Christmas sweater
Earlier this year, I reached out to Kreftforeningen to see if we could create something together. The fight against cancer is a cause very close to my heart. My wonderful uncle lived with cancer for a long period of time, and the illness affected both him and all of us who loved him so dearly. My uncle was an important person in my life. In May this year, we lost him.
The stars on the sleeves of the sweater are inspired by the Christmas stars that are hung in hospitals and nursing homes across Norway each year as part of Kreftforeningens Christmas Campaign. They are there to remind patients and their loved ones that they are not alone, and that many people are thinking of them. To me, the stars have also become a symbol of love, loss and hope, and of all those we continue to carry with us.
By purchasing this pattern, you have already made a contribution to Kreftforeningens Christmas Campaign. I am incredibly grateful for that. I hope this sweater will keep you warm, and that the stars will remind you how much it means to be seen, thought of, and held close, even from a distance.
For every sold pattern 90 kr will be donated to Kreftforeningen. The funds raised through the Christmas Campaign go towards vital cancer research that can help make it possible for more people to come home for Christmas, New Year, and all the other days of the year.
The Christmas Campaign was started in 2012 and will be held for the fifteenth time in 2026. Since it began, the campaign has contributed more than NOK 350 million to vital cancer research.
You can also purchase the pattern through Kreftforeningen: See pattern here
Information about the sweater:
The Christmas Sweater is worked top-down with a round yoke construction and a charted colorwork pattern. Optional short rows can be worked to shape the neckline. The yoke is shaped with increases before the work is divided for the body and sleeves, which are finished separately. The sweater has a relaxed fit, and the lengths of both the body and sleeves can easily be adjusted as you go. The pattern includes two options for the neckline, as well as optional bust shaping using short rows for those who need extra length at the front. Finally, the star motif is embroidered around the sleeve cuff as a decorative detail. The sweater can be worked as either a women’s or men’s sweater; simply follow the pattern instructions and select the specified lengths for women or men as you work.
Difficulty level: 4 out of 5
The pattern is suitable for knitters with some experience who are comfortable knitting in the round, following charts, working stranded colorwork, and increasing and decreasing stitches. The pattern also includes double knitting and Italian bind-off. Optional bust shaping and neck shaping using short rows are described separately.
Sizes: XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL (4XL)
Bust measurement (Body measurement): 82-92 (87-97) 98-108 (103-113) 111-121 (117-127) 125-135 (130-140) cm
Bust measurement (Garments measurement): 112 (117) 128 (133) 141 (147) 155 (160) cm
The sweater is designed with approx. 20–30 cm of positive ease.
Gauge:
Stockinette stitch: 15 stitches and 15 rows on 6 mm needles = 10 cm after washing and blocking
Colorwork: 15 stitches and 15 rows on 6 mm needles = 10 cm after washing and blocking
Ribbing (1x1): 18 stitches and 19 rows on 5 mm needles = 10 cm after washing and blocking
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
Yarn suggestion for this sweater:
One strand Blåne or Troll from Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk (57 meters/ 50 grams)
Yarn colors:
Blue version:
Main color: Troll, 745 isblå
Contrast color 1: Blåne, 2116 mørk brun
Contrast color 2: Troll, 702 ubleket hvit
Red version:
Main color: Blåne, 2132 rød
Contrast color 1: Troll, 770 melert mørk brun
Contrast color 2: Troll, 702 ubleket hvit
Estimated yarn amount:
Women’s version:
Main color (blue/red): 500 (500) 600 (600) 700 (700) 800 (800) grams
Contrast color 1 (brown): 200 (200) 200 (200) 200 (300) 300 (300) grams
Contrast color 2 (white): 100 (100) 100 (100) 100 (100) 200 (200) grams
Men’s version:
Main color (blue/red): 600 (600) 700 (700) 800 (800) 900 (900) grams
Contrast color 1 (brown): 200 (200) 200 (200) 200 (300) 300 (300) grams
Contrast color 2 (white): 100 (100) 100 (100) 100 (100) 200 (200) grams
Knitting needles:
6 mm circular needle, 40–120 cm long cable
5 mm circular needle, 40–80 cm long cable