Mille ori

MILLEFIORI
EXPRESSION1 FIBER ARTS Expression Fiber Arts
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 -Mille ori-

Mille ori is the Italian word for thousand (mille) owers ( ori). Mille ori is also a glasswork technique that produces
distinctive, decorative patterns of tiny owers, thus “thousand owers.” The many colors contained in the four yarns
used in this pattern, as well as the gradient blend from one skein to the next, resemble a thousand owers.

The Mille ori sweater is the sister pattern to the Malvarosa sweater, and both designs use Dewy DK yarn in a creative
way with a positive twist. I loved working with Dewy DK while designing this sweater, and I hope you will enjoy
knitting and wearing your own Mille ori sweater.

CA N DY K E Y CHANDI AGEE

Designer Expression Fiber Arts

www.etcknittingstudio.net www.expression berarts.com

We appreciate you downloading our pattern! We pour tons of time and love into each one and hope you enjoy it.
Should you have any questions, please contact info@expressionfiberarts.com for assistance.

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 - DETAILS-
SIZES: XS: 32-34” (S: 36-38", M: 40-42", L: 44-46") (XL: 48-50”, 2XL: 52-54”,
3XL: 56-58”, 4XL: 60-62”)
Sizes are based on actual bust measurements. The sweater is designed to be worn
with 2” of positive ease. The sample shown is a size S, modeled on a 34” bust.
DIMENSIONS

Expression Fiber Arts Dewy DK

(250 yds/228 m per 4 oz/115 g skein)
Shown in colors: A) Wisteria, B) Lupine Love, C) Panacea, and D) Moonless Night.
Yardage used per color, per size is found on page 9.
If those colors aren't available, any from this category will work. MATERIALS

US size 6 (4.00 mm) circular needles with several different cable lengths to
knit the neck, body, and sleeves. The Small sample was made with 32” (81 cm)
circular needles for the body of sweater and 16” (41 cm) circular needles for
the neck and sleeves. Adjust your cable length, as needed.
NEEDLE

Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers, safety pin for counting
rows, stitch holder or waste yarn, and crochet hook for any dropped stitches
or repairs
TOOLS

24 sts and 32 rows = 4” (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch, unblocked

GAUGE

Intermediate - This pattern is for those who feel comfortable with knitting
and have made a few projects, using various skills and techniques. Skills/
concepts include garment construction, German Short Rows, and adding
stitches throughout a garment.
SKILL LEVEL

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 - ABBREVIATIONS-

BO bind off

BOR beginning of round

CO cast on

DS German Row double stitch or double knit stitch

k knit

kfb knit front back; knit into front and back of stitch (one stitch increased)

k2tog knit 2 stitches together (one stitch decreased)

m marker

p purl

pm place marker

rem remaining

rep repeat

RS right/front side of work

sm slip marker

st(s) stitch(es)

WS wrong/back side of work

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 - PATTERN-
NOTES

• Mille ori is knitted as a four-color gradient. The sample shown here started with the lightest color
and moved to the darkest. The body rounds were divided into four sections. Because the sleeve
length is longer than the body of the sweater, more of the darkest (fourth) color was used on the
bottom of the sleeves. If you alter the length of the body from the pattern instructions, you will
need to adjust your round counts, as well as the point at which you change colors.
• The gradient sections are composed of 12 rows. Use the table on page 10 to determine when to
change colors based on your round count. You will have to watch for the color changes as you
knit because although the changes are indicated in the table, they are NOT included in the
individual round instructions. Be sure to stay alert to your round counts and color changes.
• The pattern includes two short row sections for shaping the bust and shoulders, and the German
Short Row method is recommended. Click here to watch a video on this technique.
• The pattern has long, puffy bishop sleeves with cuffs. The Stockinette section on the sleeves is
knitted to the bend of the wrist. At that point, you’ll begin the cuff ribbing, and this creates the
sleeve puff. Occasionally try on the sleeve to ensure it is the correct length for your body.
• The joy of knitting a sweater from the top down is that you can try it on as you go and modify it as
needed. Try on your sweater several times to test your t. You can always add increase or
decrease rounds between the sections for a better t. We all have such unique, beautiful bodies.
Adding additional rounds will require additional yardage.
• Be sure and check the table on page 9 for the stitch count at each increase.
• A kfb is used as the increase in the yoke, which leaves a “bump.” I like the look of the bump;
however, you can M1 any way you like. Just replace the kfb every time you encounter it.
• VERY IMPORTANT – If you wonder what row/round you are on, count the rows/rounds on the
middle front of the sweater. The back has extra rows/rounds for the short row sections.
Remember, your row/round count will be off if you count the rows/rounds on the back of your
sweater. Count the rows/rounds in the front of the yoke all the way down to the BO. I suggest
keeping a safety pin or removable stitch marker handy and moving it down the body IN THE
FRONT, as you reach every 10th row or round. Use this method to track your count on each
sleeve, too.

