Loodus Sweater by Raina Kruus © 2019

Loodus
by Raina Kruus
„Loodus“ means „Nature“ in Estonian. Why did I choose such a name?
Humanity has spent a large part of its existence as natural species intertwined in nature. But with the rapid and
unprecedented transformation that mankind has experienced since the Industrial Revolution, our engagement with nature has
rapidly diminished.
In my heart I feel that I want to share my support for the opinion that climate change is a global challenge that has no borders,
and it requires coordinated work by all of us to fight it. In particular I worry about plastic pollution and fossil fuel waste. We all
know the damage plastics are causing to our oceans, where birds and fishes have plastic particles in their stomach. I feel
responsible in my heart for the condition in which we leave Mother Earth to our kids and grandkids.
I would really love to support this point of view and if my message reaches somebody, it’s all worth it. I keep thinking about
the life-cycle of the things we use in our everyday lives, and try to re-use products as much as possible. We all can do some
simple things to take better care of our Earth. Why not start with only buying the things we really need and re-use as much as
possible: always choose re-usable or compostable shopping bags, food containers, water bottles etc. Why not to start right
now by knitting your all time favorite sweater with theme of nature instead of buying one. The bonus is a meditative and
relaxing healthy knitting time. This sweater expresses my attitute that without bugs (every kind of bug in nature) we would all
be in very bad situation. They do everything from feeding us to cleaning up waste.
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Loodus Sweater by Raina Kruus © 2019

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
Loodus is a comfortable and relaxed circular yoke sweater Yarn: Brooklyn Tweed Loft (100% Wyoming-grown
worked completely seamlessly from the top down as one piece Targhee-Columbia wool, 50grams/1.76ounces –
featuring stranded colorwork and meditative stockinette stitch, 251meters/275yards or any other fingering weight yarn.
and requires minimal finishing. Starting at the neckline, short MC (main color): Sweatshirt (grey)
rows are worked back and forth to create a higher back neck CC (contrasting color): Pumpernickel (dark brown)
and then the stranded yoke is worked down to the sleeve
Yardage: please note that yardage is estimated and may
separation. The sleeve stitches are then placed on hold,
vary depending on yarn used and your personal
underarm stitches are cast on and the rest of the body is
modifications.
worked in plain stockinette stitch, gently shaped into an A-line
by changing needle sizes. Perfect for your knit night or for a MC: 4 (5, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) skeins in MC
spot of TV knitting. The balloon sleeves are also worked top 915 (1100, 1250, 1500, 1725, 1950, 2175) meters / 1000
down to the cuffs. The sweater is designed to fit with a lots of (1203, 1367, 1641, 1887, 2126, 2370) yards
positive ease. If you want your sweater to have a closer fit, you CC: 1 (1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2) skeins in CC
can knit a smaller size. Adjust the length of the sleeves and the 180 (200, 230, 260, 280, 290, 320) meters /
body easily to fit your personal style (perfect try-on-as-you-knit 196 (218, 251, 283, 305, 317, 350) yards
sweater).
This design is simple enough for an adventurous beginner, but
GAUGE
still engaging for advanced knitters. I really do love the way this
sweater turned out. Every stitch was enjoyable and meant Body: 25 stitches and 30 rounds = 10cm / 4 inches in
much to me and this is one of the most versatile pieces in my stockinette stitch in the round with 3.00 (US 2 ½) needles,
wardrobe. It looks fabulous with jeans, skirts and layering over after blocking
dresses. Colorwork: 25 stitches and 30 rounds = 10cm / 4 inches in
colorwork pattern in the round, with 3.50 (US 4) needles,
Note: Before beginning please read through the entire pattern after blocking
and certainly check the pattern very often, especially colorwork
Note: You may need to go up a needle size larger than
chart and increases.
your body needle to get gauge for stranded colorwork
yoke, like I did.
Swatch both – colorwork and stockinette stitch. You should
SIZES
always knit your swatch the same way that the pattern is
XS (S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL)
knit. In this case - in the round. Block your swatch as you
Sizes listed in the schematic are finished sweater will your finished garment and allow it to dry fully before
measurements. Choose the size that is 10 - 19cm / 4-7.5 inches measuring. Take time to save time and always use the
larger than your actual bust circumference. needle size necessary to achieve given gauge (match the
Sample shown is a size M on a model with a 91cm / 36 bust, tension).
worn with 15cm /6“ of positive ease (Photo page 1).
Same sweater and model with a 97cm/38“ bust, shown page 6.
NEEDLES
Needle sizes noted are suggestions only
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS Main needles: 3.00 (US 2 ½) 40cm/16“, 80cm/32“,
Bust circumference: 92 (98, 106, 118, 128, 138, 148) cm / 36 100cm/40“ circular needle and matching set DPNs (or
(38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58) inches longer circular needle if you prefer the magic loop) for
neck, body and sleeve ribbing and for body and sleeves.
Neck ribbing needles: 2.75mm (US 2) 40cm/16“ long
OTHER TOOLS circular needle or DPNs (or longer circular needles if you
Stitch holders or waste yarn, stitch markers, tapestry needle, prefer the magic loop method)
blocking tools Colorwork, body and sleeves A-line shaping needles:
3.50mm (US 4) 80cm/32“, 100cm/40“ or matching set
DPNs (or longer circular needle for magic loop) for
stranded colorwork, body and sleeves.
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Loodus Sweater by Raina Kruus © 2019

