DROPS Alpaca
DROPS Alpaca
100% Alpaca
from 3.65 € /50g
Get the yarn to make this pattern from 21.90€.

The yarn cost is calculated from the pattern’s smallest size and the yarn’s cheapest product type. Looking for an even better price? You might find it on the DROPS Deals!

DROPS AW2425

Odette Cardigan

DROPS Jacket in 2 threads ”Alpaca” with short sleeves and shirred pattern on yoke. Size S - XXXL

DROPS 119-8
DROPS design: Pattern no Z-465
Size: S - M - L - XL - XXL - XXXL

Materials: DROPS ALPACA from Garnstudio
300-350-400-450-500-550 g colour no 7120, light grey/green
Note: Due to the shirred pattern on yoke, this design must be worked with 2 strands as said in pattern, and not be replaced with 1 strand as shown in the yarn alternatives.

DROPS CIRCULAR NEEDLE (80 cm) size 5 mm – or size needed to get 17 sts x 22 rows in stocking st with 2 threads and 19 sts x 25 rows in stocking st with 1 thread = 10 x 10 cm.
DROPS CIRCULAR NEEDLE (80 cm) size 4 mm – for garter st.
DROPS MOTHER OF PEARL BUTTONS, no 523: 7-7-7-8-8-8 pcs.

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Alternative Yarn – See how to change yarns here
Yarn Groups A to F – Use the same pattern and change the yarn here
Yarn usage using an alternative yarn – Use our yarn converter here

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DROPS Alpaca
DROPS Alpaca
100% Alpaca
from 3.65 € /50g
Get the yarn to make this pattern from 21.90€.

The yarn cost is calculated from the pattern’s smallest size and the yarn’s cheapest product type. Looking for an even better price? You might find it on the DROPS Deals!

Pattern instructions

GARTER ST (back and forth on needle): K all rows.
BUTTONHOLES:
Make buttonholes on right front band.
1 BUTTONHOLE = K tog 3rd and 4th st from mid front and make 1 YO.
Make buttonholes when piece measures:
SIZE S: 19, 25, 31, 37, 43, 49 and 55 cm.
SIZE M: 19, 25, 31, 38, 44, 51 and 57 cm.
SIZE L: 19, 26, 33, 40, 46, 53 and 59 cm.
SIZE XL: 19, 25, 31, 37, 43, 49, 55 and 61 cm.
SIZE XXL: 19, 26, 32, 38, 44, 50, 57 and 63 cm.
SIZE XXXL: 19, 26, 33, 39, 46, 52, 59 and 65 cm.
DECREASING TIP-1 (applies to body piece):
Make all dec from RS.
Dec as follows BEFORE marker: K2 tog.
Dec as follows AFTER marker: slip 1 st as if to K, K1, psso.
DECREASING TIP-2 (applies to armhole):
Make all dec from RS inside 3 garter sts.
Dec as follows BEFORE 3 sts: K2 tog.
Dec as follows AFTER 3 sts: slip 1 st as if to K, K1, psso.
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BODY PIECE:
Worked back and forth on circular needle.
Cast on 152-166-180-198-214-230 sts (includes 5 front band sts each side towards mid front) on circular needle size 4 mm with 2 threads Alpaca. Work 6 rows GARTER ST – see above! Insert a marker 40-44-47-52-56-60 sts in from each side (= 72-78-86-94-102-110 sts between markers on back piece). Change to circular needle size 5 mm and continue in stocking st with front bands in garter st. REMEMBER THE KNITTING TENSION!
When piece measures 5 cm dec 1 st each side of both markers – see DECREASING TIP-1, and repeat the dec on every 2.5 cm a total of 6 times = 128-142-156-174-190-206 sts.
When piece measures 19 cm make BUTTONHOLES - see above!
When piece measures 22-23-24-25-26-27 cm inc 1 st each side of both markers by K2 in 1 st from RS, and repeat the inc on every 2 cm a total of 5 times = 148-162-176-194-210-226 sts. When piece measures approx 35-36-37-38-39-40 cm (adjust so that next row is from WS) work 2 rows garter st on 12-12-14-14-16-16 sts each side (= 6-6-7-7-8-8 sts each side of marker) with remaining sts as before. On next row cast off the middle 6-6-8-8-10-10 sts each side for armhole – cast off in K sts from WS. Continue as follows:

SIZE S:
Work next row as follows from RS: K 36 sts (= right front piece), LOOSELY cast on 40 new sts (= sleeve), K 64 sts (= back piece), LOOSELY cast on 40 new sts (= sleeve) and K 36 sts (= left front piece) = a total of 216 sts.

