Depending what source you read, dragonflies symbolize different things to different cultures and peoples. From strength to transformation to good fortune and luck. Some believe dragonflies are the souls of our loved ones come back to visit. No matter what your beliefs, they seem to delight everyone with their grace in flight and beautiful iridescent colours. Ever since designing the first Dancing Dragonfly pattern I’ve wanted to create a sweater design but, it took a while to feel brave enough and to figure out how to keep the magical dance of the dragonfly alive in this design as well.

This sweater is knit top down, in the round, with yoke worked in stranded colourwork. You can use just one contrast colour, (add the CC1 and CC2 colour amounts together), or more, but I chose to use two. There are W&T short rows after the yoke to help with the fit. I added a repeated dainty flower motif around the hem and cuffs, but they can be omitted if desired, or increase the number of repeats, or have just one round.

I allowed testers to have fun with their pullovers so some added more flowers after the dragonflies, some omitted the flowers at the hem, and some did three strand colourwork to have the dragonflies stand out even more against the flowers. Although I did not add instructions for 3/4 length sleeves, some opted to make that change as well.

Malabrigo Arroyo 100 g (3.5 oz) / 335 yds (306 m); 100% Superwash Merino Wool; DK/Sport Weight in Azul Profundo (MC), Neverland (CC1) and Primavera (CC2).

Circular needles US3 (3.25 mm) 16 inches (40cm) and 40” (100cm), or size needed to obtain gauge
Circular needles US5 (3.75 mm) 16 inches (40cm) and 40” (100cm), or size needed to obtain gauge
Dpns US3 (3.25 mm) AND US5 (3.75 mm), or size needed to obtain gauge

GAUGE
Over plain Stockinette stitch, 26 x 35 rounds = 4 inches/10 cm
Over stranded colourwork, 26 x 32 rounds = 4 inches/10 cm

This pattern has been tech edited by Sigrun Jones and tested by volunteers.