Today, we will finally begin knitting this year’s prettiest Christmas sweater: the Pretty X-Mas Sweater. A warm Christmas welcome!
First, we want to welcome Anna Bauer, the designer behind Svarta Fåret’s 2025 Christmas sweater!
Hello Anna! Please tell us what your ideas were behind this year’s Christmas sweater?
The idea behind this sweater was making a Christmas sweater without reindeer and elves, but one which would still convey a clear sense of Christmas. The combination of soft Merino wool and a colorwork pattern yoke seemed rather obvious.
That sounds lovely! Can you tell us a little about the design itself?
The sweater is knitted from the top down and the yoke finishes with bobbles reminiscent of tiny snowballs or Christmas balls, depending on which colors you choose.
We are curious – Do you have some tips to consider for color choices?
Yes! Contrast color 1 (red on my sweater) should be a color that especially pops. If you want the bobbles to be even more distinct, also choose a color pop for contrast color 2.
You mentioned that the sweater is knitted top down – what are the advantages of that?
Knitting from the top down has two advantages. One, you begin with a fun-to-knit yoke and, two, it is easier to try the sweater on as you work so you can determine the right length for the sleeves and body.
Finally – What are the best occasions for wearing this sweater?
The Pretty X-Mas Sweater 2025 is as great to wear for Christmas parties and mulled wine gatherings as for winter walks. It is super soft, with no final assembly, and it’s really fun to knit! Many thanks to Anna for sharing her tips and tricks – and now find out more about how the sweater is made!
Now, we’ll look a little more closely as the various steps of the sweater construction and what materials you’ll need to participate in this KAL which will take place in our Facebook group, moderated by Ellen Furderer. Download english pattern on Ravelry
TECHNIQUES INCLUDED
· Two-color ribbing
· Two-color stranded knitting
· Knitting in the round from the top down
· Short Rows
· Popcorn stitch
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
· Read through the information about sizing and measure your chest to determine what size you should choose. Keep in mind that the measurements given in the pattern refer to the finished measurements of the garment!
· Knit a gauge swatch to insure that your gauge matches that given in the pattern. Gauge is especially important when you are making a large garment such as a sweater. If your gauge is not correct, your pullover will be smaller or larger than you expect.
YARN Merino (100% Merino wool, 109 yd/100 m / 50 g)
ALTERNATE YARN SUGGESTION Ulrika (100% superwash wool, 109 yd/100 m / 50 g)
GAUGE Approx. 20 sts x 24 rnds in stockinette on larger size needles = 4 x 4 in / 10 x 10 cm. Adjust needle size to obtain correct gauge if necessary.
SIZES XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL)
GARMENT CHEST Approx. 34¾ (36¼, 39½, 42½, 45¾, 48¾, 52) in / 88 (92, 100, 108, 116, 124, 132) cm
GARMENT LENGTH as measured down side Approx. 11½ (12, 12½, 12¾, 13¼, 13½, 14) in / 29.5 (30.5, 31.5, 32.5, 33.5, 34.5, 35.5) cm
GARMENT SLEEVE LENGTH Approx. 18 (18, 18¼, 18¾, 19, 19½, 21) in / 45.5 (45.5, 46.5, 47.5, 48.5, 49.5, 50.5) cm
GARMENT UPPER SLEEVE WIDTH Approx. 11¾ (12¼, 12¾, 13¾, 15, 17, 18¼) in / 30 (31, 32, 35, 38, 43, 46) cm
YARN AMOUNTS AND COLORS
MC (Main Color): Approx. 300 (350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600) g (color 221308, Hint of Mint)
CC1 (Contrast Color 1): Approx. 50 (50, 55, 60, 60, 70, 70) g (color 221321, Ruby Rapture)
CC2 (Contrast Color 2): Approx. 35 (35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 60) g (color 221303, Laurel Leaf)
CC3 (Contrast Color 3): Approx. 45 (45, 50, 50, 60, 60, 65) g (color 221300, Cannoli Cream)
NEEDLES U.S. size 4 / 3.5 mm: 16 and 32 in / 40 and 80 cm circulars and set of 5 dpn; U. S. 6 / 4 mm: 24, 32, and possibly 40 in / 60, 80, and possibly 100 cm circulars and set of 5 dpn
NOTIONS Stitch markers
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY Intermediate
CONSIDERATIONS FOR CHOSING YOUR SIZE
The measurements given in the pattern are measurements for the pullover itself. You’ll need to consider how much ease you want. If you prefer a somewhat looser sweater, you should add 2-4 in / 5-10 cm to your chest measurement. If you want a closer-fitting garment, choose a pattern size chest measurement that matches your own, or a circumference slightly smaller than your actual measurement.
If you want a longer or shorter sweater, just adjust it as you work, by knitting the body longer or shorter before you work the ribbed lower edge. If you adjust the sweater measurements, you should also consider how that will affect the amount of yarn needed.
IF YOU WANT TO KNIT THE SWEATER IN ANOTHER YARN
It is fine to substitute another yarn for Merino. Just make sure that the gauge will be the same as that given in the pattern.
