View the garment being modeled at the Winter 2009 TNNA Fashion Show on YouTube.

DIFFICULTY: Piquant

When I design using a self-striping yarn, I often look for either a stitch or a unique construction that will take advantage of the color changes that occur magically. In this design, the slipped stitch pattern creates the perfect palette to showcase this.

Not satisfied with using one color of Ty-Dy (although doing so will certainly give you a great effect), I opted to alternate two shades of this multicolor cotton yarn, on a solid background – that’s where the “X2” comes from in the title). The little black cubes are worked by slipping three stitches every other row, creating softly undulating lines. The simple scalloped edges echo the small ripples.

I gave the sweater some waist definition by working decreases in between each cube over three cube repeats; this gives a subtle, yet figure flattering shape.

This particular slipped stitch pattern adds a bit of a twist to the equation: you have to change color every row. That means you have to use a circular needle (unless you enjoy slipping all your stitches back to the end of the needle), even while working in rows, to have the ability to turn your work at will. You will also have to work two consecutive right or wrong side rows, all depending on which end of the piece your next color is lying in wait.

SIZE
XS [S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X][shown in size S]

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Chest: 32[36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56] inches
Length: 21.5[22, 22.5, 23, 23.5, 24, 24.5] inches

MATERIALS
[MC] Knit One, Crochet Too 2nd Time Cotton [75% recycled cotton/25% acrylic]; 180yd/165m per 100g ball]; color #922 Charcoal; 3[3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5] balls
[CC1] Knit One, Crochet Too Ty-Dy [100% cotton]; 196yd/180m per 100g ball]; color #672 Blue Pansy; 1[2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2] balls
[CC2] Knit One, Crochet Too Ty-Dy [100% cotton]; 196yd/180m per 100g ball]; color #265 Hibiscus; 1[2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2] balls

Recommended needle size:
1 US #7/4.5mm circular needle; 24 inches for sizes XS and S, 32 inches for larger sizes (largest sizes may prefer a longer needle)
1 set #7/4.5mm double-point needles (used for sleeves; two circular needles or one long circular needle and magic loop technique may be used if preferred)

• 2 stitch markers
• 2 stitch holders
• Yarn needle

GAUGE
20 sts/30 rows = 4 inches in Cubix Pattern

PATTERN NOTES

sk2p: Sl 1 knitwise, k2tog, pass slipped st over. 2 sts decreased.

RLI (Right Lifted Increase): Use the right needle to pick up the stitch below the next stitch on the left needle. Place it on the left needle, then knit into it. 1 stitch has been increased.

K3tog: Knit 3 together. 2 sts decreased.

K3tog tbl: Knit 3 together through back loops. 2 sts decreased.

P3tog: Purl 3 together. 2 sts decreased.

P3tog tbl: Purl 3 together through back loops. 2 sts decreased.

Pattern included diagram showing dimensions.