SkiFree Yeti Knit Sweater

SkiFree is a computer game created & released with the Microsoft Entertainment Pack in 1991. It is a simple 8 bit styled game in which the player controls a skier avoiding obstacles on a mountain slope. It is often remembered for its Abominable Snow Monster (Yeti), which pursues the player after they finish a full run.

This sweater is perfect for beginners! Containing only regular Knit and Purl stitches and pixels simply made out of 2 purl stitches and 2 knit stitches.

SkiFree Yeti sweater that is perfect for hitting the slopes!

Now each sweater will require different amounts of yarn depending on size and additional customizations.

For this sweater I made a Large men's size for myself for my preference of baggy and cozy.. and if my friend wants to borrow it!

Yarn: Lion Brand Super Bulky (size 6) 81 Yard rolls

Colors: White (x7 rolls), Red (x1 roll), Mustard Yellow (1x roll), Black (x1 roll), Medium Grey (2x rolls)

Needles: The thread recommends 9mm on mine I used 8mm for a tighter look/more dense sweater.

Yarn Needle for sewing the sleeves and sides together.

and scissors for course.

Google Docs Shareable view only link for pattern:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Di4rNJtoINasMPlvqX3hsRDa5dBM5Yc6Cx_43dyOHAg/edit?usp=sharing

So to start off I have a spreadsheet pattern for this sweater. My reasoning is to visually understand where each pixel is placed on the yeti. I hope to update this with a proper written out pattern later on.

With the style of 8 bit pixel pictures for our wonderful yeti I have made every pixel out of 2x2 sitches.. meaning 2 purl stitches and 2 knit stitches . >>> For converting to a small size I suggest converting the stitches to 1 stitch = 1 pixel. ( or you can do this if you just want a smaller yeti!)

The pattern included is for size large. With a chunky knit to it. The pattern can be converted to thinner yarn as well.

The cuffs and bottom of the sweat will be stitched with the classic Knit 1x Purl 2x.

Every other row will be in Knit and other in Purl. With every new thread will start on the Purl side.

See the next step for understanding adding new colors.

Tip! Print out the pattern to keep in front of you while working and draw on to remind yourself which line you are on for tracking,

Of course you'll need to add new colors to stitch this yeti! Here are the tips and techniques I used for simple adding.

Step 1: You'll want to tie on the new thread to your existing background color of white. (I used grey and red in the photos for examples) Because my super bulky thread is forgiving with knots I choose to do a double or triple knot extra tight at the base right before I use that new color to stitch in.

Step 2: As I mentioned in the previous step, do make sure we are starting off on the purl side (which will be the inside of your sweater) so go ahead and grab that new color and begin to purl stitch like usual.

Step 3: Once done with the desired color make sure to loosely pull the base color over the previous stitches done. Meaning if you have to go over 2 or 8 stitches, leave enough slack to smoothly transition on the back. See circled photo above.

Tip! I tried not to go over 10 stitches I didn't want that stack on the back hanging too much. So once you get to the Yeti's belly I would start a second string of black for the outline on the other side of his belly. (So keep in mind the feet/legs with have separate strings of black per left and right.

Step 4: Congrats you made it down to the end of your purl row. Go ahead and start the knit row now. When you get to that new color you just added, go ahead and grab it and knit the desired stitches you need. And then repeat step 3 to leave the proper slack when converting back to the base color.

Tip! Don't forget you can pull the thread upwards to the next row so you dont have to tie as many knots when starting new rows. Such as the outline of the yeti in black like his feet. ~ One thing I also did was cut maybe 3-5 yards of yarn at a time to use with the out line colors so they don't get tangled up when I set it down for the evening. (and you can triple knot more on as needed.

Lastly after making each arm, front, and back you'll want to stitch them together!

As seen in the photo I used grey thread to stitch my sweater together. Please use white as it can show through when stretched.. so for instruction purposes you can see where I sewed my sweater with the use of grey.

Tip! When stitching the sleeves on the sweater try not to do this too tight, It can made putting on the sweater a bit too snug at the armpits.. not in a good way.