Worked from the top down on circular needles, Le Facteur features standard instructions (with stitch counts!) for seven sizes, as well as suggestions for modifying shaping and length for a custom fit. In addition to choosing between a cardigan or pullover, knitters can choose from two edging options, two sleeve lengths, two sets of shaping instructions -- both standard shaping instructions and directions for custom shaping are included. Even the neckline depth is customizable; full instructions and stitch counts are given for the deep V neck shown on the samples, and I’ve updated the pattern to also include full instructions and stitch counts for a slightly shallower neckline version.

Le Facteur means “the postman” in French, and is the name of a children’s game similar to “duck, duck, goose” -- to play the game, children sing a song about how “the postman will never come!” as they wait for the child playing le facteur to go around the circle and tag another child by delivering a piece of “mail.”

I named this pattern le facteur because the game reminded me of all the times I have waited impatiently for my postal delivery person to deliver a box of beautiful hand-dyed yarn, like the Sundara yarns which I have used for this design. The lyrics to the Le Facteur song, and instructions for the game, are included in the pattern.

If you have never knit this type of garment before, and/or have never tried your hand at modifying a pattern for a custom fit, don’t worry; this pattern is written with your needs in mind, and will walk you through the process.

This pattern is intended for personal, non-commercial use. If you are interested in producing garments from this pattern for sale, I’d be happy to discuss a licensing arrangement!