Uddybende information
Gemini Sweater is a beautiful zodiac-inspired design created by Rakel from Knitter from Iceland. This Icelandic lopapeysa is part of the Zodiac series and carries the unique Gemini motif across the yoke, making it a striking yet timeless garment. The sweater is knitted in the round from the bottom up, combining traditional Icelandic techniques with modern shaping for a comfortable fit. It is designed with a slim silhouette and slightly shorter body length, but if you prefer a looser fit, you can simply size up.
The Gemini sweater is worked in Ístex Plötulopi, a classic unspun Icelandic wool that is both lightweight and insulating. The yarn comes in 100 g plates with a running length of 300 m, which means 150 m per 50 g. This makes it easy to calculate yarn needs across the many included sizes, ranging from XXS to 5XL. The design uses three colours: White (0001), Black (0059) and Grey (9102). Yarn quantities vary depending on size, but you will always need more of the main colour and smaller amounts of the contrasting colours for the yoke pattern.
The recommended needle sizes are 4 mm and 5 mm circular needles (40 and 60/80 cm depending on your size) as well as double-pointed needles in the same sizes for working sleeves and smaller circumferences. The designer notes that she personally knits tightly, so you may need to adjust and use 4.5 mm needles to achieve the correct gauge. The gauge for this pattern is 18 stitches and 26 rows = 10 x 10 cm on 5 mm needles, which ensures the proper fit and drape of the garment.
The construction follows the traditional Icelandic method: you begin with ribbing at the hem, knit the body up to the underarms, then work the sleeves separately before joining all pieces together for the yoke. The highlight of the sweater is the Gemini colourwork yoke, which changes slightly depending on the size being knitted. The pattern includes clear charts to guide you through the yoke. The sweater is finished with a ribbed neckline, which can be folded over and sewn down for a neat edge.
Practical finishing instructions are included, such as weaving in ends, sewing underarms, and blocking the garment carefully. Thanks to the qualities of Plötulopi, the Gemini sweater will be warm, breathable and durable, while the zodiac motif ensures a personal and meaningful design. This sweater is perfect for knitters who love colourwork and want to create a piece with both tradition and astrological symbolism.