SIZE M:
Right front piece = 40 sts. K 1 row from RS, at the same time dec 1 st towards armhole – SEE DECREASING TIP-2 = 39 sts, work return row from WS.
Left front piece: = 40 sts, work 2 rows as on right front piece = 39 sts.
Back piece: = 70 sts. K 1 row from RS, at the same time dec 1 st each side towards armhole as on front piece = 68 sts. Work return row from WS.
Work next row as follows from RS: K 39 sts on right front piece, LOOSELY cast on 42 new sts (= sleeve), K 68 sts on back piece, LOOSELY cast on 42 new sts (= sleeve), K 39 sts on left front piece = 230 sts.

SIZE L:
Right front piece = 42 sts. K 1 row from RS, at the same time dec 1 st towards armhole – SEE DECREASING TIP-2 = 41 sts, work return row from WS.
Left front piece: = 42 sts, work 2 rows as on right front piece = 41 sts.
Back piece: = 76 sts. K 1 row from RS, at the same time dec 1 st each side towards armhole as on front piece = 74 sts. Work return row from WS.
Work next row as follows from RS: K 41 sts on right front piece, LOOSELY cast on 44 new sts (= sleeve), K 74 sts on back piece, LOOSELY cast on 44 new sts (= sleeve), K 41 sts on left front piece = 244 sts.

SIZE XL:
Right front piece = 47 sts. * K 1 row from RS, at the same time dec 1 st towards armhole – SEE DECREASING TIP-2, work return row from WS *, repeat from *-* a total of 2 times = 45 sts.
Left front piece: = 47 sts, work 4 rows as on right front piece = 45 sts.
Back piece: = 84 sts. * K 1 row from RS, at the same time dec 1 st each side towards armhole as on front piece, work return row from WS *, repeat from *-* a total of 2 times = 80 sts.
Work next row as follows from RS: K 45 sts on right front piece, LOOSELY cast on 46 new sts (= sleeve), K 80 sts on back piece, LOOSELY cast on 46 new sts (= sleeve), K 45 sts on left front piece = 262 sts.

SIZE XXL:
Right front piece = 50 sts. * K 1 row from RS, at the same time dec 1 st towards armhole – SEE DECREASING TIP-2, work return row from WS *, repeat from *-* a total of 2 times = 48 sts.
Left front piece: = 50 sts, work 4 rows as on right front piece = 48 sts.
Back piece: = 90 sts. * K 1 row from RS, at the same time dec 1 st each side towards armhole as on front piece, work return row from WS *, repeat from *-* a total of 2 times = 86 sts.
Work next row as follows from RS: K 48 sts on right front piece, LOOSELY cast on 52 new sts (= sleeve), K 86 sts on back piece, LOOSELY cast on 52 new sts (= sleeve), K 48 sts on left front piece = 286 sts.

SIZE XXXL:
Right front piece = 54 sts. * K 1 row from RS, at the same time dec 1 st towards armhole – SEE DECREASING TIP-2, work return row from WS *, repeat from *-* a total of 3 times = 51 sts.
Left front piece: = 54 sts, work 6 rows as on right front piece = 51 sts.
Back piece: = 98 sts. * K 1 row from RS, at the same time dec 1 st each side towards armhole as on front piece, work return row from WS *, repeat from *-* a total of 3 times = 92 sts.
Work next row as follows from RS: K 51 sts on right front piece, LOOSELY cast on 56 new sts (= sleeve), K 92 sts on back piece, LOOSELY cast on 56 new sts (= sleeve), K 51 sts on left front piece = 306 sts.

ALL SIZES:
There are now 216-230-244-262-286-306 sts on needle.
Now continue in shirred pattern as follows:
NOTE: Work front bands in garter st with 2 threads, also when changing to 1 thread in pattern (i.e. have a small extra ball each side for front bands).
Change to circular needle size 4 mm. K 5 rows with 2 threads (first row = WS).

Change to circular needle size 5 mm and 1 thread. K2 in all sts (less front band sts) = 422-450-478-514-562-602 sts. Work 7 rows stocking st.

Change to circular needle size 4 mm and 2 threads. K2 tog across the row (less front band sts) = 216-230-244-262-286-306 sts.
K 1 row from WS. Work next row as follows from RS: 5 front band sts in garter st, K 3-3-3-0-0-2, * K2 tog, K 5-5-5-4-4-4 *, repeat from *-* and finish with 5 front band sts in garter st = 187-199-211-220-240-257 sts. K 5 rows.

Change to circular needle size 5 mm and 1 thread. K2 in all sts (less front band sts) = 364-388-412-430-470-504 sts. Work 7 rows stocking st.

