DROPS Alpaca Bouclé
DROPS Alpaca Bouclé
80% Alpaca, 15% Wool, 5% Polyamide
from 5.00 $ /50g
Get the yarn to make this pattern from 40.00$.

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!

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Willow Lane

Knitted sweater in DROPS Alpaca Bouclé. Worked back and forth in garter stitch and stripes. Size: S - XXXL

DROPS 197-35
DROPS design: Pattern ab-088
Yarn group C
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Size: S - M - L - XL - XXL – XXXL
Finished measurements:
Chest measurements: 128-136-142-154-163-178 cm = 50 3/8"-53 1/2"-55 3/4"-60 1/2"-64"-70"
Full length: 56-58-60-62-64-66 cm = 22"-22 3/4"-23 5/8"-24 3/8"-25 1/2"-26"

All measurements in charts are in cm.

Materials:
DROPS ALPACA BOUCLÉ from Garnstudio (belongs to yarn group C)
200-250-250-300-300-350 g color no 0517, grey
200-250-250-300-300-350 g color 0602, brown

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ACCESSORIES FOR THE PIECE:

KNITTING GAUGE:
15 stitches in width and 29 rows vertically in garter stitch = 10 x 10 cm = 4” x 4”.

NEEDLES:
DROPS CIRCULAR NEEDLE SIZE 5.5 mm = US 9, length 60 or 80 cm = 24” or 32” for garter stitch.
Needle size is only a suggestion! If you have too many stitches on 10 cm = 4” switch to larger needles. If you have too few stitches on 10 cm = 4” switch to smaller needles.

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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 Bouclé
DROPS Alpaca Bouclé
80% Alpaca, 15% Wool, 5% Polyamide
from 5.00 $ /50g
Get the yarn to make this pattern from 40.00$.

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 Super Sale

SAVE 30% on 6 cotton favorites!
Valid until 04.12.2024

Pattern instructions

NOTE: This pattern is written in American English. All measurements in charts are in cm. For conversion from inches to cm - click here. There are different terms for crocheting in American and British English. If this pattern includes crochet, click for "crochet terms" here. For this pattern in British English, please click here.
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EXPLANATION FOR THE PATTERN:

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GARTER STITCH (worked in the round):
1 ridge = 2 rounds. Knit 1 round and purl 1 round.

GARTER STITCH (back and forth):
1 ridge = knit 2 rows.

STRIPES:
*Work 1 ridge brown, 1 ridge grey *, work from *-*.

DECREASE TIP-1 (applies to sleeves):
Decrease 1 stitch inside 1 edge stitch in garter stitch in each side by knitting 2 stitches together.

DECREASE TIP-2 (evenly):
To calculate how to decrease evenly, use the total number of stitches on needle (e.g. 82 stitches) and divide stitches by number of decreases to be done (e.g. 4) = 20,5. In this example work alternately approx. every 19th and 20th stitch and every 20th and 21st stitch together.

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START THE PIECE HERE:

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SWEATER - SHORT OVERVIEW OF THE PIECE:
Worked back and forth on circular needle bottom up in parts and sewn together when finished. The entire sweater is worked in garter stitch and stripes. Sleeves are worked back and forth on circular needle, top down.

SWEATER:
BACK PIECE:
Cast on 98-104-110-118-126-136 stitches (including 1 edge stitch in each side) on circular needle size 5.5 mm = US 9 with 1 strand of each color (= 2 strands). Work 2 ridges in GARTER STITCH - read explanation above. Then work with 1 strand Alpaca Bouclé. Now work in garter stitch and STRIPES - read explanation above, until piece measures 39-40-41-42-43-44 cm = 15 1/4”-15 3/4”-16 1/8”-16 1/2”-17”-17 1/4”. REMEMBER THE KNITTING GAUGE! At the beginning of the next 2 rows bind off 2-2-3-3-4-4 stitches for armholes = 94-100-104-112-118-128 stitches. Continue back and forth in garter stitch and stripes. When piece measures 50-52-54-56-58-60 cm = 19 3/4”-20 1/2”-21 1/4”-22”-22 3/4”-23 5/8”, bind off the middle 32-32-34-34-36-36 stitches for neck and finish each shoulder separately. Then bind off 1 stitch at the beginning of next row from neck = 30-33-34-38-40-45 stitches. Continue to work until piece measures 56-58-60-62-64-66 cm. Bind off, but make sure to avoid a tight bind-off edge by making 1 yarn over after approx. every 5th stitch (bind off yarn over as regular stitch). Work the other shoulder the same way.

