The Oldenburg sweater is knitted top down in the round, with a positive ease of 2-4 inches / 5-10 cm on the body to give it a relaxed fit. It has a raglan construction with short rows for neck shaping. After the remainder of the yoke, the work is separated into body and sleeves. A faux seam is worked along the raglan, sides of the body and underside of sleeves to add structure.

This is an intermediate level knitting pattern and the techniques involved are the knit stitch, purl stitch, k2tog, ssk, m1r, m1l, working in the round, and working a tubular cast on and off. It offers lots of instructions, so is also suitable for confident beginners wanting to learn new techniques.

SIZES
XS (S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Finished bust measurements: 32, 36 (40, 44, 48) 52, 56, 60, 64 inches / 81, 91 (102, 112, 122) 132, 142, 152, 163 cm with a recommended positive ease of 2-4 inches / 5-10 cm

YARN
The pattern requires a chunky weight yarn of 70m/100g, about 400, 440 (480, 520, 560) 600, 650, 700, 750 meters in total

For thin stripes, as in the sample version, you will need about 90, 100 (110, 120, 130) 140, 150, 160, 170 meters of colour 2 (and therefore that much less in colour 1)

Sample versions are in Lauren Aston Designs Big Cotton in Navy & Canary and Ecru & Peony

Alternative yarns suggested: Diva XXL recycled cotton yarn, DMC Natura XL, Debbie Bliss Dulcie

GAUGE
11 stitches and 16 rows = 4 inches / 10cm in Stockinette in the round on 6.5mm (US 10.5) needles

NEEDLES
6mm & 6.5mm (US 10 & 10.5) circular needles (40cm cable to start, up to 80/100cm for the yoke/body) and DPN’s or magic loop for the sleeves

NOTIONS
Tapestry needle, stitch markers, stitch holder or scrap yarn to hold stitches on