Interlocking Eights by Arenda Holladay

Interlocking Eights

Knitting
November 2023
Sport (12 wpi) ?
32 stitches and 32 rows = 4 inches
in Interlocking EIghts
US 2 - 2.75 mm
US 4 - 3.5 mm
1192 - 2682 yards (1090 - 2452 m)
XS (S, M, L) [1X, 2X, 3X] {4X, 5X, 6X}
English

I designed the Wien jacket using the Bavarian Twisted-Stitch technique. I love the embossed appearance of the fabric, but the technique is not for everyone, especially when worked flat. You can get this same effect by working slipped stitches on a reverse stockinette stitch background. Yes, the stitch patterns do not have the same complexity, but it is a much easier technique. This pullover uses the slipped-stitch technique to create panels of interlocking eights.

This sweater is worked flat from the bottom up, with set-in sleeves using the top-down, short-row construction. The sleeves have a panel of the slipped-stitch pattern worked in the center. I did this same thing for Wien, and I think it adds interest to the sweater. Since my winter uniform is a turtleneck top worn under a handknit sweater, I decided to work a funnel neck opening. You can easily convert this to a more traditional neckline by binding off sooner.

I used the Horizontal Chain Stitch technique to separate the K1P1 ribbing at the bottom, cuffs, and neckline. I like adding this detail when the body stitch pattern does not line up with the band pattern. For more information about this technique, refer to the Horizontal Chains article (link) in this issue.

I designed this sweater for ten sizes. To make the pattern easier to read, in several places the sweater is divided into sizes based on the number of slip-stitch panels for the sizes.