This design is a continuation of my flora collection.
The spiky print, together with the colors I used for the sample, made me think of agave plants with their long pointy leaves.

SIZES
The pattern includes 6 children sizes (from 1-2 y.o. to 10-12 y.o.) and 14 adult sizes for own bust cricumference of 82-153 cm/32-60”. Details on sizes & yardages can be found in the chart and schematics included into pattern photos.

Please note: I am testing different pattern formats, so this pattern includes 2 files in English - 1 for children sizes and 1 for adults

CONSTRUCTION
Agave sweater has 3-6cm/1-2” of intended positive ease, round neck and 2 sleeve shape options (you can easily mix and match these 2 options): 3/4 length, bell (wider at the cuff); and full length, tapered.
The pattern includes horizontal bust darts starting with size 3 (optional, but highly recommended for better fit). In addition, there are instructions for wide hip/ A-line shaping modification.

• Start with circular yoke knit flat sideways in garter stitch (using short-rows for shaping, including raised back-neck, and creating the print) and then seamed together at center back, with an applied I-cord for a neat neckline. Children sizes up to 6-7 years have 1 button at the back to go over the head easily.
• Pick up yoke edge stitches for the body and knit it top-down in the round.
• Work the split hem: first a short intarsia section with contrast color along the split, then a few more rows in just the contrast color in garter to match the yoke. Easy to modify for high-low hem!
• Work the sleeves, also top-down in the round, finishing with cuffs in contrast color. You can choose out of 2 main color-blocking options (but feel free to improvise further), by selecting which of the 2 colors to use as main for the yoke - see schematics in pattern photos (the sample was knit in Option 1).

MATERIALS AND TOOLS

YARN: you will need yarn in 2 colors with good contrast. Pattern gauge allows for a wide variety of yarns, depending on the level of warmth you want to achieve
* Option 1: Light-weight transitional garment (similar to the sample): use voluminous mohair/ alpaca (400-600m/435-650yds per 100g/3.5oz) with a non-fluffy contrast color – sample used
− Main color: Sandnes Garn ‘Silk mohair’
− Contrast color: Lucci Yarns ‘Sequins 3’

• Optioan 2: Warm garment without much halo: 2 ‘regular’ DK to worsted-weight yarns (wool blend), e.g. − Drops ‘Merino Extra Fine’, ‘Karisma’ or ‘Lima’ − Madelinetosh ‘Tosh Merino DK’

• Warm AND fluffy version: hold together 1 strand of regular lace-weight wool/merino +1 strand of finer mohair (>1000m/1090yds per 100g/3.5oz), e.g.
− Shibui Knits ‘Silk Cloud’
− ITO ‘Sensai’

NEEDLES:

• Main: 3.25-3.5mm/US3-4 (or size to get stockinette gauge) circulars on a 60-80cm/24-32” cable;
• Decorative elements: 3mm/US2.5 (or 1 size smaller than the main) circulars on a 60cm/24” cable.

NOTIONS: waste yarn, crochet hook, stitch markers, row counter (optional), tapestry needle, scissors, measuring tape, 1 button for children sizes up to and including 6-7 y.o.

GAUGE (PER 10x10CM/ 4x4” AFTER WET-BLOCKING)

• Stockinette: 20 stitches by 28 rows on main needles;
• Garter stitch: 20 stitches by 40 rows on smaller needles.

Translated into English and tech edited by Olga Barshai (gingerhandcrafts)

Should you need any pattern support, please, contact the designer via MrsKnowall Ravelry Group