PATTERN

CO 110 (116, 120, 126), (140, 146, 156, 166) k2tog. Now your stitch count matches the
sts. Join for working in the round, and add a Stitch Count Table on page 9
stitch marker to mark the BOR. Then start the Rounds 6-10: Knit around.
ribbing. Round 11: *k4, kfb* around. (See Stitch Count
Rounds 1-4: Work a *k1, p1* ribbing around. Table).
Round 5: For sizes XS, M, XL, continue in Rounds 12-16: Knit around.
established ribbing. For sizes S, L, 2XL, 3XL, Round 17: *k5, kfb* around. (See Stitch Count
4XL, work *k1, p1* until the last two sts, then Table).

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 Round 18: This round adds a short row section Sizes M, L, XL, skip to Row 68.
to help with the t. k50 (54, 56, 58) (61, 63, 65,
68), then turn, make DS, p to BOR, p50 (54, 56, Round 67:
58) (61,63, 65, 68), then turn, make DS, k to Size 2XL: *k28, kfb* around.
BOR. Once at the BOR, knit one full round, Size 3XL: *k30, kfb* around.
picking up the DS and working them. All of this Size 4XL: *k32, kfb* around.
is considered Round 18. Remember to check the Stitch Count Table
Rounds 19-22: Knit around. after this increase.
Round 23: *k6, kfb* around. (See Stitch Count
Table). Round 68: This round is for splitting for the
Rounds 24-29: Knit around. sleeves, uniting the front and back to form the
Round 30: *k7, kfb* around. (See Stitch Count body, and adding new stitches to help form the
Table). armholes. Find your size below, and complete
the round as instructed.
Start watching for color changes. Use the Color
Changes Table on page 10 to determine when Size XS: k46, put 50 sts on a stitch holder for
to change colors. the rst sleeve, CO 8 sts, pm, CO 8 sts, k94, put
50 sts on another stitch holder for the second
Rounds 31-35: Knit around. sleeve, CO 8 sts, pm, CO 8 sts, k46. The sleeves
Round 36: *k8, kfb* around. (See Stitch Count are 12”/30.5 cm in circumference, and the
Table). body is 36”/91.5 cm in circumference.
Rounds 37-40: Knit around.
Round 41: This round adds a short row section Size S: k48, put 52 sts on a stitch holder for the
to help with the t. k68 (71, 75, 77) (80, 83, 86, rst sleeve, CO 10 sts, pm, CO 10 sts, k99, put
89), then turn, make DS, p to BOR, p68, (71, 75, 52 sts on another stitch holder for the second
77) (80, 83, 86, 89), turn, make DS, k to BOR. sleeve, CO 10 sts, pm, CO 10 sts, k48. The
Once at the BOR, knit one full round, picking sleeves are 13”/33 cm in circumference, and
up the DS and working them. All of this is the body is 39”/99 cm in circumference.
considered Round 41.
Round 42: *k9, kfb* around. (See Stitch Count Size M: k55, put 58 sts on a stitch holder for
Table). the rst sleeve, CO 10 sts, pm, CO 10 sts, k110,
Rounds 43-47: Knit around. put 58 sts on another stitch holder for the
Round 48: *k10, kfb* around. (See Stitch Count second sleeve, CO 10 sts, pm, CO 10 sts, k55.
Table). The sleeves are 14”/35.5 cm in circumference,
Rounds 49-54: Knit around. and the body is 43”/109 cm in circumference.
Round 55: *k11, kfb* around. (See Stitch Count
Table). Size L: k58, put 59 sts on a stitch holder for the
Rounds 56-61: Knit around. rst sleeve, CO 12 sts, pm, CO 13 sts, k116, put
59 sts on another stitch holder for the second
Sizes XS and S, skip to Row 68. sleeve, CO 12 sts, pm, CO 13 sts, k58. The
sleeves are 15”/38 cm in circumference, and
