Forest Spirits Sweater
It is getting COLD out there! We have snow and sleet incoming, and I am not a happy camper. But, that just means more time for me snuggling under blankets at home. Working from home does have some perks.
ABOUT Kodama:
This is the Forest Spirits Sweater! It is inspired by the Japanese folk spirit known as the Kodama.
Kodama are thought to live in mountain forests of Japan. They are sometimes thought to be the gods of the mountains or tree gods (kami). But, they are also considered a type of “yokai” which is like a spirit or ghost. These illusive beings tend to hide from humans, but they have been described in many different ways. Those who have seen a kodama claim they look like a normal tree, a small ball of light, a tree fairy, or even that they have the ability to shape shift into any form they wish such as that of a human!
The tree spirits are usually linked to one tree that they were birthed from. But, they are known to care for the entire forest. Usually the oldest tree in the forest is said to be the residence of the kodama. Therefore, the oldest trees in Japanese forests are often marked by Shinto “shimenawa” ropes in order to protect the trees from woodcutting.
You can see kodama in many Japanese films, and they are often depicted as playful, happy spirits. But, they can be dangerous. If one were to cut down the tree of a kodama, it would bring down a powerful curse, not only on the person that cut down the tree, but onto the entire village causing a once thriving village to fall into ruin!
ABOUT This Pattern:
For this pattern, I really wanted to capture a cute image of kodama! They really are one of my favorite Japanese Yokai!
The pdf pattern comes with written color coded directions, a sizing schematic, a neckline chart, and 4 versions of the tapestry chart (pdf, printable pdf, hi-res jpeg, and an editable excel spreadsheet).
This sweater is made with tapestry crochet, using 3 or more colors of yarn to produce the picture. It has directions for sizes S - 4XL, 32” - 59” bust, with 9” - 12” positive ease. This ease gives the sweater a nice, loose fit. But, you can easily knit a smaller size to make a tighter fit or a larger size for an even more oversized sweater.
Also, the pattern directions are for a basic striped pattern. BUT, as you can see with my testers below, you can go WILD with the striping and make the sweater truly yours! I told my testers to do whatever their heart’s desired, and look at the awesome striping they came up with! Have fun with it!
The sample sweater was crocheted with Knit Picks/We Crochet Wool of the Andes Sport weight 2 yarn. Sport weight is a great type of yarn for tapestry work because it is thin enough to get a lot of detail into the top without being too bulky.
I hope you all enjoy creating the whimsical Forest Spirits on your sweaters!
THANK YOU! to all my wonderful testers!
I LOVE TO SEE WHAT YOU CREATE!
Please share your creations with the community on social media tagging @ravinsekaidesigns and hashtag #forestspiritsweater
I can’t wait to see the beautiful things you come up with!
FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: Ravin Sekai Designs
Ravelry: RavinSekai
Instagram: @ravinsekaidesigns
Pinterest: Ravin Sekai Designs
Patreon: Ravin Sekai Designs
WHAT YOU NEED:
Hook Size: 4mm hook, or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn: Sport Weight 2. Sample crocheted in Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Sport. Approx 1900(2022, 2290, 2407, 2650, 2781, 3092) yrds total, Approx: 1235(1314, 1490, 1566, 1725, 1811, 2012) yrds black, 655(698, 790, 831, 915, 960, 1070) yrds white, 10 yrds green
Gauge: 20st/15 rows= 4” in yarn under half double crochet (gauge is after blocking).
Suggested Bust Measurements: S: 32”-35”, M: 36”-39”, L: 40”-43”, XL: 44”-47”, 2XL: 48”-51”, 3XL: 52”-55”, 4XL: 56”-59”
Finished Garment Sizing: garment has 9" - 12" positive ease Bust: 44(48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68)", Length: 23(23, 24, 24, 25, 25, 26)"
Model Size: model is 4’11” tall, 36” bust, 28” waist, 39” hips wearing size small, with 8” ease.
ABBREVIATIONS:
Abbreviations in US terms
Ch: chain
RS: right side, the side of your crochet on the outside that everyone will see.
WS: wrong side, the side of your crochet on the inside that no one will see.
B: black yarn
W: white yarn
G: green yarn
St: stitch
Sl st: slip stitch
Sc: single crochet
Scblo: single crochet in the back loop only
Hdc: half double crochet
Hdcblo: half double crochet in the back loop only
Hdc2tog: half double crochet 2 sts together
BHDC/WHDC/GHDC: black/white/green half double crochet respectively
Notes:
Top is crocheted bottom up in 4 pieces (front, back, and 2 sleeves), then seamed together.
Sizes are written S(M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL) throughout the pattern.
For sizes larger than S, the tapestry chart does not include the extra stitches for the larger sizes, so be sure to add the correct amount of stitches that aren’t shown in the chart for your size. So, add 0(5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30) sts to each side of the chart for each size larger.
For tapestry crochet, it is better and cleaner looking when you yarn under instead of yarn over for each stitch.
Make sure you hold your non-working yarn in back on the RS rows and in front on the WS rows.
I used floats on the WS of my work for the tapestry. If you are more comfortable carrying your yarn throughout the piece, do not hesitate to do so.
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Happy Creating!
IF YOU LIKED THIS PATTERN, PLEASE SUPPORT ME ON PATREON OR BUY ME A COFFEE!
BUY ME A COFFEE
SUPPORT ME ON PATREON
I LOVE TO SEE WHAT YOU CREATE!
Please share your creations with the community on social media tagging @ravinsekaidesigns and hashtag #forestspiritsweater
I can’t wait to see the beautiful things you come up with!
FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: Ravin Sekai Designs
Ravelry: RavinSekai
Instagram: @ravinsekaidesigns
Pinterest: Ravin Sekai Designs
Patreon: Ravin Sekai Designs
Hi! I’m Rachel.
I’m a quirky world traveller, avid knitter, crochet lover, pattern maker, and all around nerd! I spend a lot of time clowning around, and I often have the goofiest smile on my face. This website is the landing place for my new patterns, random thoughts, and general craziness. I hope you enjoy my randomness and my yarnie goodness!
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