ABBREVATIONS AND TECHNIQUES German Short Rows: See the helpful tutorial:
BO – bind off https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyg2s09Grhs
BOR – beginning of the round German Short Rows are used in this pattern. Work to the
CC – contrasting color point where you need to turn. Turn work and slip the first
CO – cast on stitch (the last st worked) purlwise with the yarn held in
Dec – decrease front of the work. Bring the yarn up over the needle and
DPNs – double pointed needles over the last stitch worked. Pull slightly on the yarn to
create a double stitch (DS). Contiunue working with a
DS – double stitch (working with German Short Rows)
tighter tension for the next 1 to 2 purled stitches, then
Inc – increase work to the next instructed stitch as usual. When working
K– knit over double stitches (DSs) treat them as a single stitch by
K2tog - knit 2 stitches together as one, knit 2 stitches together knitting through both loops of the DS on a right side row
knitwise (decrease). K2tog leans right (kDS).
kDS – knit double stitch (working with German Short Rows) Stockinette Stitch in the round: knit all rounds.
M1L – make one left by lifting the strand between the stitches
front to back onto left needle and knitting this loop through
the back (1 st increased).
Make sure to not stagger the increases of the yoke.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlPQBhZ31B4
MC – main color
P – purl
PM – place marker
RS – right side
st/s – stitch / stitches
WS – wrong side

Working the yoke part

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Loodus Sweater by Raina Kruus © 2019

LOODUS Instructions Increase set 2:

Follow the sizes.
Neckline: Sizes XS: K3, (K3, M1L) to the end. 48 sts inc. Total 195 sts.
Using MC yarn and circular neck ribbing needles Size S: (K3, M1L) to the end. 52 sts inc. Total 208 sts.
(2.75mm /US 2) CO 98 (104, 110, 114, 120, 126, 136) sts Size M: K1, M1L, K2, M1L (K3, M1L) to the end. 56 sts inc.
using Long Tail cast on method over two needles. Helpful Total 221 sts.
tutorial: Size L: (K3, M1L) to the end. 57 sts inc. Total 228 sts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLP6BM6gNuU
Size XL: (K3, M1L) to the end. 60 inc. Total 240 sts.
Pull one needle out. Join to work in the round making sure not
to twist the sts. PM to indicate BOR. This marker indicates the Size XXL: (K3, M1L) to the end. 63 sts inc. Total 252 sts.
center back of the neck and sweater. Size XXXL: (K3, M1L) to the end. 68 sts inc. Total 272 sts.

Neck ribbing: Knit 1 round (all sizes).

Round 1: (K1, P1) to end.
Note: Slip the marker from now on as you come to it. Increase set 3:
Repeat last round until ribbing measures approx. 4 cm/1.55“. Sizes XS, S and M: no increases; continue to colorwork
part.
Size L: (K12, M1L) to the end. 19 sts inc. Total 247 sts.
Yoke:
Size XL: (K12, M1L) to the end. 20 sts inc. Total 260 sts.
Change to shorter main needles (3.00mm/US 2 ½).
Size XXL: (K12, M1L) to the end. 21 sts inc. Total 273 sts.

Next round: Knit. Size XXXL: K2, (K10, M1L) to the end. 27 sts inc. Total 299
sts.

Increase Set 1 for all sizes: (K2, M1L) to the end. 49 (52, 55,
57, 60, 63, 68) sts increased. Next round for sizes L to XXXL: Knit 1 round then continue
Now you have 147 (156, 165, 171, 180, 189, 204) sts. with colorwork part.

Next round: Knit. Colorwork part (see Chart page 8).

