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This design is inspired by captivating Latvian folklore and the enduring significance of ancient Latvian symbols of strength. In the realm of Latvian mythology, the sky reigns as the eldest deity in the cult of light, encompassing the world beneath its celestial roof, embodying the essence of leading power and cosmic force.

The pattern weaves together an array of Latvian characters, intricately showcasing the sacred signs of Dievs (God), the radiant Saule (Sun), the revered cross of Māra, and the ethereal elements of the Austra (Dawn) tree. These potent Latvian symbols, cherished by our ancestors for their beauty, resilience, and safeguarding properties, continue to thrive in contemporary usage.

In this second edition of the pattern, we have transformed the original DK version into an exquisitely lightweight project, perfect for fingering weight yarn. Notably, this pattern provides a range of choices, allowing you to create a snug or roomy neckline and customise between a pullover or a steeked cardigan. With an abundance of choices, this pattern offers you the versatility of four-in-one, guaranteeing countless creative possibilities.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Sizes: 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)

Finished bust circumference - Pullover:

• 86.5 (95, 105.5, 114.5, 125, 136.5, 145, 155.5) cm
• 34½ (38, 42¼, 45¾, 50, 54½, 58, 62¼)“

Finished bust circumference - Cardigan:

• 89.5 (98, 109, 117.5, 128, 139.5, 148, 159) cm
• 35¾ (39¼, 43½, 47, 51¼, 55¾, 59¼, 63½)“

Designed to be worn with 4.5 - 19.5 cm / 1¾ - 7¾” positive ease around the chest.
To choose the most appropriate size, measure the wearer’s chest and add the preferred ease. Or measure the circumference of an already-owned sweater that fits well. Then find the closest finished chest circumference.

Yarn: Fingering weight, depending on the option chosen and length of the garment, allow approximately:
Main colour (MC):

• 1385 (1525, 1635, 1780, 1925, 2090, 2215, 2375) m
• 1515 (1665, 1785, 1945, 2105, 2285, 2425, 2600) yds

Contrast colour (CC):

• 270 (290, 310, 325, 335, 360, 385, 385) m
• 300 (320, 340, 360, 365, 390, 425, 425) yds Yardage is based on the close-neck cardigan option, and includes 5% allowance for swatching (for both colours).

Yarns used in sample (close-neck cardigan option in size 2) is The Farmer’s Daughter Fibers Squish Fingering (100% Merino wool; 401 m 438 yds / 100 g): 4 skeins of colourway Paul Newman as a main colour (MC) and 1 skein of colourway Spillin’ Tea as a contrast colour (CC).

Gauge: 32 sts & 38 rows = 10 cm / 4” in Stockinette stitch and colourwork in the round, blocked.

Suggested needles: 2.75 mm (US 2) circulars 60 - 100 cm / 24 - 40” long and/or DPNs for small circumference knitting.

Notions: Stitch markers, locking stitch markers, row counter, stitch holder, tapestry needle, 5-8 buttons of 18 mm / ¾” in diameter, crochet hook, and waste yarn for provisional cast-on.

Techniques used: Trapping floats, short rows, backwards loop cast-on, steeking, one-row buttonholes.

Notes: The garment is worked seamlessly in the round from the top down. For the cardigan version, steek stitches are added in the centre of the front. After the body and sleeves are finished, collar stitches are picked up around the neckline and worked in 1x1 rib to double height, folded and then attached to the base. For the cardigan version, the steek is reinforced and then cut. 1x1 rib button bands with one-row buttonholes are added last.