The Koi Turtle is a worsted weight top with a versatile and clean silhouette that easily pairs with any wardrobe! A winterized version of the Koi Tee, it features a folded turtleneck and long sleeves in addition to the original ribbed raglan details that run from top to bottom, and the same split hem with rolled edges

This sweater is designed to be worn with 2in (5cm) negative ease - 2in positive ease. The red version is modeled with 2in of negative ease, and the blue version is modeled with 2in of positive ease

This pattern was designed using Seismic Yarn’s Butter Worsted base - a luxuriously soft worsted weight merino, perfect for knits worn close to the body and neck. I highly recommend using this yarn, or another soft wool, when knitting this pattern!

This pattern features 16 sizes, from 30-60in (75-150cm) bust, with 4 sizes per pattern page

SIZES ( A, B, C, D ) - (30, 32, 34, 36in) (75, 80, 85, 90cm)

SIZES ( E, F, G, H ) - (38, 40, 42, 44n) (95, 100, 105, 110cm)

SIZES ( I, J, K, L ) - (46, 48, 50, 52in) (115, 120, 125, 130cm)

SIZES ( M, N, O, P ) - (54, 56, 58, 60in) (135, 140, 145, 150cm)

Gauge

4 x 4in / 10 x 10cm
18 sts x 24 rows

Needles & Notions

Crochet Hook, any size
Straight needle, in similar size to gauge needle
5mm / US 8 Circular Needles, for turtleneck (or size 1mm smaller than your gauge needle)
6mm / US 10 Circular Needles (or size needed to meet gauge)
6mm DPNs optional (or size needed to meet gauge)
Stitch Markers, including a contrasting BOR marker
Scrap Yarn
Tapestry Needle, for weaving ends

Yarn

Seismic Yarn Butter Worsted base
or other worsted weight yarn, with an approximate yardage of
218yd / 200m per 100g

Yardage

Number of 100g skeins (218yd / 200m per 100g) by size:
( A, B, C, D ) - Long Sleeves ( 4, 4, 4, 5 ), Short Sleeves ( 3, 3, 4, 4 )
( E, F, G, H ) - Long Sleeve ( 5, 5, 5, 5 ), Short Sleeve ( 4, 4, 4, 5 )
( I, J, K, L ) - Long Sleeve ( 6, 6, 6, 6 ), Short Sleeve ( 5, 5, 5, 5 )
( M, N, O, P ) - Long Sleeve ( 6, 6, 7, 7 ), Short Sleeve ( 6, 6, 6, 6 )

You can share your project on Instagram using #koiturtle
For pattern support, please email gingkobe@gmail.com

Tips from the Testers!

“Gauge swatch! If I hadn’t swatched and just used the recommended needle size I would’ve ended up with a totally different garment with a totally different vibe and aesthetic”

“Gauge swatch is a must! Don’t be afraid to use two or more yarns held together, the outcome is beautiful.”

“Don’t skimp out on using stitch markers, especially for the Short Row Shaping and Raglan sections.”

Keep trying on your sweater when you get to the sleeves, and decrease more rapidly if needed

“Have fun and start over if you mess up. It’s worth it:)”

“I think this is a great beginner sweater pattern! It knits up so quickly and looks way more complex than it really is. And it’s a great canvas for playing with fun yarn!”

“I used Brava Worsted from KnitPicks, which made a slightly more dense fabric…but not stiff by any means…I think it works very well as a budget/wool-free option!”

“The pattern is so customizable, make it your own! You can make so many different sweaters with this pattern just by altering the neck length, sleeve length and decreasing and body length and hem style bind off (:”

“If you have never done the provisional cast on for the beginning of the turtle neck, just go slow, take your time and follow the directions. This was a new to me technique and it worked marvelously.”

“A few of the neck ribbing rows closest to the body will be pulled down to the body by the weight of the sweater, so knit the neck a little longer than what you actually want.”