Tap Code Pullover
By Lizabeth Towers

The Tap Code gave prisoners of war a simple way to communicate. Tapping on metal bars or pipes, inmates spelled out messages of encouragement or warning, and in the process spread hope, boosted morale, or passed along vital information that helped them survive.

My sample garment spells out a prayer for steadfastness, kindness and courage.

What would you like to say? Declare your love with lyrics from “our song” or write your own verse. Spell out significant dates or memories. Knit a tangible show of support. No two sweaters will be the same. As you knit your own personal message, this design becomes your own.

Special thanks to my incredible tech editor, Lisa Beth Houchins @MeanestMommyKnits.com, to my artistic model @www.carriekat.com and to all of my fabulous test knitters including Kim, Dawn, Courtney, and Ann.

Sizes: 1 (2, 3, 4, 5) (6, 7, 8, 9)
Finished Bust Circumference:
31.5 (35.5, 40, 44, 48.5) (52, 56, 60, 64)”
80 (90, 101.5, 112, 123) (132, 142, 152.5, 162.5) cm

Sizes listed are the finished sweater measurements, designed to be worn with 2-8” 5-20 cm positive ease.

Yarn: For Main Color and Contrast Color 1 I used Cascade 220 Worsted Weight in Colors Walnut Heather and Aspen Heather, 100% wool, 220 yds 200 m per 100g. For Contrast Color 2 I used a hand-dyed multicolor worsted weight wool from my stash in a weight matching the other colors.

Choose a worsted weight yarn, preferably in 100% wool or wool blend, which has a good memory and is slightly sticky so it performs well in stranded colorwork. The fabric achieved at this gauge is neither stiff nor loose. For Main Color and Contrast Color 1 try Berroco Lanas, Filcolana Peruvian Highland Wool, Valley Yarns Northampton, or Quince and Co. Lark. For Contrast Color 2 try Malabrigo Washted or Cascade Spuntaneous Worsted Effects.

Main Color: Approximately 577 (642, 708, 770, 851) (940, 1027, 1117, 1192) yds, 528 (588, 647, 706, 778) (860, 940, 1022, 1091) m
Contrast Color 1: Note: Amount will change depending upon the message you write! Approximately 168 (187, 206, 224, 248) (274, 299, 325, 347) yds, 153 (172, 189, 205, 227) (251, 273, 297, 318) m
Contrast Color 2: Note: Amount will change depending upon the message you write! I used 88 (97, 107, 115, 127) (141, 153, 165, 178) yds, 82 (90, 98, 106, 117) (130, 141, 152, 163) m

Suggested Needles:
For ribbing: US 5 3.75 mm 16” 40 cm circular needle for neck edge, double pointed needles for sleeve cuffs or neck edge (or longer circular needle for magic loop), and 32” 80 cm circular needle for hem ribbing. (Or use a needle two sizes smaller than the size needle used to get gauge on the main fabric.)
For main fabric: US 7 4.5 mm 16” 40 cmouble pointed needles and longer circular needle for magic loop) for upper yoke and sleeves, and 32” 80 cm circular needle for yoke and body or size needed to obtain gauge.

Notions: Stitch holders or waste yarn, stitch markers, tapestry needle, blocking tools

Gauge:
18 sts and 23 rnds = 4” 10 cm in single color stockinette stitch in the round on larger needles after blocking.
18 sts and 24 rnds = 4” 10 cm in stranded colorwork in the round on larger needles after blocking.

Pattern Notes:
Tap Code Pullover is worked seamlessly from the top down, beginning with the neck ribbing. Then short rows are added to raise the back neck before working the stranded colorwork yoke. At the separation round, the sleeve stitches are placed on hold and then the body is worked down to the ribbed hem. Finally, sleeves are worked from the top down to the ribbed cuffs.

Techniques to enjoy include: knit, purl, ribbing, cast on, bind off, stranded colorwork, German short rows (instructions included), make one left, make one right, knit two together, and knitting in the round.