Unusual colorwork patterns intrigue me and I especially love to see many of them stacked together for a really eye-grabbing effect. For this sweater, I’m presenting numerous interesting border patterns along with a stunning centerpiece pattern that reminded me of interlocking crabs, hence the name Krabben (German for crabs). Worked in two colors of worsted weight yarn, this is a warm pullover meant for cold weather.

Close fitting sweater in S, M, L, XL and XXL with a short and a long version for each using single ply OR multiple plied worsted weight yarn. If you like a looser fit, please size up. The straight, tubular body sports steeked sleeve openings. After shoulders are connected, sleeves are picked up and knit downwards, and are thus easily customizable to any length. The crew neck is worked doubled over for a slight turtleneck effect.

For best results, sweater should be made with two strongly contrasting colors. Main color (MC) should be a darker value and the contrasting color (CC) should be lighter. Solids, slight tonals and heathers are all appropriate as long as there is still a strong contrast between the two colors; variegated and speckled yarns are not appropriate. If unsure about the level of contrast, take a photo of a swatch and view it with a black and white filter. If the contrast is still strong and the pattern can be made out, you are good.

Finished Sweater Measurements:
All measurements include ribbing/cuffs. Length measured from shoulder seam to bottom ribbing. Short versions feature 2 complete repeats of the main Krabben pattern while Long versions feature 3 complete repeats of the Krabben pattern. Different sizes will have different arrangements of the smaller, supporting patterns to achieve the desired measurements.

S: chest: 32”, short version length: 19”, long version length: 24”, sleeves from slightly dropped shoulder: 20”

M: chest: 37”, short version length: 20”, long version length: 25”, sleeves from slightly dropped shoulder: 20”

L: chest: 41”, short version length: 20.5”, long version length: 25.5”, sleeves from slightly dropped shoulder: 20.5”

XL: chest: 46”, short version length: 22.5”, long version length: 27.5”, sleeves from slightly dropped shoulder: 20.5”

XXL: chest: 50”, short version length: 23”, long version length: 28”, sleeves from slightly dropped shoulder: 21”

Yardages needed for different sizes AND lengths in main and contrasting worsted weight yarns:
Small, short: MC 790, CC 485
Small, long: MC 820, CC 500
Medium, short: MC 870, CC 580
Medium, long: MC 925, CC 625
Large, short: MC 900, CC 650
Large, long: MC 940, CC 690
XLarge, short: MC 910, CC 720
XLarge, long: MC 950, 850
XXLarge, short: MC 950, CC 850
XXLarge, long: MC 980, CC 870