FRONT PIECE:
Cast on 98-104-110-118-126-136 stitches (including 1 edge stitch in each side) on circular needle size 5.5 mm = US 9 with 1 strand of each color (= 2 strands). Work 2 ridges. Now work in garter stitch and stripes as on back piece, until piece measures 39-40-41-42-43-44 cm = 15 1/4”-15 3/4”-16 1/8”-16 1/2”-17”-17 1/4”. At the beginning of the next 2 rows bind off 2-2-3-3-4-4 stitches for armholes = 94-100-104-112-118-128 stitches. Continue back and forth in garter stitch and stripes. When piece measures 47-49-50-52-53-55 cm = 18 1/2”-19 1/4”-19 3/4”-20 1/2”-21”-21 5/8”, slip the middle 18-18-20-20-22-22 stitches on a stitch holder for neck and finish each shoulder separately. Then bind off stitches on every row from neck as follows: Bind off 3 stitches 2 times and 1 stitch 2 times = 30-33-34-38-40-45 stitches. Continue to work until piece measures 56-58-60-62-64-66 cm = 22”-22 3/4”-23 5/8”-24 3/4”-25 1/2”-26”. Bind off, but make sure to avoid a tight bind-off edge by making 1 yarn over after approx. every 5th stitch. Work the other shoulder the same way.

SLEEVE:
Cast on 53-56-59-62-65-68 stitches on circular needle size 5.5 mm = US 9 with 1 strand brown. Work in garter stitch and stripes back and forth. When piece measures 4 cm = 1 1/2”, decrease 1 stitch inside 1 edge stitches in garter stitch in each side - read DECREASE TIP-1! Decrease like this approx. every 4-3-3-3-3-2 cm = 1 1/2”-1 1/8”-1 1/8”-1 1/8”-1 1/8”-3/4” 7-8-8-9-10-11 times in total = 39-40-43-44-45-46 stitches. Continue until sleeve measures 41-40-40-38-37-35 cm = 16 1/8”-15 3/4”-15 3/4”-15”-14 1/2”-13 3/4” (shorter measurements in the larger sizes because of wider shoulders). Work 2 ridges with 1 strand of each color (= 2 strands). Bind off - make sure that the bind-off edge is not too tight. Fold up sleeve at the bottom. Work the other sleeve the same way.

ASSEMBLY:
Sew shoulder seams inside bind-off edge. Sew sleeves in body down to stitches bind off for armhole. Sew inside 1 edge stitch in garter stitch on body and inside cast-on edge on sleeves. Sew seam under sleeve and side seams in one inside 1 edge stitch in garter stitch. Repeat in the other side.

NECK EDGE:
Work neck edge back and forth on circular needle. Begin with circular needle size 5.5 mm = US 9 and 1 strand in each color (= 2 strands) and pick up from right side 82-82-87-87-92-92 stitches (including stitches from stitch holders). Knit 1 row from wrong side. Continue by knitting 8 rows (= 4 ridges), AT THE SAME TIME on every row from right side decrease 4 stitches evenly - read DECREASE TIP-2 = 66-66-71-71-76-76 stitches. Work 2 more ridges. Bind off - make sure that the bind-off edge is not too tight. Sew neck edge together in outer loops of edge stitches.

Diagram

All measurements in charts are in cm.

diagram measurements
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 only serve 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 converter, 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 converter 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 converted 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 converter

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 converter, 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 converter 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 gauge tension 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 (usually 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.

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 (13)

country flag Magda wrote:

Ich möchte diesen Pullover für eine Freundin stricken, die etwas stärker ist. Bei einem normal bis locker sitzenden Pullover ist bei meiner Freundin das Vorderteil unter dem Arm 90 cm breit, an der Hüfte 80 cm. Wird dieses Modell in Größe XXXL an ihr noch gut aussehen? - Wenn ich mit 14 anstelle von 15 Maschen (je 10 cm) stricke, werden alle Teile entsprechend größer, auch die Ärmel. Ist das eine gute Lösung?