You should now have 195 (208, 221, 247, 260, 273, 299)
Short Rows Shaping: sts.
Use German Short Rows (explanation on page 3). Switch to colorwork needles (3.50mm/US 4“ (80cm/32“)),
Short Row 1 (RS): Knit 54 (56, 60, 62, 66, 68, 72) sts. Turn; join CC yarn and work all Colorwork Chart rows (Page 7)
from right to left, changing shades as indicated (stranded
Short Row 2 (WS) DS (slip purlwise and wrap), purl to BOR colorwork with MC and CC). You have 15 (16, 17, 19, 20, 21,
marker, SM, purl 54 (56, 60, 62, 66, 68, 72) sts. Turn 23) bugs side by side.
Short Row 3 (RS): DS, knit to 6 sts before last DS (remember, Note: Use longer circular needle when necessary to
DS contains two loops and counted as one st). Turn accommodate the increasing number of stitches.
Short Row 4 (WS): DS, purl to 6 sts before last DS. Turn Note: Whenever the yarn needs to be carried for more than
Repeat Short Rows 3 and 4 two more times. 4 or 5 sts, cross the yarn strands on the back of the work to
Next row: DS, knit to BOR, SM. avoid long floats and try to control the tension
Break CC yarn. Now continue with MC yarn.
Next round: Knit around and kDS when you reach them.
You should now have 330 (352, 374, 418, 440, 462, 506) sts
Knit 2 (2, 3, 3, 4, 4, 5) rounds. on the needles.
Change to main needles (3.00mm/US 2 ½).
Next round: With MC, knit 1 round.
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Loodus Sweater by Raina Kruus © 2019

Yoke continued: Sleeves (work both alike)

Increase set 4: Slip held sleeve stitches on main needle 3.00mm (US 2 ½)
Sizes XS and S: No increases. Total still 330 (352) sts. DPNs or longer circular needle for magic loop. Join yarn
beginning at the center of underarm, pick up and knit 7 (7,
Sizes M: K11, M1L, K11, M1L, (K22, M1L) to the end. 18 sts inc.
7, 7, 8, 9, 9) sts from underarm CO, knit across sleeve
Total 392.
stitches, pick up and knit 7 (7, 7, 7, 8, 9, 9) sts from
Size L: K22, (K22, M1L) to the end. 18 sts inc. Total 436 sts. underarm CO, place marker for BOR.
Size XL: K15, M1L, (K17, M1L) to the end. 26 sts inc. Total 466
You have 78 (82, 90, 98, 104, 110, 118) sts on the needle
sts.
for sleeve.
Sixze XXL: K12, (K15, M1L) to the end. 30 sts increased. Total
492 sts.
Size XXXL: K2, (K21, M1L) to the end. 24 sts inc. Total 530 sts. Note: My recommendation is to pick up two more
stitches at each edge of the underarm CO to avoid
You have 330 (352, 392, 436, 466, 492, 530) stitches on the
needles. holes and decrease these stitches on the next round to
achieve the correct amount of stitches for your
Continue to work in stockinette stitch in rounds until yoke
measures 25 (25, 25, 26, 27, 29, 31) cm / 9.5 (9.5, 9.5, 10, sleeves.
10.5, 11.5, 12) inches from CO edge, measured from center
front down.
Helpful tutorial for underarm stitches:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8K-IsMdTHK0&t=276s
Separate body and sleeves
Next round: Remove BOR marker, knit 51 (54, 60, 67, 72, 77,
Continue to work in stockinette stitch in rounds until
82), place 64 (68, 76, 84, 88, 92, 100) sleeve stitches on a
holder or waste yarn, CO 7 (7, 7, 7, 8, 9, 9) underarm stitches sleeve measures approx. 7cm/2.7“ from underarm CO.
with backward loop cast on method, place new BOR marker, Switch to sleeve A-line needles (3.50mm, (US 4)) or
continue to CO 7 (7, 7, 7, 8, 9, 9) sts, join the front body, knit one size larger than main needles.
101 (108, 120, 134, 145, 154, 165) sts, place next 64 (68, 76,
Continue to work in stockinette stitch in rounds until
84, 88, 92, 100) sleeve stitches onto a stitch holder or waste
yarn, CO 14 (14, 14, 14, 16, 18, 18) underarm stitches with sleeve measures approx. 17cm/6.7“ from underarm
backward loop cast on method, join the back body and knit to CO edge or 25cm/10“ less than desired sleeve length.
new BOR marker.
Backward loop cast on helpful tutorial: Sleeve increase set:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8rdkITZ8r8 Size XS: K6, (K9, M1L) on the end. 8 sts inc.
Size S: K2, (K8, M1L) to the end. 10 sts inc.
Body Size M: (K9, M1L) to the end. 10 sts inc.
You have 230 (244, 268, 296, 322, 344, 366) sts for body. Size L: K8, (K9, M1L) to the end. 10 inc.
Continue to work in stockinette stich in rounds until body
Size XL: K5, M1L, (K9, M1L) to the end. 12 sts inc.
measures 10cm/4“ from underarm CO.
Switch to body needles (3.50mm, (US 4) or one size larger Size XXL: K6, M1L, (K8, M1L) to the end. 14 sts inc.
than main needles). Size XXXL: K6, (K8, M1L) to the end. 14 sts inc.
Continue to work in stockinette stitch in rounds until body You have now 86 (92, 100, 108, 116, 124, 132) sts for
measures approx. 30cm/12“ from underarm CO edge, or sleeve.
4cm/1.55“ less than desired body length.

