Karaka is a simple top-down seamless yoke jersey. The neck band is cast on and some short rows are worked within the rib. The yoke is then worked down with simple lace panels and increase stitches in between to shape the yoke. Once the yoke is complete, the sleeves are separated off and the body is worked down straight and finished with a rib hem. The sleeves are returned to the needles and underarm stitches are picked up before being worked straight down to a ¾ length. A decrease round is worked and then the sleeve is bound-off with an I-cord (or a simple rib cuff can be worked).

This sample is knit with one strand of mohair / silk lace weight yarn and one strand of lace weight silk / alpaca to create a light airy fabric. This jersey can also be worked with one strand of fingering and one strand of mohair lace or even one strand of DK weight yarn as long as you have the correct gauge. The fabric will get denser when heavier yarns are used.

Finished Sizes
Karaka has 1-4” / 2.5 – 10 cm of positive ease. Choose a size to knit that is between 1-4” / 2.5 - 10 cm larger than your actual bust size.
Finished Garment Bust Circumference: 34 (38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66)” / 87 {97, 108, 117, 127, 137, 148, 158, 168} cm

Needles and Notions
US 5 / 3.5 mm and US 6 / 4 mm circular needles 32” / 80 cm long and for small circumference knitting.
Adjust needle size as needed to obtain correct gauge.
Circular stitch markers, tapestry needle and waste yarn.

Yarn
Sample knit with a strand each of Malabrigo Baby Silkpaca lace (50 gm and 420 yds / 385 m in colour 096 sunset) and Rowan Kidsilk Haze 70% mohair and 30% silk lace (25gm and 230 yds / 210 m in colour 00634 - cream)
Approximately 710 (765, 842, 984, 1104, 1202, 1312, 1444, 1552) yds / 650 {700, 770, 900, 1010, 1100, 1200, 1320, 1420} m of each lace weight yarn is required.

Gauge
22 stitches / 32 rows per 4” / 10cm using US 6 / 4 mm needle in stockinette after blocking.

The Karaka sweater is intended to be able to be made by an adventurous beginner. Photo tutorials are included in the pattern.