Change to circular needle size 4 mm and 2 threads. K2 tog across the row (less front band sts) = 187-199-211-220-240-257 sts.
K 1 row from WS. Work next row as follows from RS: 5 front band sts in garter st, K 2-4-1-0-2-3, * K2 tog, K 3-3-3-3-2-2 *, repeat from *-* and finish with 5 front band sts in garter st = 152-162-171-178-183-196 sts. K 5 rows

Change to circular needle size 5 mm and 1 thread. K2 in all sts (less front band sts) = 294-314-332-346-356-382 sts. Work 7 rows stocking st.

Change to circular needle size 4 mm and 2 threads. K2 tog across the row (less front band sts) = 152-162-171-178-183-196 sts. K 1 row from WS.
Work next row as follows from RS:
SIZE S: 5 front band sts in garter st, K2, * K2 tog, K2, K2 tog, K1 *, repeat from *-* and finish with 5 front band sts in garter st = 112 sts.
SIZE M: 5 front band sts in garter st, K2 tog, K2 tog, K1, * K2 tog, K2, K2 tog, K1 *, repeat from *-* and finish with 5 front band sts in garter st = 118 sts.
SIZE L, XL, XXL and XXXL: 5 front band sts in garter st, K 2-0-2-0, * K2 tog, K1 *, repeat from *-* and finish with 5 front band sts in garter st = 118-122-126-134 sts.
ALL SIZES: Work 11-11-13-13-15-15 rows garter st, and cast off. Piece measures approx 56-58-60-62-64-66 cm.

ASSEMBLY:
Sew on buttons.

This pattern has been corrected.

Updated online: 25.03.2010
Note: Due to the shirred pattern on yoke, this design must be worked with 2 strands as said in pattern, and not be replaced with 1 strand as shown in the yarn alternatives.

Diagram

diagram measurements

Each of our patterns has specific tutorial videos to help you.

Do you have a question? See a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Knitting tension is what determines the final measurements of your work, and is usually measured per 10 x 10 cm. It is provided like so: number of stitches in width x number of rows in height - eg: 19 stitches x 26 rows = 10 x 10 cm.

The knitting tension is very individual; some people knit/crochet loosely while others work tightly. You adjust the knitting tension with the needle size, which is why the suggested needle size is only meant as a guide! You need to adjust this (up or down) to ensure that YOUR knitting tension matches the knitting tension provided in the pattern. If you work with a different knitting tension than provided you will have a different yarn consumption, and your work will have different measurements than what the pattern suggests.

The knitting tension also determines which yarns can replace each other. As long as you achieve the same knitting tension you can replace one yarn with another.

See DROPS lesson: How to measure your tension/gauge

See DROPS video: How to make a gauge tension swatch

The required amount of yarn is provided in grams, eg: 450 g. To calculate how many balls you’ll need you first need to know how many grams are in 1 ball (25g, 50g or 100g). This information is available if you click on the individual yarn quality on our pages. Divide the amount required with the amount of each ball. For example, if each ball is 50g (the most common amount), the calculation will be as follows: 450 / 50 = 9 balls.

The important thing when changing from one yarn to another is that the knitting/crochet tension remains the same. This is so that the measurements of the finished piece will be the same as on the sketch provided. It is easier to achieve the same knitting tension using yarns from the same yarn group. It is also possible to work with multiple strands of a thinner yarn to achieve the knitting tension of a thicker one. Please try our yarn converter. We recommend you to always work a test swatch.

Please NOTE: when changing yarn the garment might have a different look and feel to the garment in the photo, due to individual properties and qualities of each yarn.

See DROPS lesson: Can I use a different yarn than the one mentioned in the pattern?

All our yarns are categorised into yarn groups (from A to F) according to thickness and knitting tension – group A contains the thinnest yarns and group F the thickest. This makes it easier for you to find alternative yarns to our patterns, should you wish to switch yarn. All yarns within the same group have a similar knitting tension and can easily replace each other. However, different yarn qualities have different structures and properties which will give the finished work a unique look and feel.

Click here for an overview of the yarns in each yarn group

At the top of all our patterns you’ll find a link to our yarn calculator, which is a helpful tool should you wish to use a different yarn than suggested. By filling in the yarn quality you wish to replace, the amount (in your size) and number of strands, the calculator will present good alternative yarns with the same knitting tension. Additionally it will tell you how much you’ll require in the new qualities and whether you’ll need to work with multiple strands. Most skeins are 50g (some are 25g or 100g).