Ribbing: Continue to work in stockinette stitch in round until

Switch to longer main needles (3.00mm/US 2 ½). sleeve measures approx. 29cm/11.5“ from underarm
CO edge or approx. 13cm/5“ less than desired sleeve
Next round: (K1, P1) to the end.
length.
Repeat last round until ribbing measures approx. 4cm/1.55“ or
to desired length. BO loosely in pattern.
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Loodus Sweater by Raina Kruus © 2019

Sleeves continued:
Decrease set before ribbing:
Next round:
Size XS: K2, (K2tog) to the end. 42 sts dec.
Sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL: K2tog to the end. 46 (50, 54,
58, 62, 66) sts dec.
You have 44 (46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66) sts before the ribbing.

Sleeve ribbing:
Switch to ribbing needles (3.00mm / US 2 ½) or consider
using even 2.75mm (US 2) if your knitting tension isn’t
very tight.
Next round: (K1, P1) to the end.
Repeat last round until ribbing measures approx. 12cm/4.5“ or
to desired length. BO loosely in pattern. Contact and support:
Email: raina.kruus@mail.ee
Repeat the instructions for second sleeve. Instagram: happyknittingsheep
Weave in ends with tapestry needle. Wash in warm soapy Facebook: Happy Sheep
water. Carefully remove excess water by squeezing (not Ravelry Group: Raina Kruus pattern support
wringing) and press between towels. Block your sweater
to final shape. Email: raina.kruus@mail.ee
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Loodus Sweater by Raina Kruus © 2019

SCHEMATIC

Finished sweater XS S M L XL XXL XXXL

measurements
cm/inches
A: Bust 92cm/ 98cm/ 106/ 118/ 128/ 138/ 148/
Circumference 36“ 38.5“ 42“ 46.5“ 50“ 54“ 58“
(cm/inches) approx.
B: Arm hole 32cm/ 33.5cm/ 37cm/ 40cm/ 43cm/ 45cm/ 48.5cm/
circumference 12.5“ 13“ 14.5“ 15.5“ 17“ 17.5“ 19“
(cm/inches) approx.
C: Wrist 17.8cm/ 18.4cm/ 20cm/ 21.5cm/ 23cm/ 24.5cm/ 26cm/
circumference 7“ 7“ 7.5“ 8.5“ 9“ 9.5“ 10“
(cm/inches) approx.
D: Body length from 34cm/ 34cm/ 34cm/ 34cm/ 34cm/ 34cm/ 34cm/
underarm to bottom 13“ 13“ 13“ 13“ 13“ 13“ 13“
hem (cm/inches)
F: Sleeve length 42cm/ 42cm/ 42cm/ 42cm/ 42cm/ 42cm/ 42cm/
from underarm to 16.5“ 16.5“ 16.5“ 16.5“ 16.5“ 16.5“ 16.5“
cuff hem (cm/inches)
E: Hips/bottom 104cm/ 110cm/ 122cm/ 134cm/ 146cm/ 156cm/ 167cm/
circumference 41“ 43“ 48“ 52.5“ 57“ 61“ 65.5“
(cm/inches) approx.
G: Yoke depth, front 24cm/ 24cm/ 25cm/ 26cm/ 27cm/ 29cm/ 31cm/
(cm/inches) approx. 9“ 9“ 9.5“ 9.5“ 10.5“ 11“ 12“

H:Neckline 36cm/ 37cm/ 38cm/ 40cm/ 43cm/ 45cm/ 48cm/

circumference 14“ 14.5“ 15“ 15.5“ 17“ 17.5“ 19“
(cm/inches) approx.
Note: For individual body differences, changes can be made in body and sleeve lengths where appropriate.
Just add length to the body and sleeves by working extra rows of stockinette stitch or ribbing.
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Loodus Sweater by Raina Kruus © 2019
Colorwork Chart

60
59
58
57
56
55
54
53
52
51
50
49
48
47
46
45
44
43
42
41
40
39
38
37
36
35
34
33
32
31
30
29
28
27
26
25
24
23
22
21
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

Legend: Charts notes:

Knit Read all chart rows right to left, working from the bottom row.
M1L to the top, each stitch in the color indicated by the chart.
MC yarn
CC yarn Beginning of the colorwork one fly repeat has 13 sts and end of the chart 22 sts.
no stitch