Hreindyr Sweater Jumper Knitting Pattern

Hreindýr Sweater in Lopi Lettlopi

What is Being Made

The Hreindýr Sweater is a classic Icelandic-inspired pullover sweater knitted in the round from the top down. This intermediate-level design features a traditional yoke construction with charted colorwork patterns, making it a versatile garment suitable for both men and women. The sweater is available in five sizes ranging from XS to XL, with separate sleeve length measurements for men's and women's fits.

Sweater Specifications

• Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL)
• Chest measurements: 87 (93, 100, 107, 113) cm
• Length to underarm: 38 (40, 42, 44, 46) cm
• Men's sleeve length to underarm: 49 (50, 51, 52, 53) cm
• Women's sleeve length to underarm: 45 (46, 47, 48, 49) cm

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Hreindýr Sweater employs several fundamental knitting techniques characteristic of traditional Icelandic sweater construction. The garment is worked in the round using circular needles and double-pointed needles, which creates a seamless fabric and allows for continuous colorwork patterning. The yoke is constructed using a top-down method, beginning with a ribbed neckline and expanding outward through strategic increases to shape the shoulders and upper body.

The sweater features charted colorwork patterns (Chart 1 and Chart 2) that are worked intarsia-style using multiple yarn colors. The construction includes underarm increases worked at regular intervals—either every 6th, 7th, or 8th round depending on the size—to achieve the proper fit through the bust and torso. The sleeves are picked up from the yoke and worked downward in the round, with their own set of increases to accommodate the arm circumference.

Stitches Used

• Ribbing (1x1): Alternating knit and purl stitches (*k1, p1*) used for the cuff, neckline, and collar edges to create elasticity and a finished appearance
• Stockinette stitch: The primary fabric stitch for the body and sleeves, created by knitting all rounds
• Colorwork stitches: Knit stitches worked in multiple colors following charted patterns to create the traditional Icelandic design motifs
• Increases: Paired increases (one stitch after the first stitch and one stitch before the last stitch in each round) used to shape the yoke and sleeves
• Decreases: Strategic decreases worked into the yoke shaping and collar to ensure proper fit
• Grafting: Kitchener stitch or similar grafting technique used to join underarm stitches together seamlessly

Materials and Yarn

The Hreindýr Sweater is designed to be knitted using Lopi Lettlopi, a traditional Icelandic wool yarn known for its warmth, durability, and characteristic texture. Lettlopi is an unspun, lightly processed wool that creates a rustic, authentic appearance typical of Icelandic knitwear.

Yarn quantities by color:

• Black (Color A, shade 0052 black sheep): 8 (8, 8, 8, 8) × 50g balls for the primary color
• Red (Color B, shade 1409 garnet red): 7 (7, 7, 7, 8) × 50g balls
• Oatmeal (Color B, shade 0086): 2 (2, 3, 3, 3) × 50g balls
• White (Color B, shade 0051): 2 (2, 3, 3, 3) × 50g balls
• Black (Color C, shade 0059): 2 (2, 3, 3, 3) × 50g balls