Round 62 (Sizes M-4XL): *k12, kfb* around. the body is 47”/119.5 cm in circumference.
(See Stitch Count Table).
Rounds 63-66: Knit around. Size XL: k63, put 69 sts on a stitch holder for
the rst sleeve, CO 12 sts, pm, CO 13 sts, k128,
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 put 69 sts on another stitch holder for the 2. On the next round when you are 4 sts
second sleeve, CO 12 sts, pm, CO 13 sts, k63. before the marker, k2tog, k2, sm, k2, k2tog.
The sleeves are 16.5”/42 cm in circumference, Do this once under each arm for a total of 2
and the body is 51”/129.5 cm in times.
circumference. 3. On the next round when you are 2 sts
before the marker, k2tog, sm, k2tog. Do
Size 2XL: k69, put 74 sts on a stitch holder for this once under each arm for a total of 2
the rst sleeve, CO 14 sts, pm, CO 14 sts, k134, times.
put 74 sts on another stitch holder for the 4. Continue knitting the body for 12 more
second sleeve, CO 14 sts, pm, CO 14 sts, k69. rounds. Repeat Steps 2 and 3.
The sleeves are 18”/45.5 cm in circumference, 5. Repeat Step 4 again for the third decrease.
and the body is 55”/139.5 cm in 6. You have now decreased 3 times to narrow
circumference. down the waist, which reduces the body by
2”.
Size 3XL: k73, put 78 sts on a stitch holder for 7. These decreases are optional, and you can
the rst sleeve, CO 15 sts, pm, CO 15 sts, k146, always add more decreases, if desired.
put 78 sts on another stitch holder for the
second sleeve, CO 15 sts, pm, CO 15 sts, k73. When you are 1” short of your desired length,
The sleeves are 19”/48.5 cm in circumference, work a *k1, p1* ribbing around for 6 rows, and
and the body is 59”/150 cm in circumference. then BO.

Size 4XL: k78, put 82 sts on a stitch holder for [Leave a 6” (15 cm) tail when you cut the yarn,
the rst sleeve, CO 16 sts, pm, CO 16 sts, k156, and pull this tail through the last loop of the
put 82 sts on another stitch holder for the bind off. Follow these steps to clean the gap
second sleeve, CO 16 sts, pm, CO 16 sts, k78. between the tail loop and your rst BO stitch:
The sleeves are 20”/51 cm in circumference, 1. Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle
and the body is 63”/160 cm in circumference. 2. Insert the needle from the front to the back
of the rst BO stitch (the left stitch), and pull
The yoke is now complete, and you are ready it through.
to knit the body and the arms. 3. Then insert the needle from the front to the
back on the part of the stitch that remains
BODY behind where the tail comes through the
Knit every round with all the stitches on your loop. Pull the needle through.
needles after Round 68. Be sure to watch your 4. Pull the yarn tight enough, so you get the
round count by counting the rounds on the uninterrupted stitch look that nishes the
front of the sweater. The front rounds will give body of the sweater. Watch this video to
you the accurate count that’s included in the see a demonstration of this technique.]
Stitch Count Table. See the Notes for more
information about counting rows/rounds.
SLEEVES
Now it is time to knit the sleeves one at a time.
If you want to add some shaping to the body,
1. Put the stitches from one of your stitch
use the following steps to do so:
holders onto your short circular needles or
1. Knit 5” of the body. Measure from under
double pointed needles. Circular needles
the arm.
are recommended.