COLOR COMBINATIONS
Frozen Garden – Frost
A frost-nipped winter garden, shining with the light of the first Advent stars. The cool mint green and cream tones dance together with deep ruby red and forest green shades – precisely as have the glass Christmas ornaments hung on branches for generations.
MC (Main Color): Approx. 300 (350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600) g (color 221308, Hint of Mint)
CC1 (Contrast Color 1): Approx. 50 (50, 55, 60, 60, 70, 70) g (color 221321, Ruby Rapture)
CC2: Approx. 35 (35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 60) g (color 221303, Laurel Leaf)
CC3: Approx. 45 (45, 50, 50, 60, 60, 65) g (color 221300, Cannoli Cream)
Home for Christmas – Stugmys
Imagine a snow-covered cottage with smoke curling out of the chimney. Inside, the fire crackles and the room is filled with the scent of pine and shades of red, gray, and green. This color combination is like a warm blanket of Christmas memories – classic, the comforts of home, and a feeling of security.
MC (Main Color): Approx. 300 (350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600) g (color 221321, Ruby Rapture)
CC1 (Contrast Color 1): Approx. 50 (50, 55, 60, 60, 70, 70) g (color 221302, Grey Giga Byte)
CC2 (Contrast Color 2): Approx. 35 (35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 60) g (color 221300, Cannoli Cream)
CC3 (Contrast Color 3): Approx. 45 (45, 50, 50, 60, 60, 65) g (color 221320, Liana Jungle)
Hoo Hoo Holiday
Christmas is given a playful twist! The exuberant nuances of pink, purple, red, and caramel pink, contain thoughts of glittering Christmas tree ornaments, boxes of chocolates in crinkly paper, and unending laughter. A color party that makes your sweater a real showstopper –- as brightly colored and pretty as the Christmas party itself.
MC (Main Color): Approx. 300 (350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600) g (color 221315, Rose Riot)
CC1 (Contrast Color 1): Approx. 50 (50, 55, 60, 60, 70, 70) g (color 221317, Mulberry Potion)
CC2 (Contrast Color 2): Approx. 35 (35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 60) g (color 221322, Red Rooster)
CC3 (Contrast Color 3): Approx. 45 (45, 50, 50, 60, 60, 65) g (color 221309, Candy Crush)
Miss Marple
Like a classic British mystery novel at Christmas time, where the fire crackles, the light glimmers, and tea steeps on the table. In the background, the scents of spruce and gingerbread, while the mystery tightens in the glow of the Advent candles.
MC (Main Color): Approx. 300 (350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600) g (color 307094, Storm Blue)
CC1 (Contrast Color 1): Approx. 50 (50, 55, 60, 60, 70, 70) g (color 307048, Pink Clay)
CC2 (Contrast Color 2): Approx. 35 (35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 60) g (color 307083, Mint Leaf)
CC3 (Contrast Color 3): Approx. 45 (45, 50, 50, 60, 60, 65) g (color 307087, Gasoline Blue)
Winter Wonderland
Like dropping straight into a glittery snow dream. The tweed bits in the yarn will remind you of snowflakes slowly drifting through the air. The air is clear, the light shines, and the snow crunches under your feet – a reminder of magic winter evenings when the world was quiet and the light burned a bit brighter.
MC (Main Color): Approx. 300 (350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600) g (color 337006, Mimolette)
CC1 (Contrast Color 1): Approx. 50 (50, 55, 60, 60, 70, 70) g (color 337007, Harissa)
CC2 (Contrast Color 2): Approx. 35 (35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 60) g (color 337081, Yellow Moss)
{NOTE this is non-superwash Ulrika]
CC3 (Contrast Color 3): Approx. 45 (45, 50, 50, 60, 60, 65) g (color 337008, Dry Rosé)
Evergreen Lodge
Imagine a Christmas in a log cabin among snow-covered mountains. The sound of crackling wood, the scent of pine, and the sparkling decorations create an atmosphere as natural as Christmas itself. Knit a sweater that makes the winter holiday something truly special.
MC (Maincolour): Approx 300 (350) 400 (450) 500 (550) 600 g (color 307084, Cypress Green)
CC1 (Contrast Color 1):Approx 50 (50) 55 (60) 60 (70) 70 g (color 307005, Natural White)
CC2 (Contrast Color 2):Approx 35 (35) 40 (45) 50 (60) 60 g (color 307067, Space Blue)
CC3 (Contrast Color 3): Approx 45 (45) 50 (50) 60 (60) 65 g (color 307047, Ruby Wine Red)
IMPORTANT LINKS
· Welcome to our Facebook group for the 2025 Pretty X-Mas Sweater!
· Please share your work on our Facebook group and Instagram pages (@svartafaret). Don’t forget to use the hashtag #xxx
· You’ll also find the Pretty X-Mas Sweater on Ravelry. Post your project there.
Juliga hälsningar från Anna och Svarta Fåret!