16.04.2023 - 16:40

DROPS Design answered:

Liebe Magda, leider können wir nicht jede Anleitung nach jeder Anfrage anpassen bzw umrechnen, aber sicher wird Ihnen Ihr DROPS Händler damit auch gerne per E-Mail oder Telefon weiterhelfen. Danke im voraus für Ihr Verständnis. Viel Spaß beim stricken!

17.04.2023 - 09:46

country flag Catole wrote:

What size is the model wearing?

27.11.2021 - 17:10

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Catole, our modelss usually wear size M. Happy Stitching!

28.11.2021 - 00:30

country flag Bara Zarubova wrote:

Dobrý den, je nutné plést na kruhových jehlicích? Podle instrukcí to vypadá, že se každý díl plete samostatně? Přední i zadní, potom nechápu (ale jsem začátečnice:), proč na kruhových jehlicích? Nebo mohu plést na normálních a potom vše sešít? Děkuji, Bára

10.01.2021 - 13:09

DROPS Design answered:

Dobrý den, Báro, ano, tento pulovr můžete plést i na klasických, rovných jelicích. Pletení na kruhové jehlici je pohodlnější a vzhledem k šířce dílů i přehlednější (rovná jehlice má omezenou délku a díl na ní bude "nařasený"), proto uvádíme v návodu právě kruhové jehlice. Hezký den! Hana

11.01.2021 - 07:04

country flag Kristen wrote:

Is there a reason why you don’t knit the neck in the round ? It would avoid having to sew up the edges.

27.08.2020 - 00:38

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Kristen, most people rather work garter stitch in rows than in the round, feel free to adapt the neck edge. Happy knitting!

27.08.2020 - 10:12

country flag Yael wrote:

I love this pattern! I'd like to knit it in L size but in XXXL length. How many cm do I need to measure from cast on until armholes? Thank you.

19.10.2019 - 12:25

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Yael, check the armhole depth you need, to either keep armhole lenght for L (then add extra length before armhole = 19 cm) or for XXXL (keep measurements from size XXXL = 22 cm). Happy knitting!

21.10.2019 - 09:30

country flag Louise wrote:

Is there a way to search the patterns by “garter stitch?” I knit “Portuguese” style and that’s the best for me. Thanks very much for this wonderful resource.

14.10.2019 - 05:51

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Louise, on the home-page under "find patern" thre i s alittle window, where you can put in any kind of search word, like I did just with "garter" and it came up with these results. Happy Knitting!

14.10.2019 - 10:25

country flag Anne wrote:

Er det ikke muligt at strikke den på rundpind så man undgår sammensyninger i siderne?

11.05.2019 - 22:51

DROPS Design answered:

Hej Anne, jo det kan man gøre, men de fleste synes det er lettere at strikke retstrik frem og tilbage (ret på hver pind). Husk at hvis du vil strikke retstrik rundt, så skal hver 2.p strikkes ret og hver 2. vrang. God fornøjelse!

13.05.2019 - 08:58

country flag Jakobina wrote:

Hei! Jeg har lagt den i alpaca bouclè allerede, men har lyst til å lage den med Belle garnet. Trenger jeg å gjøre noen endringer i oppskriften?

04.02.2019 - 12:23

DROPS Design answered:

Hei Jakobina, Da må du endre på maske- og rad-antall for å få riktige mål. Finne ut hvor mange masker/rad på 10 x 10 cm prøvelapp og endre målene etter det. Dette tar litt tid men er absolutt en mulighet. God fornøyelse!

05.02.2019 - 08:19

country flag Mourgues Jacqueline wrote:

Bonjour, est il possible de faire ce modèle avec des aiguilles droites. Merci d'avance

16.01.2019 - 19:35

DROPS Design answered:

Bonjour Mme Mourgues, seul le col se tricote ici en rond, les autres pièces se tricotent en allers et retours sur aiguille circulaire pour avoir suffisamment de place pour y loger toutes les mailles - cliquez ici pour savoir comment utiliser des aiguilles circulaires au lieu des aiguilles droites. Bon tricot!

17.01.2019 - 09:12

country flag Dorota wrote:

Jest bomba zaraz go bede robic:)

09.01.2019 - 19:47