If the pattern is worked with multiple colours, every colour will have to be calculated separately. Similarly, if the pattern is worked with several strands of different yarns (for example 1 strand Alpaca and 1 strand Kid-Silk) you will have to find alternatives for each, individually.

Click here to see our yarn calculator

Since different yarns have different qualities and textures we have chosen to keep the original yarn in our patterns. However, you can easily find options among our available qualities by using our yarn calculator, or simply pick a yarn from the same yarn group.

It is possible that some retailers still have discontinued yarns in stock, or that someone has a few skeins at home that they would like to find patterns for.

The yarn calculator will provide both alternative yarn as well as required amount in the new quality.

If you think it's hard to decide what size to make, it can be a good idea to measure a garment you own already and like the size of. Then you can pick the size by comparing those measures with the ones available in the pattern's size chart.

You'll find the size chart at the bottom of the pattern.

See DROPS lesson: How to read size chart

The needle size provided in the pattern serves only as a guide, the important thing is to follow the knitting tension. And since knitting tension is very individual, you will have to adjust the needle size to ensure that YOUR tension is the same as in the pattern – maybe you’ll have to adjust 1, or even 2 needle sizes, up or down to achieve the correct tension. For this, we recommend that you work test swatches.

Should you work with a different knitting tension than the one provided, the measurements of the finished garment might deviate from the measurement sketch.

See DROPS lesson: How to measure your tension/gauge

See DROPS video: How to make a tension/gauge swatch

Working a garment top-down provides more flexibility and room for personal adjustment. For example it is easier to try the garment on while working, as well as making adjustments to length of yoke and shoulder caps.

The instructions are carefully explaining every step, in the correct order. Diagrams are adjusted to the knitting direction and are worked as usual.

The diagram depicts all rows/rounds, and every stitch seen from the right side. It is read from bottom to top, from right to left. 1 square = 1 stitch.

When working back and forth, every other row is worked from the right side and every other row is worked from the wrong side. When working from the wrong side, the diagram will have to be worked reversed: from left to right, knit stitches are purled, purl stitches are knit etc.

When working in the round every round is worked from the right side and the diagram are worked from right to left on all rounds.

See DROPS lesson: How to read knitting diagrams

The diagram depicts all rows/rounds, and every stitch seen from the right side. It is worked from bottom to top, from right to left.

When working back and forth every other row is worked from the right side: from right to left and every other row is worked from the wrong side: from left to right.

When working in the round, every row in the diagram are worked from the right side, from right to left.

When working a circular diagram you start in the middle and work your way outwards, counter clockwise, row by row.

The rows usually start with a given number of chain stitches (equivalent to the height of the following stitch), this will either be depicted in the diagram or explained in the pattern.

See DROPS lesson: How to read crochet diagrams

Instructions for working several diagrams after each other on the same row/round, will often be written like so: “work A.1, A.2, A.3 a total of 0-0-2-3-4 times". This means you work A.1 once, then A.2 is worked once, and A.3 is repeated (in width) the number of times provided for your size – in this case like so: S = 0 times, M = 0 times, L=2 times, XL= 3 times and XXL = 4 times.

The diagrams are worked as usual: begin with the first row in A.1, then work the first row in A.2 etc.

See DROPS lesson: How to read knitting diagrams

See DROPS lesson: How to read crochet diagrams

The total width of the garment (from wrist-to-wrist) will be larger in the larger sizes, despite the actual sleeves being shorter. The larger sizes have longer sleeve caps and wider shoulders, so there will be a good fit in all sizes.

The measurement sketch/schematic drawing provides information regarding the full length of the garment. If it’s a jumper or a jacket the length is measured from the highest point on the shoulder closest to the neckline, and straight down to the bottom of the garment. It is NOT measured from the tip of shoulder. Similarly, the length of yoke is measured from the highest point on the shoulder and down to where yoke is split into body and sleeves.

On a jacket measures are never taken along bands, unless specifically stated. Always measure inside band stitches when measuring the length.

See DROPS lesson: How to read a schematic drawing

Diagrams are often repeated on the round or in height. 1 repeat is the diagram the way it appears in the pattern. If it says to work 5 repeats of A.1 in the round, then you work A.1 a total of 5 times after/next to each other in the round. If it says to work 2 repeats of A.1 vertically/in height you work the entire diagram once, then begin again at the start and work the entire diagram one more time.

Chain stitches are slightly narrower than other stitches and to avoid working the cast-on edge too tight, we simply chain more stitches to begin with. The stitch count will be adjusted on the following row to fit the pattern and measurement sketch.

The rib edge is more elastic and will contract slightly compared to, for example, stocking stitch. By increasing before the rib edge, you avoid a visible difference in width between the rib edge and the rest of the body.

