Hild is knitted from the top down, starting with the Turkish cast-on for the hood (fully instructed in the pattern). The shoulders begin with provisional cast-ons and short row shaping to create the shoulder slope, then the remainder of the yoke is knitted with simultaneous set-in sleevecaps. Body and sleeves are knitted in the round.
The pattern is written for 14 sizes, from 32-58 inch chests, and includes guidance on how to add or remove length in the body and sleeves for a custom fit. . Full written instructions are given for everything except the cables. For these you must be able to follow a chart (provided).
The suggested needle size is 5mm/US 8. Choose needles for your preferred methods of small diameter circular knitting (the sleeves), and for flat knitting with long rows. You will need two circular needles for the method instructed for the hood.
Tension/gauge is 18 stitches and 24 rows per 10cm/4″ in blocked stocking stitch/stockinette. If necessary adjust your needle size to achieve this tension/gauge.
The pattern is also available in ‘Born & Bred’ (see ‘Books’).
Marie –
This is a really great design, that works well for larger ladies like myself! The pattern is well written, seamless, with very clever with use of short rows to add the shoulders after knitting the hood. I knit mine in blue Drops Nepal and have worn it lots – http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Wychwoodlady/hild