BEGINNERS BLOUSE CHUNKY

WHAT YOU NEED

RECOMMENDED CIRCULAR NEEDLES
10 mm | US 15, 40 cm | 16 inches (for the neckline) and 60/80 cm | 24/32 inches (for the yoke)

GAUGE
8 stitches in stockinette stitch on needle size 10 mm | US 15 (or the needle size you need to hit the gauge) = 10 cm | 4 inches

YARN CONSUMPTION
4 (5) 5 (6) 6 (7) 9 skeins Nepal by Drops
together with 2 (3) 3 (4) 4 (5) 5 skeins Melody by Drops

You can use other types of yarn from your stash. Read more about choosing alternative yarn under 'Choosing yarn'

SIZES
XS (S) M (L) XL (XXL) XXXL

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Chest circumference 85 (95) 100 (105) 115 (125) 135 cm | 33.5 (37.4) 39.4 (41.3) 45.3 (49.2) 53.2 inches
Lenght 55 (56) 57 (58) 59 (60) 62 cm | 21.7 (22.0) 22.4 (22.8) 23.2 (23.6) 24.4 inches

DIFFICULTY beginner

ABOUT THE PROJECT
Beginners blouse chunky is designed for new knitters, who want to knit their first raglan sweater top down. The pattern is simple and focuses on making the knitting process easy and accessible, why I have included video instructions for all the necessary techniques. The first few pages explain the pattern and the techniques used. The pattern is placed after these instructions.

If you are an experienced knitter, you may skip the introduction and go directly to the pattern.

The pattern contains no abbreviations 
Everything is written out clearly so you do not have to worry about understanding complex knitting terms.

The blouse is worked using two strands of yarn; I have used one strand of Nepal and one strand of Melody.

Positive ease and fit
Approx. 10 cm | roughly 4 inches. Make sure to measure the widest point around your bust and add 10 cm | 4 inches to find your size. You can choose a size below your chest measurement for a tighter fit or a larger size for an oversized fit.

Choosing yarn
When using yarn alternatives it is important to always create a swatch to ensure you achieve the recommended gauge in the pattern. If the yarn is different from the recommended, you can adjust the gauge by adding more strands or adjust the needle size.

Consider texture and appearance when choosing yarn. Nepal is a structured yarn, while Melody is soft and airy. To maintain a light feel, try fluffy yarn types such as mohair or alpaca blends.

Alternatives to Drops Nepal
Drops Nepal is a wool- and alpaca blend, where the recommended needles are 5 mm | US 8. You can replace it with other yarn types with the same recommended needle size. Here are some suggestions:

1. Sandnes Yarn - Kos
2. Filcolana - Peruvian Highland Wool
3. Rowan - Felted Tweed Aran
4. Drops - Air

Alternatives to Drops Melody
Drops Melody is a light and fluffy blend of alpaca and polyamide. It is often combined with other yarn types to create volume while maintaining a light garment. Here are some suggestions:

1. Sandnes Yarn - Brushed Alpaca
2. Lang Yarns - Alpaca Superlight
3. Isager - Silk Mohair
4. Filcolana - Tilia