March 2024. Please keep buying! Your support means so much.

If, like me, you feel helpless yet desperate to help, buy my new pattern ‘Ceasefire Now’ and all proceeds will go directly to Unicef, who are currently raising money for children in Gaza.

Knit top down, once you have knit the neck ribbing, make a first increase and knit the Palestinian flag motif evenly around the yoke. Once the yoke is finished, separate the body and sleeves and knit front and back panels flat, so that the CEASEFIRE NOW lettering can be knit using the intarsia method. Sleeves are knit circularly.

Here’s wishing that, long before you ever finish this sweater, these words are no longer needed.

One size: M

Chest circumference: 105 cm

Note on sizing:

Due to time restraints, I have only been able to write and test this design in one size, and I chose a typical size M as it is the most popular size. It would be quite easy to size up or down, if you wish to do this, please email me and I’ll help you work it out: hello@sophieochera.com

Level of difficulty and skills required

Intermediate. Pattern requires chart-reading

skills and knowledge of how to do Short Rows. Pattern also assumes knowledge of the Fair Isle technique (stranded colourwork) and Intarsia ( for the lettering) and a cast on and off of your choice.

Yarn

Sport-weight yarn.

Meterage

MC (Ecru) - about 400-500 g

BLACK - about 100-200 g

RED - about 25 g

GREEN - about 25 g

Materials

1 size 3.25 mm circular needle (60 cm long) for the yoke.

1 x pair of 3.25 mm straight needles for the body.

1 size 2.75 mm circular needle (20 cm long) for the neck ribbing and sleeve cuffs (or dpns, as you prefer).

or needles to get gauge

2 stitch holders or waste yarn.

Gauge

On 3.25 mm needles, in stocking stitch and after washing and blocking:

22 stitches and 28 rounds to 10 x 10 cm (4 inches x 4 inches).

Or use any needles to get gauge, then use two sizes down for the ribbing. On the same needles. Please note I have a loose tension and so you may well need to go up a size.