ABOUT THIS PATTERN

Solitons Sweater is a batwing (dolman sleeve) sweater, using only knit and purl stitches, and basic increases and decreases. The sweater features a novel and elegant bias construction, and is knit flat as a single piece, then folded diagonally and sewn together under the dolman sleeves to achieve its shaping.

Solitons Sweater is one of my first patterns in an ongoing series of knitting patterns integrating algorithmic computing and digital aesthetics with knitwear design, which I call Algorithmic Knitting Design. The patterns being developed under this project implement mainly standard, even basic techniques, but challenge the knitter with large, complex and non-repeating patterns. As knitters, I think it’s interesting to re-consider and re-contextualize our own craft and unique skill sets. The project strives to approach knitting as a form of applied science and mathematics, and takes advantage of your wonderful skills as a knitter, whether a beginner, intermediate, or master knitter. <3

MATERIALS AND TOOLS

Recommended Yarn

Sportweight version: Any sportweight yarn, or combination of lace weight and fingering yarn that obtains gauge.

A variety of different yarns lend themselves well to this pattern. Yarns with some ‘haze’ result in a subtler texture pattern, whereas a smooth plied wool without fuzz will result in beautiful clarity and stitch definition. Darker colors will obscure the texture, so a light- to medium- shade color is recommended for this sweater. Likewise tweedy yarns or yarns with alot of variegation are not recommended, as they obscure the difference between the knit and purl stitches, on which the texture of the sweater depends. Finally, if anything, it is recommended that your gauge be slightly loose rather than tight to preserve the loft and lightness of the sweater (i.e. knitting with slightly larger needles on thinner yarn as opposed to knitting on smaller needles with thicker yarn to obtain gauge).

Sample was knit with John Arbon Textiles - Yarnadelic in Pink Moon, on 4mm needles. Sample size 3 on a 34” bust.

Laceweight version: a laceweight mohair silk yarn with a sufficiently straight central thread can be used to make an alternative lace version of this sweater with the same pattern

Lace sample was knit with Berenice from De Rerum Natura in Cypress, on 4mm needles. Size 4 on a 34” bust.

Needles
4.0mm 80cm circular needles (or size to obtain gauge)

GAUGE (PER 10CM/ 4” AFTER BLOCKING)
21 stitches x 28 rows in texture pattern
TEXTURE SWATCH CHART PROVIDED IN PHOTO STREAM :)

Gauge is critical in this project - small deviations are possible, given the loose fit of the garment, but the ratio between stitch gauge vs. row gauge is essential for proper fit, and must be a multiple of the ratio 3st:4rows, in order to achieve square dimensions.

Sizes available
1-10 (Bust sizes 30”-65” / 76-165 cm)

Yardage
Size 1: 1325 yds / 1210 m
Size 2: 1355 yds / 1240 m
Size 3: 1400 yds / 1280 m
Size 4: 1480 yds / 1350 m
Size 5: 1590 yds / 1450 m
Size 6: 1720 yds / 1580 m
Size 7: 1860 yds / 1700 m
Size 8: 1990 yds / 1820 m
Size 9: 2125 yds / 1940 m
Size 10: 2265 yds / 2070 m

Notions
Stitch markers or waste yarn
row counter (optional)
tapestry needle
tape measure
scissors
highlighter for crossing out knitted chart rows (optional, highly recommended)

Techniques
knit and purl
make 1 left and right (knitwise and purlwise)
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