Lopi Spírall Coat Knitting Pattern

Lopi Spírall Knitted Coat or Jacket

What Is Being Made

The Lopi Spírall is a captivating knitted coat or jacket featuring a striking spiral motif inspired by natural forms—described as cascading waves reminiscent of sea shells or the cosmic spirals of galaxies and stars. This garment is available in six sizes ranging from XS to XXL, making it suitable for both women and men. The design combines a fitted yoke construction with a structured body, creating a sophisticated silhouette that works equally well as an everyday layer or a statement piece.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several advanced knitting techniques that create its distinctive appearance and construction:

• Worked in the Round: The garment is primarily constructed using circular needles, allowing for seamless knitting in the round. This technique reduces the need for seaming and creates a more cohesive fabric.
• Seamless Construction: By working in the round from the bottom up, the Spírall eliminates side seams, resulting in a smooth, continuous garment with minimal finishing work required.
• Bottom-Up Construction: The body is knitted from the hem upward, with sleeves joined at the yoke. This method allows for easy adjustments to length and provides excellent fit control.
• Stranded Colorwork: The spiral pattern is created using stranded knitting, a technique where multiple colors are carried across the back of the work. This creates the intricate patterned design visible on the finished garment.
• Short Rows: The pattern incorporates short rows at the back to shape the neckline and create a tailored fit across the shoulders and upper back.
• Steek Construction: A steek is worked at the center front for zipper placement, allowing for a clean, professional opening without the need for traditional buttonholes.

Stitches Used

The Lopi Spírall utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined in strategic ways to achieve its structure and pattern:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch used for the body and sleeves, creating a smooth, flat fabric with a classic appearance.
• Knit and Purl Stitches: Basic knit (k) and purl (p) stitches form the foundation of all colorwork and shaping.
• Decreases: Knit two together (k2tog) and slip, slip, knit (ssk) decreases are used to shape the yoke and create the fitted silhouette.
• Cast-On and Bind-Off: Standard cast-on methods establish the foundation, while bind-off (BO) secures stitches at completion.
• Stranded Colorwork Stitches: Knit stitches worked with multiple colors held simultaneously create the spiral pattern throughout the yoke and upper body.

Materials and Tools

The Lopi Spírall is designed to be worked with Álafosslopi yarn, a traditional Icelandic wool known for its warmth and durability. The pattern includes two colorway options:

Black Colorway:

• Color A: 9975 Black Tweed – 5 to 8 balls (depending on size)
• Color B: 0054 Light Ash – 1 to 2 balls
• Color C: 1238 Dusk Red – 1 to 2 balls

Blue Colorway:

• Color A: 1234 Blue Tweed – 5 to 8 balls (depending on size)
• Color B: 0051 White – 1 to 2 balls
• Color C: 0005 Black Heather – 1 to 2 balls

Yarn is supplied in 100-gram balls, with larger sizes requiring additional yardage. The pattern requires both 6 mm (US 10) circular needles in 40 cm and 80 cm lengths for the main body and yoke work, and 4.5 mm (US 7) circular needles in 40 cm and 80 cm lengths for the collar and ribbed sections. Double-pointed needles in both 4.5 mm and 6 mm sizes are needed for working the sleeves in the round.