Brezel by Marie Greene

Brezel

Let’s travel together to Germany as we explore the history and textile traditions of Bavaria! You’ll expand your knitting skills (and confidence) with the world of Bavarian twisted stitch knitting in this breathtaking sweater design. Together we’ll enjoy the sights and adventures of armchair travel to Munich and you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the free state of Bavaria and its textile history.

Brezel means “pretzel” in German, and you’ll see pretzel-inspired details take shape in the twistedstitch cables in this pattern.

Brezel is a round-yoke sweater, knit top-down with seamless construction. Though it’s knit in the round, it’s designed to be steeked (with in-depth tutorials to guide you through the process).

The Workshop includes:

  • Yarn advice, swatching, measuring in pattern, blocking how-to, button bands & more!
  • Support in choosing the best size for your figure, plus checking fit as you go
  • Lessons with videos & printables to support your knitting experience
  • A deep dive into the history of Bavarian knitting, virtually explore Munich, learn to bake German pretzels (including recipes) and more!

What You’ll Learn:

  • Learn to work twisted stitch cables without a cable needle
  • German short rows
  • Step-by-step steeking tutorials to turn your sweater into a cardiagan

Skill Level
Intermediate

Sizes
32 (34, 36, 38, 40, 42), 44 (46/48, 50/52, 54, 56/58, 60/62) inches at bust

Finished Measurements, blocked

Bust Circumference:
35.75 (36.75, 40.5, 42.25, 43.5, 44.5), 47.25 (49.75, 53.25, 58.25, 59.75, 65) in/ 89.5 (91.75, 101, 105.75, 108.75, 111), 118 (124.25, 133.25, 145.75, 149.5, 162.5) cm

Sleeve Circumference:
12 (12.25, 13.5, 13.75, 13.75, 14.25), 15.5 (16, 17, 17.75, 18.5, 19) in/30
(30.75, 33.75, 34.25, 34.5, 35.5), 38.5 (40, 42.25, 44.5, 46.25, 47.75) cm

Lower Body:
14-20 in/25-50 cm, according to your size.

Gauge
26 stitches and 32 rounds in 4 in/10 cm (with larger needle) in twisted stitch cable pattern, blocked

Needles
US Size 2/2.75mm (16 in/40 cm) circular needle (neckline ribbing)

US Size 3/3.25mm (24 in/60 cm) circular needle (upper yoke)

US Size 3/3.25mm (32-40 in/80-100 cm) circular needle (lower body)

US Size 3/3.25mm (32-40 in/80-100 cm) circular needle (lower body)

US Size 2/2.75mm DPNs (cuffs)

Or size needed to obtain gauge (if you adjust the needle size for the body to obtain gauge, adjust the other sizes accordingly)

Yarn

Sport weight natural wool or wool blends are recommended. If using a superwash or plantbased option, you may need a slightly heavier yarn to achieve the same gauge and fabric.

1124 (1191, 1262, 1338, 1418, 1504), 1690 (1790, 1952, 2197, 2397, 2469) yards/1027 (1089, 1154, 1223, 1296, 1375), 1545 (1636, 1784, 2008, 2191, 2257) meters

Yardage my vary; if in doubt, round up. (Please note that yarn substitutions may affect your yardage and results, so please keep this in mind when selecting yarn for your project.)

Featured as the January 2023 Workshop Knitalong.