Fraises des bois

Fraises des bois Knit Pattern by Bunnymuff

What is Being Made

Fraises des bois is a knitted sweater or jumper designed by Mona Zillah of bunnymuff. This is an intermediate-level knitting project suitable for crafters with foundational knitting experience who are ready to tackle more complex construction techniques.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for 2 Ply Jumper Weight yarn by Jamieson & Smith, which is 100% Shetland wool. The yarn is spun at a fingering weight with approximately 125 yards (115 meters) per 25-gram skein. The pattern requires multiple colors:

• CP (Main Color): 6 to 20 skeins depending on size
• CC1 (Contrasting Color 1): 3 to 14 skeins depending on size
• CC2 (Contrasting Color 2): 1 skein

The pattern is worked on circular needles (noted as "aiguilles circ" in the French instructions).

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate pattern incorporates several advanced knitting techniques that add visual interest and shaping:

• Montage avec boucle à l'envers (Backwards Loop Cast-On): A cast-on method where loops are placed directly onto the right needle by passing the yarn over the index finger from back to front, then placing the needle into the loop and allowing it to slide onto the needle.
• Rangs Raccourcis Allemands (German Short Rows): An advanced short-row shaping technique that creates nearly invisible transitions, allowing for three-dimensional shaping without visible jogs in the fabric.
• Rabattage des mailles (Bind-Off): The pattern allows crafters to use their preferred bind-off method or a slipped-stitch bind-off for a refined edge finish.

Stitches and Construction

While specific stitch abbreviations are referenced in the pattern documentation, the construction relies on fundamental knitting stitches combined with the shaping techniques mentioned above. The use of circular needles suggests seamless or nearly seamless construction, which is typical for modern sweater patterns and allows for easy try-ons during the knitting process.

Pattern Details

The Fraises des bois pattern is available as a downloadable PDF from designer Mona Zillah. The pattern includes sizing options ranging from extra-small through extra-large, with yardage requirements scaling accordingly. The multi-color construction using the main color and two contrasting colors creates a complex, visually dynamic finished garment suitable for showcasing the beautiful Shetland wool fiber.