by the elegant necklaces of ancient Egypt, the Abydos sweater is a perfect knit for those days when you want to feel that little bit fancy. The big sister to the original Abydos Top, the sweater version features bracelet length bishop sleeves with neatly gathered cuffs.

NOTE: the Abydos Top and Abydos Sweater patterns are available separately (the top is NOT just the sweater with the arms cut off!). If you would like both versions, they are available as an eBook for £9.

YARN A / main yarn: DK weight yarn, approx. 877 (937; 1025; 1093; 1128) 1291; 1399; 1508; 1602 metres / 957 (1022; 1118; 1191; 1229) 1407; 1525; 1644; 1747 yards.

Sample shown in De Rerum Natura Ulysse (100% wool, 185m / 202 yards per 50g ball) in shade Amarante. If using this yarn, you will need 5 (6; 6; 6; 7) 7; 8; 9; 9 balls.

Yarn B: laceweight yarn, approx. 64 (64; 64; 79; 79) 93; 93; 99; 99 metres / 69 (69; 69; 87; 87) 101; 101; 108; 108 yards.

Sample shown in Onion Knit Silk & Kid Mohair (60% mohair, 40% silk, 240m / 262 yards per 25g ball) in shade Marsala. If using this yarn you will need 1 ball.

GAUGE: 21 sts and 28 rows to 4 inches / 10 cm in stocking stitch in Yarn A, blocked. Suggested size 4mm.

NEEDLES & NOTIONS:
3.5mm circulars, length 16” / 40 cm
3.5mm, 4mm and 8mm circulars, length 24” / 60 cm (& longer depending on size)
Tapestry needle
Stitch markers
Scrap yarn

SIZING
Sizes 1 (2; 3; 4; 5) 6; 7; 8; 9 detailed below, designed to be worn with between 0-2” / 0.5 cm negative ease. Sample is a size 2 worn on a 33” upper bust with around 1” / 2.5 cm negative ease.

Choose a size based on your UPPER bust measurement, not full bust. To find this measurement, hold a tape under your armpits around the top of your bust. This may mean you choose a smaller size than usual, but the optional bust darts can be used to add extra room.

If you are between sizes, SIZE DOWN. If this top is loose, the armholes will be too wide and low and will not cover a bra at the sides. This was discussed at length with test knitters, and a conclusion was reached that this top fits far better when worn with negative ease.

To fit upper bust: 28-30 (32-34; 36-38; 40-42; 44-46) (48-50; 52-54; 56-58; 60-62) inches / 71-76 (81-86; 91-97; 102-107; 112-117) (122-127; 132-137; 142-147; 152-157) cm.

Finished bust: 28 (32; 36; 40; 44) (48; 52; 56; 60) inches / 71 (81; 91; 102; 112) (122; 132; 142; 152) cm.

Construction: the Abydos sweater is worked seamlessly from the top down, beginning with a circular yoke construction which transitions into a regular armhole by using short rows to change the angle of knitting. Panels of loose knit mohair are contrasted with tucks worked in DK weight throughout the yoke. Optional bust darts are included for those with larger cup sizes.

The main body is worked without shaping for a relaxed fit, and is edged with 1x1 rib and a tubular cast off. Held yoke stitches are placed on the needle and stitches are picked up around the armhole to work the sleeves in the round. The sleeves begin with a series of short rows to create a shallow sleeve cap, which changes the angle of the sleeves for a neat fit. Gentle shaping is used to give a subtle bishop sleeve shape, before gathering into a neat cuff which mimics the tucks of the yoke. Sleeves are designed to be bracelet length, but can be lengthened or shortened to your preference.

Yarn choice: I would recommend choosing a DK yarn that has some memory and isn’t too slippery, as slinky yarns (such as bamboo) will be heavy and cause the garment to stretch and pull on the yoke.

The Abydos sweater is #sizeinclusive to a bust of 62”.

I LOVE seeing people knit my patterns and make them their own - if you could tag @lilykatemakes and #AbydosSweater on Instagram that would be great!