It’s very easy to cast off too tightly, and by making yarn overs while casting off (and simultaneously casting these off) you avoid a too tight cast off edge.

See DROPS video: How to bind off with yarn overs (yo)

To achieve an even increase (or decrease) you can increase on, for example: every 3rd and 4th row alternately, like so: work 2 rows and increase on the 3rd row, work 3 rows and increase on the 4th. Repeat this until the increase is complete.

See DROPS lesson: Increase or decrease 1 st on every 3rd and 4th row alternately

Should you prefer to work in the round instead of back and forth, you may of course adjust the pattern. You’ll need to add steeks mid-front (usually 5 stitches), and follow the instructions. When you would normally turn and work from the wrong side, simply work across the steek and continue in the round. At the end you’ll cut the piece open, pick up stitches to work bands, and cover the cut edges.

See DROPS video: How to knit steeks and cut open

Should you prefer to work back and forth instead of in the round, you may of course adjust the pattern so you work the pieces separately and then assemble them at the end. Divide the stitches for the body in 2, add 1 edge stitch in each side (for sewing) and work the front and back pieces separately.

See DROPS lesson: Can I adapt a pattern for circular needles into straight needles?

Pattern repeats can vary slightly in the different sizes, in order to get the correct proportions. If you’re not working the exact same size as the garment in the photo, yours might deviate slightly. This has been carefully developed and adjusted so that the complete impression of the garment is the same in all sizes.

Make sure to follow instructions and diagrams for your size!

If you have found a pattern you like which is available in women’s size it’s not very difficult to convert it to men’s size. The biggest difference will be the length of sleeves and body. Start working on the women size that you think would fit across the chest. The additional length will be worked right before you cast off for the armhole/sleeve cap. If the pattern is worked top-down you can add the length right after the armhole or before the first decrease on sleeve.

Regarding additional yarn amount, this will depend on how much length you add, but it is better with a skein too many than too few.

All yarns will have excess fibres (from production) that might come off as lint or shedding. Brushed yarns (ie hairier yarns) have more of these loose, excess fibres, causing more shedding.

Shedding also depends on what is worn under or over the garment, and whether this pulls at the yarn fibres. It’s therefore not possible to guarantee that there will be no shedding

Below are some tips on how to get the best result when working with hairier yarns:

1. When the garment is finished (before you wash it) shake it vigorously so the looser hairs come off. NOTE: do NOT use a lint roller, brush or any method that pulls at the yarn.

2. Place the garment in a plastic bag and put it in your freezer - the temperature will cause the fibres to become less attached to each other, and excess fibres will come off easier.

3. Leave in the freezer for a few hours before taking it out and shaking it again.

4. Wash the garment according to the instructions on the yarn label.

Pilling is a natural process that happens to even the most exclusive of fibers. It's a natural sign of wear and tear that is hard to avoid, and that is most visible in high friction areas of your garment like a sweater's arms and cuffs.

You can make your garment look as new by removing the pilling, using a fabric comb or a pill/lint remover.

Still can't find the answer you need? Then scroll down and leave your question so one of our experts can try to help you. This will be done normally within 5 to 10 working days.
In the meantime, you can read the questions and answers that others have left to this pattern or join the DROPS Workshop on Facebook to get help from fellow knitters/crocheters!

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Comments / Questions (18)

country flag Maria wrote:

Denna var ju otroligt söt!

05.04.2010 - 23:27

country flag DROPS Design NL wrote:

U vindt de beschrijving onder "ALLE MATEN". "Ga nu verder in gesmokt patroon als volgt: " Succes. Gr. Tine

09.03.2010 - 12:25

country flag Annelie De Bruijn wrote:

Ik zie bij dit patroon geen beschrijving van het smok patroon

09.03.2010 - 12:17

Rosella wrote:

Je voudrai avoir les instructions en italien s'il vous plait

01.03.2010 - 16:15

Josiane wrote:

Another gorgeous cardigan...

18.01.2010 - 04:10

country flag Wenche wrote:

Så fort mønsteret på denne flotte jakken er lagt ut, da er jeg igang ;-)

17.01.2010 - 22:26

Dominique wrote:

Plain but nice and elegant

10.01.2010 - 20:06

country flag Bea wrote:

Gillar starkt dessa modeller med runda ok. Bra med både knappar och utan så valmöjligheten finns.

29.12.2009 - 19:38

country flag Gitte Norlander wrote:

Den er super fin.

27.12.2009 - 18:57

country flag Sanne Bak wrote:

Virkelig sød og feminin model. Dejlig farve.

20.12.2009 - 10:16