Lopi Pæling Jumper Knitting Pattern

Lopi Pæling Knit Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Lopi Pæling is a classic knit sweater available in three sizes: M, L, and XL. This design offers separate sizing for men's and women's fits, with distinct length measurements for each. The men's version features a chest measurement of 92–120 cm and a length to underarm of 40–46 cm, while the women's version ranges from 92–120 cm in chest with a length to underarm of 48–54 cm. Sleeve lengths are proportionally adjusted for each gender and size, ranging from 44–52 cm to the underarm.

Construction Techniques

The Lopi Pæling is constructed using a bottom-up, worked-in-the-round method, a technique that creates seamless garments by knitting continuously in circular rows. The body and sleeves are worked separately in the round until they reach the underarm, at which point they are joined together to work the yoke in one continuous piece. This approach minimizes seaming and creates a smooth, professional finish.

The yoke construction begins on the left side of the body back where the body joins the sleeves. Stitches are strategically placed on stitch holders at the underarms—8–12 stitches depending on size—before the yoke shaping begins. The yoke incorporates a charted colorwork pattern (Chart 3) that is worked from right to left, then mirrored from left to right at the center front, creating a symmetrical design. Decreases are worked as indicated on the chart to shape the neckline and shoulders.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The sweater begins with a 2x2 ribbed cuff (knit 2, purl 2) worked for 6 rounds on both the body and sleeves. This elastic ribbing helps the garment cling comfortably at the wrists and waist. After the ribbing is complete, the fabric transitions to stockinette stitch (knit every round), which creates the smooth, classic sweater fabric. The yoke features colorwork knitting, where multiple colors are carried and worked into the pattern as indicated on Chart 3, adding visual interest and texture to the upper garment.

Materials and Tools

The Lopi Pæling is knit using Álafosslopi yarn, a traditional Icelandic wool blend. The pattern calls for five colors: burnt orange (A, 1236), sheep sorrel (B, 1237), teal (C, 9967), golden (D, 9964), and black (E, 0059). Yardage varies by size, with 100 grams of the primary color and smaller quantities of accent colors required.

Needles required include a 4.5 mm circular needle for casting on and working the initial ribbing on the body, and 4.5 mm double-pointed needles (dpns) for the sleeves. The work transitions to a 6 mm circular needle for the main body stockinette and the yoke colorwork shaping. This needle size progression allows for proper gauge and fabric drape while accommodating the transition from ribbed cuffs to the main garment.

Pattern Overview

• Cast on 120–156 stitches depending on size using 4.5 mm circular needle and color A
• Work 2x2 ribbing for 6 rounds
• Change to 6 mm needles and work stockinette stitch until body reaches specified length
• Cast on sleeves separately using 4.5 mm dpns and work ribbing, then stockinette to underarm
• Join body and sleeves at the underarm using 6 mm needle
• Work yoke in the round using Chart 3 colorwork pattern with decreases for shaping
• Complete neckline and finish as indicated