Cactus sweater is a seamless drop-shoulder pullover knit bottom-up in the round up to the armholes.

Front and Back are worked flat separately, creating a V-neck at the Front. Then the shoulders are seamed together, using a three needle bind-off with the seam exposed for the decorative purpose.

The sleeve stitches are picked up from the armhole. The oversize sleeves are knit in the round, using the textured stitch with an extra mohair thread added for the color and fiber contrast.

SIZING

The sweater is graded for 8 sizes with approximately 14-16” (35.5-40.5 cm) of ease. The sample is shown in size 2 with 15” (38 cm) of ease.

FINISHED BUST MEASUREMENT

Size 1 46” / 117.5 cm 
Size 2 49 ½” / 126 cm 
Size 3 54” / 137 cm 
Size 4 57 ½” / 145.5 cm 
Size 5 61 ¾” / 157 cm 
Size 6 66” / 168 cm 
Size 7 69 ½” / 176.50 cm 
Size 8 74” / 187.5 cm 

GAUGE

14.5 sts and 20 rows = 4” (10 cm) in St st after blocking.

YARN

Main Yarn: 6 (7, 7, 8, 8) (8, 9, 9) skeins of Plymouth Baby Alpaca, 100% baby alpaca. Worsted weight (204 yds/100 g). Or any other alpaca/merino yarn that gives you the gauge.

Acrylic blends will also work for this pattern, just make sure that the yarn you use has a nice drape, so the fabric is soft and flowing.

Contrast Yarn: 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) (2, 2, 2) skeins of Valley Yarns Southampton, 72% kid mohair, 28% mulberry silk. DK weight (230 yds/25 g). Or any other mohair yarn.

Color of Contrast Yarn should be the lighter version of Main Yarn color to achieve the visual gradient effect.

Note - the yardage is an estimate and may vary with the tension of your knitting and modifications you are making.