“Even in all its phases the moon is still whole.”

This snippet of poetry* inspired the Luna Sweater, a celebration of the phases of the moon, the many names humans have assigned them, and the possibilities of growth.

The Luna Sweater is knit in the round using 6 shades of Jamieson’s Shetland Spindrift fingering-weight yarn; only two colors are used each round. The moon’s phases—new, crescent, quarter, gibbous, and full—march across the sweater on a ground of deepest blues.
Frequent trapping in the moon rows creates texture.

The Luna Sweater is a classic, semi-inset drop shoulder pullover with a crew neck. The shoulders are shaped in the round for a flattering fit. The sleeves are knit in the round separately and attached with a decorative flat 3-needle bind off.

Skill Level:

Advanced or Adventurous

This pattern has complex charts—there are no regular repeats—but it certainly within reach of any knitter who knows how to strand and is willing to try some new techniques (steeks, shoulder shaping in the round, flat 3-needle bind off).

Alphabet charts and additional moon name charts are also included so that you can add your favorite moon names or poems.

Techniques

Stranded knitting, corrugated ribbing, trapping, 3-needle bind off, flat 3-needle bind off, steeking.

Size:

The pattern is written for one size only (50” bust/hip circumference), with some tips on altering the size. It would not be difficult for an experienced knitter to make this larger or smaller.

Yarn Needed:

Jamieson’s Shetland Spindrift (100% Shetland wool; 115 yd 105 m / 25 g):
#104 Natural White 3 balls
#122 Granite 2 balls
#127 Pebble 3 balls
#160 Midnight 4 balls
#162 Neptune 3 balls
#1340 Cosmos 6 balls

Needles

Size 2 (2.75mm) 16” and 24-28” circular needles and double-pointed needles OR longer needles for magic loop
Size 3 (3.25mm) 16” and 24-28” circular needles and double-pointed needles OR longer needles for magic loop

Adjust needle sizes as needed to get the required gauge.