In ancient Finnish pagan religious thought, a “hiisi” was a sacred location, among them copses, burial sites and burial fields. The arrival of Christianity changed the meaning of the term: it began to denominate both hell and a malevolent mythological being dwelling in the forest.
Hiisi is a thick jumper knitted from top to bottom with a stranded pattern in the yoke. The jumper has a high neck and a slightly longer-than-usual hemline. While knitting Hiisi you can use the main colour either as the contrast colour in the yoke or continue it
as the background colour. If you choose to turn it into the contrast colour, the background colour will be the other colour. After making your choice, make sure you follow the correct pattern option (either 1&M1 or 2&M2). A shorter version of both patterns is also provided for those who prefer a tighter fit or if your torso is relatively short, making high yoke patterns bag up under the armpits. The measurements for the finished jumper are from the standard (longer) version.
Size
XS (S, M, L, XL) (2XL, 3XL, 4XL)
The sweater is designed to have a slightly oversized fit. Choose a size with approx. 4–6?? / 10–15 cm of positive ease at chest. (Chart M1 and M2)
Finished measurements
Chest Circumference: 84 (94, 104, 111, 120) (129, 140, 153) cm
Yoke Depth: 26 (29, 30, 32, 34) (35, 36, 37) cm.
Body Length: 44 (45, 45, 45, 46) (47, 47, 48) cm. Sleeve Length: 42 (43, 43, 44, 44) (44, 45, 45) cm.
Yarn
Istex Alafosslopi (100 % Icelandic wool, 100 g = 100 m). Samples shown in colorways Ecru heather (9972) and Garden green (1231) and Black sheep heather (0052) and Ecru heather (9972).
You can substitute Alafosslopi with another chunky weight yarn or any yarn you get gauge with.
Yardage
(large chart M1)
MC: 620 (667, 715, 884, 920) (1090, 1150, 1214) meter.
CC: 122 (132, 143, 155, 180) (192, 204, 216) meter.
Needles
US 10 / 6 mm circular needles (32–40?? / 80–100 cm) for Stockinette Stitch and colourwork, US 8 / 5 mm circular needles (32– 40?? / 80–100 cm) and DPNs (if not using the Magic Loop Method) for ribbing. Or size to get gauge.
Notions
Stitch markers, stitch holder or waste yarn, tapestry needle.
Gauge
14 sts x 19 rnds = 4 x 4?? / 10 x 10 cm with US 10 / 6 mm needles in Stockinette Stitch, after blocking.