About this Pattern
Leo Sweater is a stunning Icelandic sweater design created by Rakel from Knitter from Iceland. This beautiful piece is part of the Zodiac Lopapeysa collection and represents the sign Leo. The sweater is knitted in the round from the bottom up, featuring a colorwork yoke with distinctive lion motifs that celebrate strength and individuality. Both body and sleeves are knitted separately and later joined together for the yoke. The pattern includes optional eye details that can be knitted in or sewn on afterward, adding personality to each lion design.
The sweater is worked in the classic Icelandic yarn Ístex Léttlopi, which comes in 50 g skeins with a running length of 100 meters. This corresponds to 200 meters per 100 g or 100 meters per 50 g. The recommended colors are Mimosa (1703), Chocolate (0867), White (0051), and Rust (9427). Yarn requirements vary from 5 skeins of color A for the smallest size up to 14 skeins for the largest size, with 2–3 skeins of the contrasting colors depending on size.
The design is knitted on circular and double-pointed needles in sizes 4 mm and 5 mm. The suggested gauge is 18 stitches and 26 rows per 10 cm on 5 mm needles, knitted in the round. Since the designer notes she knits tightly, it may be necessary to adjust needle size to achieve the correct tension.
This pattern comes in an extensive size range from XXS to 5XL, making it suitable for many body types. The fit is slim with a slightly shorter body length, but knitters can easily size up for a more relaxed style. Measurements range from a body width of 71 cm in size XXS up to 156 cm in size 5XL, with body lengths from 30 to 46 cm and sleeve lengths from 42 to 52 cm depending on size.
The finishing touch is a ribbed neckline knitted on 4 mm needles, which is folded and sewn down for extra comfort and durability. After knitting, the sweater is washed gently in lukewarm water with conditioner, blocked to shape, and laid flat to dry. The result is a warm, breathable and durable Icelandic sweater that embodies the essence of traditional Lopapeysa craftsmanship while adding a unique astrological twist.
