Get Ready!
for the 5th Annual 4 Day KAL
It’s been five years since that first long weekend when I thought maybe I’d try to knit a sweater in four days. It was a silly personal challenge and I had no idea that it would become an annual event that drew together a remarkable community of knitters around the globe. The 4 Day Knitalong has never been about 4 days – not really. It’s about knitting a sweater faster than we thought we could – and doing it with the energy, enthusiasm, and the support of our community.
Find this year’s knitalong packet and pattern here.
The first 4 Day Knitalong was Stillwater, then Beekeeper, then Foxtrot and Soundtrack. We knit together through highs and lows, through our triumphs and our struggles. We knit together through the loneliest year that many of us have ever experienced.
This year, with hope on the horizon, we’re embracing the 5th Annual 4 Day Knitalong with renewed energy and joy. Join us for the knitting party of the year – a celebration of life, friendship, and brighter days.
Our 2021 Theme is FIREWORKS 
(I did say it was a celebration, didn’t I?)
Did Someone Say SWAG?
This year we have some limited edition official knitalong swag! Grab yours here.
Hints
- It’s a yoke-style pullover
- It’s one single color
- My team and I knit our samples in Sew Happy Jane Delightful DK Tweed
- DK weight tonals, solid colors, tweeds, and kettle-dyed yarns are recommended. Less color variation is better.
- Participating LYS and yarn dyers will have other fun yarn ideas to share
- There are NO photo sneak peeks until June 7th
- The skill level is intermediate, but if you’re a confident advanced beginner, you can do this
- You DO NOT have to knit the sweater in 4 days – we knit together the whole month of July, so you can work at your own pace.
Details
Yarn — Sew Happy Jane Delightful DK Tweed | 85% superwash merino, 15% nylon neps | 230 yards in 100 g
Gauge — 20 st and 28 rounds/rows in 4 in/10 cm in stockinette stitch, blocked (Pattern includes an alternate gauge option of 22 st and 30 rounds/rows in 4 in/10 cm to expand size and yarn options)
Sizes —
1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
Finished Measurements —
Regular Gauge: 20 st in 4 in/10 cm
Bust/Chest Circumference: 31.2 (34.8, 41.2, 44.8, 48.8, 53.4, 56.4, 60.8, 64.8) in/78 (87, 103, 112, 122, 133.5, 141, 152, 162) cm bust*
Alternate Gauge: 22 st in 4 in/10 cm
Bust/Chest Circumference: 28.25 (31.75, 37.5, 40.75, 44.25, 48.5, 51.25, 55.25, 59) in/ 71 (79, 93.75, 101.75, 111, 121.25, 128.25, 138.25, 147.25) cm bust*
*Please note that these measurements are not final and may vary slightly in the final pattern
Yardage — 1010 (1182, 1335, 1485, 1597, 1688, 1784, 1886, 1994) yards/923 (1080, 1220, 1357, 1460, 1543, 1631, 1724, 1823) meters (If in doubt, please round up)
Needles — US Size 6/4mm (24-32 in/60-80 cm) circular – body; US Size 6/4mm (12 in/30 cm) circular or DPNs – sleeves: US Size 4/3.5mm (16 in/40 cm) circular – neckline; US Size 4/3.5mm (12 in/30 cm) circular or DPNs – cuffs. (Note: Adjust your needle size, if necessary, to obtain correct gauge.)
Fit Advice — This sweater is meant to fit with about 2 inches/5 cm positive ease. For best results, choose the size with a finished measurement that is 2 inches/5 cm larger than your full bust measurement.
Support Your Favorite Yarnies
In addition to our yarn sponsor, Sew Happy Jane, we have OODLES of yarn shops and dyers participating to bring you drool-worthy yarn + some LYS activities with participating shops, in select locations. (Scroll down to see the list!) We’ll be giving away 50+ prizes from your favorite shops and yarnies (and yours truly) throughout the month of July while we knit along together.
What if I can’t knit it in 4 days?!?
You do not have to knit the sweater in 4 days. For those who like a challenge, you can try your hands at the speedy 4-10 day pace (based on your size), but the speed is completely up to you. We’ll be celebrating and knitting throughout the month of July, so you can work at the pace that’s best for you. The goal is to reach the finish line – however long it may take to get there. We’re here to help you knit a sweater faster than you thought you could, but it’s a personal challenge that will vary from person to person.
The Timeline of Events (Save the Dates!)
May 17th: Yarn details, gauge and size information revealed! Now is a great time to start thinking about yarn. See our list of participating vendors below.
June 3rd: Pattern pre-order will be available on oliveknits.com and Ravelry at a discounted price of $9.00. The pre-order packet will include all the yarn/gauge/size details, plus the full timeline of events, list of participating shops, tips for choosing your size, etc…
June 7th: Pattern photos are finally revealed! You’ll finally see samples of Fireworks from all of our participating shops.
July 1st: Virtual Cast On Party – Livestream
July ALL MONTH: Weekly livestreams and prize drawings with Marie on Facebook
July 30th: Official end of KAL and Virtual Bind Off Party – Livestream
Participating Yarn Shops and Dyers
In addition to this year’s yarn sponsor, Sew Happy Jane, be sure to check out the other great yarn shops and dyers who are participating! You’ll find yarn inspiration and local activities at some participating locations.
NOTE: Newly participating shops are updated once a week on Fridays and are listed in alphabetical order (except for Yarn Sponsor). Please scan the list for the shop you’re looking for. (Shop listing closes June 15, 2021, so more shops may be participating than what is listed here.)
