This pattern is currently only available as part of A Stitch in Time Volume 3 the colourwork edition.

Everyone needs a Christmas jumper - particularly a vintage Christmas jumper - and what better than Conifer, the perfect jumper not just for Christmas but for any day of the year when some Christmas cheer might be needed!

This eye-catching sweater was first published as a single sized pattern in Stitchcraft magazine in October 1947. The pattern was knitted in separate flat pieces which were then sewn together. The lower body commences with a close fitting nipped in welt with increases worked at the side seams of the lower body.

Conifer features a graphic, stylized fir tree motif within a bold, two-colour stripe pattern with the colours reversed on each repeat. This updated version of the pattern includes both a ‘vintage’ fit option featuring a nipped-in welt and increase rounds in the lower body, and also a straight fit option which begins with a shorter welt and is followed by an unshaped lower body. Both options allow for three lower body lengths and a choice of three sleeve lengths. All lower body lengths end at the same point in the pattern and can be paired with any of the three sleeve lengths.

This updated version of Conifer is knitted completely in the round, with steeks added to the armholes and sleeve heads. Once knitting has been completed the steeks are cut open and the sleeves inserted as if knitted flat. The sleeves are lightly gathered at the top of the sleeve head.

Conifer is knitted in Susan Crawford Excelana North DK weight, and is shown here using shades Cherry and Limestone.

Our model Laura is shown wearing the 4th size to fit chest measurement 102 - 107cm (40 - 42in) in the straight fit option.

The pattern includes instructions for 9 sizes to fit chest measurements between 71 - 157cm (28 - 60in) and contains clear written instructions plus a comprehensive schematic diagram and sizing chart, together with charted instructions for the colourwork motifs and steek charts.

A yarn kit is also available containing all the yarn required to knit Conifer.

Yarn
Susan Crawford Excelana North DK weight
100% British wool, 80% Cheviot, 20% Bluefaced Leicester (247m / 270yds per 100g skein approx)
Yarn A - shade Cherry
Yarn B - shade Limestone

Yarn Requirements

Short Length
3 (3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6) skeins, Yarn A
3 (3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5) skeins, Yarn B

Medium Length
3 (4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6) skeins, Yarn A
3 (3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5) skeins, Yarn B

Long Length
3 (4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6) skeins, Yarn A
3 (3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5) skeins, Yarn B

Gauge

24 sts and 28 rounds = 10cm (4in) over Fair Isle pattern, after blocking. We obtained this gauge using 3.75mm needles.
If necessary, use an alternative needle size to obtain the correct gauge.

Suggested needles

Small needles:
2.75mm (US 2) circular needle (60-100cm in length)
2.75mm (US 2) circular needle (40cm in length)
Set of 2.75mm (US 2) DPNs

Medium needles:
3.25mm (US 3) circular needle (40cm in length)

Large needles:
3.75mm (US 5) circular needle (60-100cm in length)
3.75mm (US 5) circular needle (40cm in length)
Set of 3.75mm (US 5) DPNs

Notions
Waste yarn or stitch holders, Stitch markers

Techniques
Knitting in the round
Following a chart
Stranded colourwork
Steeks