Chestnut Sweater

The Chestnut Sweater is that beautifully oversized, throw-on-and-feel-good kind of knit.

It’s worked from the top down, starting with the back so the shoulders can be shaped properly using short rows. From there, the shoulders are built, joined into the front, and then everything comes together in the round for the body.

The sleeves are picked up and worked down, and the whole piece is finished with a generous, cosy turtleneck that really completes the look.

It’s relaxed, warm, and designed to feel like you’re properly wrapped up.

Sizes

XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL (4XL) 5XL

Designed to fit bust:
80–85 (85–90) 90–95 (95–100) 100–110 (110–120) 120–130 (130–140) 140–150 cm

Finished Measurements

• Bust: 115 (120) 125 (130) 140 (150) 160 (170) 180 cm
• Length: 65 (66) 67 (68) 73 (75) 76 (78) 79 cm

Fit

Designed with approx. 30 cm positive ease

This is intentionally oversized. If you prefer a closer fit, consider sizing down.

Gauge

20 sts × 28 rows = 10 × 10 cm in stockinette stitch (after blocking)

Needles

• 4 mm circular needles (40, 80 or 100 cm)
• 3 mm circular needles (40 cm)
• 3.5 mm + 4 mm DPNs or Magic Loop

Yarn Options

Option 1: Two strands held together (soft, airy finish)

Use:

• A fine wool yarn (approx. 350–400 m per 100 g)
• Held together with a lace-weight halo yarn (mohair or similar, approx. 200–220 m per 25 g)

This gives you a lighter, slightly fluffy fabric with beautiful drape.

Metreage required:

Main yarn (fine wool):

• XS: 1200–1600 m
• S: 1600 m
• M: 1600 m
• L: 1600 m
• XL: 1600–2000 m
• 2XL: 2000 m
• 3XL: 2000–2400 m
• 4XL: 2400 m
• 5XL: 2400–2800 m

Halo yarn (mohair / brushed lace):

• XS: 1270–1480 m
• S: 1480 m
• M: 1480 m
• L: 1480 m
• XL: 1480–1700 m
• 2XL: 1700 m
• 3XL: 1700–1900 m
• 4XL: 1900 m
• 5XL: 1900–2100 m

Option 2: Single strand (simpler, more structured)

Use:

• An 8 ply / DK–light worsted wool (approx. 90–110 m per 50 g) - we recommend Rebel Worsted 

This gives you:

• More structure
• A cleaner, less fluffy finish
• A very wearable everyday sweater

Metreage required:

• XS: 1180 m
• S: 1270 m
• M: 1365 m
• L: 1455 m
• XL: 1640 m
• 2XL: 1730 m
• 3XL: 1820 m
• 4XL: 1910 m
• 5XL: 2000 m

Choosing Your Yarn

• Want soft, light, slightly fluffy → go double strand
• Want cleaner structure and easier knitting → go single strand

Both work beautifully — it just depends on the finish you’re after.

Difficulty

★★★☆☆ (3 out of 5)

A solid intermediate knit with shaping, but very achievable if you’re comfortable knitting in the round.