The Checkerplate Sweater
The knitting pattern version, and the scorch mark version
Well hello first pattern release of the new year! We might be midway through the month and most freshness has worn off, but it’s probably worked out for the best as my brain was not particularly useful for the first week. I’d say I’m now at approximately 78% functionality and am very excited to share the Checkerplate Sweater, available as of today.
Use code CHECKMEOUT for 10% off via Ravelry & Payhip - expires midnight GMT on Friday 17th January
Knitty details
Top-down, seamless, raglan construction. I couldn’t resist the opportunity to align increases with the diagonal stitch pattern - the end result is incredibly satisfying, if I do say so myself.
Worsted weight yarn. I used dLana La Madrilana DK, however found that it knit up very much a worsted weight rather than DK as labelled. Testers used yarns like Cascade 220, Lion Brand Wool-ease, and other standard worsted weight yarns.
Cable-ish pattern without the cables. Any experienced knitter could tell these are twisted stitches rather than cables (no cable needle required! Much quicker!) but it has that cable-y sweater vibe, which is the most important thing.
Relaxed fit. Not tight, but not oversized. Some testers made a mock neck like mine, some a longer turtleneck, others a folded crew neck. All work well!
Woolly wool has been particularly useful this week since the UK has mostly resembled an arctic tundra with fewer reindeer. Naturally warm fibres, now is your time to shine!
A test knit of two halves
It was not specified on the application page that testers must organise themselves into bright and neutral cohorts, but nevertheless we appear to have two distinct teams. (I’m joining The Neutrals for today since 19 is an awkward number for a pretty grid). Thank you all for being such a lovely bunch!
The Original Checkerplate Sweater
Inspiration for this sweater came from… Checkerplate flooring, basically. In a roundabout way involving my friend Naomi’s trip to Morocco, a hippie named Martin, and an unfortunate cardigan. Naomi is quite the storyteller and frequently has us in stitches (pun absolutely intended), and she’s kindly recounted the tale which is included with the pattern as a little extra.
“The only good thing that came of this whole fiasco (aside from Martin’s new-found natural tie-dye side hustle), was inspiration. My dear friend Lily France, to whom creative inspiration flows from all sorts of weird and wonderful corners, thought the design would actually work better as a stitch pattern than as scorch marks.”
So there you have it - purchasing the pattern will equip you with both A) the knitting pattern for the textured version, and B) an anecdotal instruction manual should you prefer the scorch mark alternative. Take your pick.
Happy knitting (and/or scorching),
Lily x