When I posted on Instagram about the modifications I made to my Lotus Sweater over the summer, I got some questions about what I changed to achieve this cropped aesthetic.
So, here is an informal roadmap for the mods I did in order to get this look:
First, I cast on for the Front Hem according to the instructions in the pattern for my size—size 2. Instead of knitting to the length called for in the pattern, I knit my front hem to 1.5'' / 3.75 cm and placed my stitches on hold.
Then, I cast on for the Back Hem according to the instructions in the pattern and knit to 1.5'' / 3.75 cm, just like on the front. Then, I followed the instructions to join in the round and begin knitting the body of my sweater.
I followed the instructions for the body for 9 total Lotus rounds, ending after a row 15 of the pattern repeat. Then, I continued to follow the pattern as written for both front and back armhole and upper body shaping, front and back neck and shoulder twisted ribbing, and the 3-needle bind off called for in the pattern.
The total body length of my sweater from shoulder to hem ended up being 15.5” / 38.75 cm.
For sleeves, I opted to do a 3/4 length sleeve. From where I picked up my sleeve stitches per the size 2 pattern instructions, my sleeve measured 11.5” / 28.75 cm in total length, including a 1.5'' / 3.75 cm cuff.
To make my Lotus flowers, I used a rainbow gradient of stash Wildflower yarn. I've listed each color used below, in order from the bottom up:
1. Ochre Rose
2. Blossom
3. Lotus Petal
4. Goldenrod
5. Come Alive Green
6. Reflection Pool
7. Caribbean Waters
8. Iris
9. Caribbean Waters
10. Reflection Pool
11. Come Alive Green
12. Goldenrod
13. Lotus Petal
14. Blossom
15. Ochre Rose
16. Blossom
I've now knitted two of these sweaters for myself—this cropped style and the OG version in Aquamarine! I love them both dearly in different ways and think both definitely have a place in my wardrobe.
Let me know if you have any questions about the mods I made or if you plan to knit your own! I'd love to see pics 💕