Alaska Yoke Sweater (N1770)

Alaska Yoke Sweater

Pattern Code: N1770

A modern take on classic Nordic knitting, the Alaska Sweater features a beautifully detailed circular yoke with soft colour transitions and subtle texture. The stranded colourwork creates a striking visual rhythm, while delicate purl accents add depth and dimension.

Knit seamlessly from the top down, this sweater offers a comfortable, flattering fit with gentle positive ease. The thoughtful construction—including short row shaping at the back neck—ensures a refined silhouette that sits beautifully when worn.

Perfect for knitters who enjoy engaging colourwork with a wearable, contemporary finish.

Sizes

Finished Chest Circumference:
81, 91, 101, 111, 121, 131, 141, 151 cm

Designed to be worn with 4–10 cm positive ease

Yarn Requirements

Yarn: Sesia Alaska DK / 8ply (50g balls)

Needles & Notions

• 3.00mm circular needles
• 3.50mm circular needles
• 3.75mm circular needles
• Stitch marker
• 2 stitch holders (or waste yarn)
• Tapestry needle

Gauge

• Stocking Stitch: 22 sts x 28 rounds = 10 cm on 3.5 mm needles
• Colourwork: 24 sts x 25 rounds = 10 cm on 3.75 mm needles

Achieving correct gauge is essential for fit and yoke depth.

Construction Overview

This sweater is worked seamlessly in the round from the top down.

• Neckline: Cast on and worked in rib, then shaped with short rows for a comfortable back neck (see page 3 instructions)
• Yoke: Circular colourwork yoke following Chart A (page 7), with integrated increases for shaping
• Body & Sleeves Separation: Stitches divided; underarm stitches cast on using backward loop method
• Body: Worked in the round, then finished with a second colourwork band (Chart B) and ribbed hem
• Sleeves: Picked up and worked in the round from held stitches, shaped with gradual decreases, then finished with matching colourwork and rib cuffs

The schematic on page 6 clearly illustrates garment proportions, including yoke depth, sleeve length, and overall fit.

Pattern Notes

• Designed using stranded knitting (Fair Isle technique)
• Carry unused yarn along the inside, catching floats as needed
• Includes short row shaping (wrap & turn) for improved fit
• Colourwork charts are read from bottom up, right to left (see page 7 key)
• Backward loop increases are used for underarm stitches and within charts

Finishing

• Weave in all ends neatly
• Block gently to open the colourwork and even stitches

Skill Level

Intermediate to Advanced
Suitable for knitters comfortable with:

• Knitting in the round
• Stranded colourwork
• Short rows (wrap & turn)
• Garment construction