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 2. When you come to the space between the Sizes S, L, 3XL Round 1: k2tog all the way
stitches from the stitch holder and the around until the last 3 stitches, k3. (You may
stitches you cast on for the body of the wish to change to double pointed needles at
sweater, you do not want a gap. Watch the this point.)
linked video above to see how to close that Round 2 (All Sizes): Knit around.
gap.
At this point, the ribbing circumference
Once you close the rst gap, pick up all of the measures:
stitches you cast on under the sleeve as part of Size XS: 6”/15cm Size XL: 8.5”/21.5cm
the body. Then close the second gap, and Size S: 6.5”/16.5cm Size 2XL: 9”/23cm
place a marker. You now have all of the sleeve Size M: 7”/18cm Size 3XL: 9.5”/24cm
stitches on your needles. You should have: Size L: 7.5”/19cm Size 4XL: 10”/25.5cm
Sizes XS (72 sts), S (78 sts), M (84 sts), L (90
sts), XL (100 sts), 2XL (108 sts), 3XL (114 sts), The ribbing is stretchy to t your wrist.
and 4XL (120 sts).
Rounds 3-18: *k1, p1* rep all the way around.
Knit the sleeves in the round until you reach BO.
your wrist bone. See the Notes for more
information about the sleeve length. Close the edge of the BO, as you did for the
BO on the body. The instructions to do so are
RIBBING included within the [ ] brackets above.
Sizes XS, M, XL, 2XL, 4XL Round 1: k2tog all
the way around the sleeve stitches.

FINISHING

Clean up all your ends with a tapestry needle or crochet hook. Refer to the [ ] section above to
ensure you have nished the BO on both sleeves and the bottom ribbing. Then block the sweater,
and enjoy!

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 Approximate Yardage/Meterage

Skeins Needed of
Sizes Color 1 Color 2 Color 3 Color 4 Total
Each Color

X-Small 130 yds/119 m 226 yds/ 207 m 280 yds/256 m 424 yds/388 m 1060 yds/969 m 1, 1, 2, 2

Small 137 yds/125 m 236 yds/ 216 m 293 yds/268 m 444 yds/406 m 1110 yds/1015 m 1, 1, 2, 2

Medium 145 yds/133 m 250 yds/ 229 m 310 yds/283 m 470 yds/430 m 1175 yds/1074 m 1, 1-2, 2, 2

Large 155 yds/142 m 268 yds/ 245 m 333 yds/305 m 504 yds/461 m 1260 yds/1152 m 1, 2, 2, 3

XL 178 yds/163 m 309 yds/ 283 m 383 yds/350 m 580 yds/530 m 1450 yds/1326 m 1, 2, 2, 3

2XL 191 yds/175 m 330 yds/ 302 m 409 yds/374 m 620 yds/567 m 1550 yds/1417 m 1, 2, 2, 3

3XL 203 yds/186 m 351 yds/ 321 m 436 yds/399 m 660 yds/604 m 1650 yds/1509 m 1, 2, 2, 3

4XL 216 yds/198 m 375 yds/ 343 m 465 yds/425 m 704 yds/644 m 1760 yds/1609 m 1, 2, 2, 3

