Istid (women's version)

Istid Women's Raglan Sweater by HelstrupDesign

What Is Being Made

Istid is a warm women's sweater inspired by the Danish word for "Ice age." This garment features a classic raglan yoke and sleeve construction, offering a comfortable fit across seven size options ranging from XS to XXXL. The finished chest width spans from 95 centimeters (XS) to 140 centimeters (XXXL), with lengths varying from 59 to 68 centimeters depending on size. The design prioritizes warmth and wearability, making it an ideal layering piece or standalone winter sweater.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This advanced-level knitting project employs the raglan yoke construction method, a technique where sleeve increases are worked directly into the body of the sweater from the neckline downward. This approach creates seamless shaping and elegant diagonal lines from the shoulders. The sweater is worked primarily in the round using circular needles, which is a fundamental technique for creating seamless garments. The pattern incorporates both ribbed sections and stitch pattern sections, requiring knitters to manage gauge changes and pattern transitions throughout the project.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern utilizes ribbed knit stitches for structural elements, which provide elasticity and shape retention. The main body features a stitch pattern worked over a 12-stitch repeat. Ribbing sections maintain a gauge of 20 stitches and 17 rows per 10 centimeters, while the primary pattern section achieves a gauge of 12 stitches and 24 rows per 10 centimeters. This significant gauge difference between ribbed and patterned sections is typical of textured sweater designs and requires careful attention during construction.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Istid is designed for super chunky weight yarn, specifically wool yarns with approximately 100 meters per 100 grams. The pattern recommends several yarn options including Lana Grossa Feltro, Naturuld from Hjertegarn, Drops Eskimo, Sandnes Easy, or Naturgarn from Viking of Norway. The pictured sweater shown in the pattern is knitted in Naturuld, a natural wool fiber from Hjertegarn. Yarn requirements range from 800 to 900 grams for the smallest size (XS) to 1400 to 1500 grams for the largest size (XXXL).

Needles and Notions

• One 6 mm circular needle in 60 or 80 centimeters length for working the main body
• One 6 mm circular needle in 40 centimeters length, or alternatively 6 mm double pointed needles for working the sleeves
• Stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and raglan increases
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends upon completion

Gauge Considerations

Achieving proper gauge is critical for this advanced project. Knitters must obtain 20 stitches and 17 rows over 10 centimeters in ribbed sections, and 12 stitches and 24 rows over 10 centimeters in the main stitch pattern. The pattern explicitly notes that every knitter's gauge is unique, emphasizing the importance of knitting a gauge swatch and adjusting needle size accordingly before beginning the sweater. This attention to gauge ensures the finished garment will match the intended finished measurements.