Do you enjoy Andrea’s patterns? Sign up for the DreaReneeKnits Newsletter to receive sneak peeks of new patterns, exclusive introductory discounts, video tutorials, and other things she knows you’ll love!!

Last year I had so much fun designing the Bean & Olive sweater for my daughter (Olive) and Adella of Lolabean Yarn Co.’s daughter (Lola, aka Bean)! After I was done knitting Olive’s, I knew I wanted one for myself. Thankfully, y’all mirrored that desire on Instagram and Ravelry - so I got busy making the grown-up version for those of us that are kids at heart!

We couldn’t resist taking matching photos with our daughters! Please note that this pattern is for the ADULT SIZES, you can purchase the original child size Bean & Olive here!

DETAILS
This sweater is knit from the top down (meaning you can try it on as you go and add length to suit your own personal style!), beginning with the collar. The circular yoke is adorned with a sweet chevron and heart motif, and then you will separate the sleeves placing them on hold while the body is finished. The sleeves are then returned to the needle, picking up stitches for the underarm for a totally seamless sweater!

SIZES
1 (2, 3, 4)(5, 6, 7)(8, 9, 10)
#sizeinclusive

FINISHED BUST CIRCUMFERENCE
30.5 (32, 35.5, 38.5)(42.25, 46.5, 50.25)(53.75, 58.25, 62.5)”
77.5 (81.5, 90, 98)(107.5, 118, 127.5)(136.5, 148, 159) cm
Recommended ease is 0-4”/0-10 cm; sample shown in Size 3 on a 35”/89 cm bust.

YARN REQUIREMENTS
These are just approximations. Total yarn usage will depend on the yarn you use (fiber content, ply, etc.), your personal gauge, and any modifications you may make.

DK Weight Superwash Merino (115 g/250 yds)
MC - 375 (390, 445, 474)(523, 568, 624)(690, 774, 822) g
815 (850, 967, 1030)(1136, 1235, 1357)(1500, 1682, 1787) yds
746 (777, 885, 941)(1039, 1130, 1240)(1372, 1539, 1634) m

CC - 62 (64, 73, 77)(85, 93, 102)(113, 126, 134) g
133 (139, 158, 168)(185, 200, 220)(245, 274, 290) yds
122 (127, 144, 153)(170, 184, 202)(224, 250, 266) m

SUGGESTED YARN
For this pattern I chose a soft, 4-ply superwash merino yarn. Soft so it can be worn against the skin, 4-ply to give added strength, and superwash for easy care. To help the colorwork motif pop, you will want to choose strong contrasting colors.

Lolabean Yarn Co. Pinto Bean DK (115 g/250 yds)
MC - 4 (4, 4, 5)(5, 5, 6)(6, 7, 8) skeins Forgiveness (grey)
CC - 1 (1, 1, 1)(1, 1, 1)(1, 2, 2) skein/s Bean & Olive (pink with purple speckles) or El Bosque (green)

SUGGESTED NEEDLES
Main Fabric: US 6/4 mm –24”/60 cm to 40”/100 cm circular and preferred needles for small circumference (Magic Loop or DPNs)

Sleeve Fabric: US 7/4.5 mm - Preferred needles for small circumference knitting (Magic Loop or DPNs)

Ribbing: US 4/3.5 mm - 16”/40 cm circular for collar and preferred needles for small circumference for cuffs.
(Use the needle size you need to achieve gauge. The Ribbing needle should be 2 US sizes smaller than the Main Fabric needle.)

NOTIONS
Stitch marker, row counter (recommended), scissors, waste yarn or stitch holders

GAUGE
22 sts & 31 rows = 4”/10 cm on Main Fabric needle, measured over stockinette stitch in the round after blocking.

Take care during the colorwork yoke & sleeves - some knitters knit colorwork and small circumferences tighter and may need to go up a needle size for those portions of the sweater.

TECHNIQUES TO INDULGE IN
Twisted German Cast On
Knitting
Purling
Ribbing
Reading charts (ALL COLORWORK IS CHARTED ONLY)
Increasing
Decreasing
Stranded colorwork
Picking up stitches
Short Rows
Binding off

YARN SUBSTITUTION IDEAS
Click here to be directed to a pdf with some yarn substitution ideas! These yarns have not all been tested, so we can not guarantee their outcome, but we do hope they provide a jumping off point for inspiration!