Loyal Test Knit Basics
This lightweight, versatile ruana features all-over lace and cables, with several customizable options, and uses sport or light DK weight yarn. Luxury or plant-based fibers are recommended for warm weather wearing. Knit flat in one piece, with options to seam the sides, attach buttons to the sides or front, or leave open to wear as a shawl.
TEST DATES:
May 30, 2022 - July 10, 2022
This test knit will be hosted on Slack.
Applications will be considered based on your responses, previous test knitting outcomes, portfolio (a regularly maintained Ravelry and/or Instagram profile is required), and level of experience for this given project.
The test is slated to begin on Monday, May 30, 2022, when a formatted, fully tech-edited pattern will be sent to testers who have completed a gauge swatch.
Loyal Test Knitter Requirements
Previous experience in knitting garments
Previous experience in test knitting for designers or publications
Previous experience in lace knitting
Knowledge of standard swatching for gauge purposes
Knowledge of wet or steam blocking garments to measurements
Ability to learn new techniques and problem-solve independently
Attention to detail when reading patterns, especially with multiple sizes
Ability and willingness to photograph FO in clear, natural lighting for social media sharing purposes
Specs
SIZING
1, 2, 3, (4, 5, 6)
Garment width measurement (flat):
18.5, 23.5, 28.5, (33.5, 38.5, 43.5)”/ 46.5, 59, 71.5, (84, 96.5, 109) cm
Recommended fit is 3-10”/ 7.5-25cm of positive ease at bust. To determine size, measure your full bust, then divide the number in half. Choose the garment width that is 1.5-5”/ 4-12.5cm larger than that number, or the width that, doubled, will give you the amount of ease you prefer.
Sample is size 2 on 38” bust with 9” of positive ease.
MATERIALS
Yarn: Sport or light DK weight yarn
Sample uses The Fibre Co. Road to China Light — 65% baby alpaca, 15% silk, 10% camel, 10% cashmere, 159 yd/ 145 per 50g
Other recommended yarns include:
Yardage: 590, 750, 910, (1145, 1316, 1587) yds / 540, 686, 832, (1047, 1203, 1451) m
Stated yardage includes yarn for a full-sized (5” x 5”/ 12.5cm x 12.5cm) swatch. If adding length beyond what is written in the pattern, additional yardage is required.
Needle size: US 8/ 5.00mm (or size needed to obtain gauge), 24-47”/ 60-120 cm circular needles
Tools: Spare cable or scrap yarn, cable needle, stitch markers, tapestry needle
Notions: 2-8 buttons, 1-1.25”/ 2.5-3cm in diameter (optional)
Gauge: 21 sts x 27 rows = 4” x 4” (10cm x 10cm) in lacework, flat, after washing and blocking
SKILLS
Required: Lace knitting, cable knitting
Optional: Cable knitting without a cable needle, seaming, attaching buttons to knitted fabrics