The Wild One Sweater is a knitted leopard print pullover that combines bold colorwork with an easy, wearable silhouette. It is designed for knitters who want a true statement piece that is still practical to wear through autumn, winter, and early spring.

Construction

This leopard print knit sweater is worked seamlessly from the top down as a stranded colorwork yoke sweater. The sleeves and body are separated at the underarm and finished individually, giving the garment a clean line and comfortable fit. The circular yoke features increases integrated directly into the charted motif, so the leopard pattern flows naturally across the sweater.

Neckline Options

The pattern includes two finishes so you can choose the look you prefer.
The double-folded neckband gives a cosy, structured shape.
The short-row ribbed neckline offers a slightly softer fit.

Why Knit It

If you are searching for a hand knit leopard print garment, an animal print knitting pattern, a top-down colorwork sweater pattern, or a statement knitted pullover, the Wild One Sweater was made for exactly that. It is eye-catching without feeling costume-y, bold without losing elegance, and satisfying to knit from start to finish.

Yarn Choice:
For best results, choose a yarn with some “stickiness” or a fuzzy texture, as this can help hide increases and decreases seamlessly within the colorwork. (Please, see yarn section for suggestions.)

Sizes
1 (2, 3, 4, 5) (6, 7, 8, 9)

Please note, these are the actual sizes of the finished sweater.
Bust circumference (same as hip)
85.5 (94.5, 104, 113.5, 123) (132.5, 142, 151.5, 161) cm / 34 (38, 41.75, 45.5, 49.25) (53, 56.75, 60.75, 64.5)’’

Upper arm circumference
29.5 (31.5, 34.5, 39, 44) (45.5, 48.5, 51.5, 53.5) cm / 11.75 (12.75, 14, 15.5, 17.75) (18, 19.25, 20.75, 21.5)’’

Sleeve length (adjustable)
43 cm / 17’’

Body length (measured from the underarm) (adjustable)
30 cm / 11.75’’

Yoke depth
(16.75 (17.75, 17.75, 21.75, 21.75) (22.75, 23.5, 25.5, 25.5) cm/ 6.75 (7, 7, 8.75, 8.75) (9, 9.45, 10.15, 10.15)“

Recommended ease: 5 - 10 cm / 2 - 4” of positive ease. Measure your bust size and choose a size with the ease you want.

Yarn
Sandnes Garn Kos (62 % alpaca, 29 % nylon and 9 % wool -150 m / 164 yds / 50 g).
Shown in colorways:
3532 Beige & 5214 Light Crocus

Yardage
MC: 515 (570, 625, 680, 740) (795, 855, 910, 970)m / 560 (620, 685, 745, 810) (870, 935, 995, 1060) yds
CC: 310 (340, 375, 410, 445) (480, 510, 545, 580)m / 335 (375, 410, 445, 485) (525, 560, 595, 635) yds

Needles
4 mm (US 6) and 4.5 mm (US 7) circular needles 80 - 100 cm / 32 - 40”. Use the needle size that gives you the correct gauge.
You can use DPNs or shorter circulars for sleeves and neckline.

Gauge
19 sts x 22 rnds = 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4” for colorwork on 4.5 mm (US 7) needles, after blocking.

Notions
Stitch markers, darning needle, scrap yarn/stitch cord, row counter (optional).

Techniques and other notes
Long Tail CO/Tubular Cast On & Bind Off.
Colorwork.
Short rows in ribbing.
In the round.