WHELK is an oversized, slightly cropped sweater with a striking yet simple design concept. Spiralling cables flow outward from the neckline, winding across the body and sleeves to create a tailored, twisted look.
The inspiration for this vortex-like construction comes from whelk shells, commonly found along the shores of the North Atlantic Ocean. I first encountered them as a child, spending my summer holidays at the Limfjord in Denmark, where I would collect bits of flotsam like treasures.
Skill level
Easy Intermediate
Languages
German | English | Danish
Sizes
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
Chest circumference
98 | 108 | 113 | 119 | 124 | 134 | 139 | 147 cm
38.5 | 42.5 | 44.5 | 46.8 | 48.8 | 52.8 | 54.7 | 58 ″
Length
57 | 58 | 61 | 62 | 63 | 64 | 65 | 66 cm
22.5 | 22.8 | 24 | 24.5 | 24.8 | 25.2 | 25.5 | 26 ″
Sleeve length
43 | 44 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 cm
17 | 17.3 | 17.7 | 18.1| 18.5| 18.9 |19.3 | 19.7 ″
Yoke depth
23,5 | 26,5 | 29 | 30| 31 | 32,5 | 34 | 35 cm
9.2 | 10.4 | 11.4 | 11.8 | 12.2| 12.8 |13.4 |13.8 ″
Upper arm circumference
36 | 39 | 41 | 44 | 46,5 | 50 | 51,5 | 54 cm
14 | 15.4 | 16 | 17.3 | 18.3| 19.7 |20.3 |21.3 ″
Size 8 has not been tested yet. If you are interested, please contact me.
Yarn
Rauma Fivel (50 g = 100 m)
750 | 810 | 850 | 935| 1.020 | 1.180 | 1.150 | 1200 m
820 | 885| 930| 1,022 | 1,115 | 1,290| 1,260 | 1,315 yds
Needles
Circular needles and dpns in sizes (S) 3,5 mm / US 4, (L) 4,5 mm / US 7.
Gauge
15,5 st / 24 rows = 10 cm / 4″ on needle size L in stockinette stitch after washing and blocking.
Fit
Whelk Sweater has a cropped, boxy shaped body and features a deep circular yoke, which results in a low underarm and relaxed fit through the torso. It is designed to be worn with generous positive ease of 15–20 cm / 6–8″ around the chest. The sleeves have a more regular fit, creating a balanced and flattering silhouette. The length can be adjusted individually (please note that yarn requirements will vary accordingly).
Techniques
The sweater is worked top down in rounds and knitted seamlessly. The neckband is shaped with Japanese short rows within the ribbing and the WHELK lines all over body and sleeves are worked in cabled stitches.