Stitch Count Table

XS S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL

CO 110 116 120 126 140 146 156 166

After Ribbing 110 115 120 125 140 145 155 165

After k4, kfb 132 138 144 150 168 174 186 198

After k5, kfb 154 161 168 175 196 203 217 231

After k6, kfb 176 184 192 200 224 232 248 264

After k7, kfb 198 207 216 225 252 261 279 297

After k8, kfb 220 230 240 250 280 290 310 330

After k9, kfb 242 253 264 275 308 319 341 363

After k10, kfb 264 276 288 300 336 348 372 396

After k11, kfb 286 299 312 325 364 377 403 429

After k12, kfb - - 336 350 392 406 434 462

After adding 14 sts - - - - - 420 448 476

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 Color Changes by Row Count

Size XS Size S Size M Size L Size XL Size 2XL Size 3XL Size 4XL
Color Used
Rows Rows Rows Rows Rows Rows Rows Rows

New Color 31, 67, 103 33, 71, 109 36, 77, 118 38, 81, 124 40, 85, 130 43, 91, 139 45, 95, 145 47, 99, 151

Old Color 32, 68, 104 34, 72, 110 37, 78, 119 39, 82, 125 41, 86, 131 44, 92, 140 46, 96, 146 48, 100, 152

Old Color 33, 69, 105 35, 73, 111 38, 79, 120 40, 83, 126 42, 87, 132 45, 93, 141 47, 97, 147 49, 101, 153

New Color 34, 70, 106 36, 74, 112 39, 80, 121 41, 84, 127 43, 88, 133 46, 94, 142 48, 98, 148 50, 102, 154

Old Color 35, 71, 107 37, 75, 113 40, 81, 122 42, 85, 128 44, 89, 134 47, 95, 143 49, 99, 149 51, 103, 155

New Color 36, 72, 108 38, 76, 114 41, 82, 123 43, 86, 129 45, 90, 135 48, 96, 144 50, 100, 150 52, 104, 156

Old Color 37, 73, 109 39, 77, 115 42, 83, 124 44, 87, 130 46, 91, 136 49, 97, 145 51, 101, 151 53, 105, 157

New Color 38, 74, 110 40, 78, 116 43, 84, 125 45, 88, 131 47, 92, 137 50, 98, 146 52, 102, 152 54, 106, 158

Old Color 39, 75, 111 41, 79, 117 44, 85, 126 46, 89, 132 48, 93, 138 51, 99, 147 53, 103, 153 55, 107, 159

New Color 40, 76, 112 42, 80, 118 45, 86, 127 47, 90, 133 49, 94, 139 52, 100, 148 54, 104, 154 56, 108, 160

New Color 41, 77, 113 43, 81, 119 46, 87, 128 48, 91, 134 50, 95, 140 53, 101, 149 55, 105, 155 57, 109, 161

Old Color 42, 78, 114 44, 82, 120 47, 88, 129 49, 92, 135 51, 96, 141 54, 102, 150 56, 106, 156 58, 110, 162

Note: “Old Color” refers to the color that you are currently knitting with, and “New Color” refers to
the color you are changing to.

Number of Rows of
Sleeve Body Circumference from Length of Body Number of
the Main Body
Size Circumference from Bust to Waist (Unless You from Underarm Rows to Knit
Knitting from CO to
Armpit to Wrist Use the Decreases) to BO of Each Color
BO

XS 12” (30.5 cm) 36” (91.5 cm) 144 11” (28 cm) 36

S 13” (33 cm) 39” (99 cm) 153 13” (33 cm) 38

M 14” (35.5 cm) 43” (109 cm) 162 15” (38 cm) 41

L 15” (38 cm) 47” (119.5 cm) 171 16.5” (42 cm) 43

XL 16.5” (42 cm) 51” (129.5 cm) 180 18” (45.5 cm) 45

2XL 18” (45.5 cm) 55” (139.5 cm) 189 20” (51 cm) 48

3XL 19” (48.5 cm) 59” (150 cm) 198 21” (53.5 cm) 50

4XL 20” (51 cm) 63” (160 cm) 206 22” (56 cm) 52

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This pattern may be printed and used for personal, non-commercial use only and may not be reproduced, sold, or distributed. All images, text, and illustration
©Expression Fiber Arts 2023. Finished items made using this pattern may be sold so long as pattern attribution is ascribed to Expression Fiber Arts.
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