Tolkien describes Ithilien as “a fair country of climbing woods and swiftly falling streams.” I’ve tried to capture the essence of that place described so vividly by Tolkien—and can I just say that @malabrigoyarn Arroyo in Chircas was the perfect colorway for this sample? Spring greens mixed with earthy grays that invoke the imagery of a war-trampled Ithilien finally able to blossom and flourish once more.

Knitting Level: Intermediate, but don’t let the lace edging or ribbing at the hem scare you off! The pattern includes video tutorials throughout, and the lace instructions are charted, written, and include row by row video tutorials. Both regular and large print files will be available to download upon purchase.

This sweater is worked by knitting the back panel first, then placing it on hold. The shoulders are picked up and worked from the cast on edge of the back panel, first left, then right. When the right shoulder is the correct length, it is knit across, the neck front is cast on, and the left shoulder is knit across. Knitting continues back and forth for the remainder of the front panel. At the underarm, the sweater is joined in the round for the rest of the body.

The hem is an easy four-round repetition that does not require cabling or slipping stitches. .

The elbow length sleeves are picked up and worked from the top down using German Short Rows to shape the shoulder and later to create an optional high-low elbow that is used when attaching the lace leaf edge. The hem pattern may also be used in place of the leaf edge for the sleeves to create three quarter length sleeves, and instructions are included.

The lace edging is made with a short 18 row repetition, and can be knit at any time during your project. It is attached to the sleeves using the kitchener stitch, and to the neck using a simple pickup method.

Sizing:
Sizes: 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)

This pattern is designed to fit with zero ease, with incremental sizing from 30” to 55” (76cm to 139.7cm) upper bust that quickly increases after being joined in the round to a 34” to 63” (86.4cm to 160cm) full bust. The pattern includes instructions for cropped or blouse length, and reduces at the hem to 1” (2.5cm) negative ease.

NEW Sizes 13, 14, 15, and 16 were tech edited, but not tested. I will gladly offer the pattern for free to those sizes in exchange for feedback—just send me a message!

Full Size Chart

For the best fit, choose a size with no ease or 1” negative ease in the UPPER bust measurement.

This type of pattern construction is very easy to modify--and I’ve included formulas and tips to help those who make alterations achieve the appropriate stitch count before the ribbing or leaf attachment.**

Gauge: Body: 23 sts and 32 stockinette rows in 4” (10.2cm) blocked, with larger needles.

Tip: Knitters who struggle to meet gauge should err on the side of too tight, especially if using the recommended yarn, as it can be extremely stretchy.

Materials:
Yarn: (cropped/blouse length): 805/1070 (840/1120, 880/1175, 930/1240, 940/1255, 995/1325, 1030/1375 1070/1425) (1120/1490, 1155/1540, 1195/1590, 1230/1640, 1255/1675, 1295/1725, 1330/1775, 1385/1845) yards of Malabrigo Arroyo, or other Sport Weight Yarn of around 335 yds (306m) to 3.5 oz (100g).

735/980 (770/1025, 805/1075, 850/1135, 860/1150, 910/120, 940/1255, 980/1305) (1025/1360, 1055/1410, 1095/1455, 1125/1500, 1150/1530, 1185/1575, 1215/1625, 1265/1685) meters .

Suggested Needles:

US Size 3 (3.25 mm) and US Size 5 (3.75 mm) circular knitting needles, or size needed for correct gauge. The smaller size needles should be at least two sizes smaller than the largest needles needed for correct gauge.

Tip: Use a size 4 (3.5mm) for the sections with flat knitting if you tend to do this more loosely.

Circular needle length should be slightly less than the chest measurement of your garment, you should plan to have two lengths, one slightly less than the upper bust and waist, and one slightly less than the full bust plus 4”

To knit the neck/sleeves: DPNs, 10” (25.4cm), 12” (30.5cm), or 20” (50.8cm) circular needles (or whatever length corresponds to your arm circumference), or the Magic Loop method using the same needle sizes listed above.

Notions:
Stitch markers Removeable stitch markers
Tapestry needle Straight pins for blocking lace

If you get confused, feel free to email me your questions—no question is considered too “dumb”, and I’m happy to help!

Your shares on social media, reviews, and projects on Ravelry are so meaningful, important, and APPRECIATED! Use the hashtag #ithilienblouse to share on social media!