Palermo Sweater

Palermo Sweater by Jo Sharp

What is Being Made

The Palermo Sweater is a comfortable, casual loose-knit sweater designed as a beginner-friendly knitting project. This pullover features drop shoulder shaping and is characterized by its relaxed, oversized fit with extra room throughout the bodice. The sweater is worked primarily in Double Moss stitch, creating a textured, visually interesting fabric that works beautifully with the yarn choices specified in the pattern.

Techniques Used

The Palermo Sweater employs several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginner knitters. The pattern utilizes two strands of yarn worked together, which creates a thicker, more substantial fabric while allowing for interesting color and texture combinations. The sweater is constructed using drop shoulder shaping, a straightforward construction method that simplifies the garment assembly process. The neckband is worked separately using ribbed knitting in the round, which creates an elastic, fitted finish at the neck opening. The pattern notes that circular needles can be used in place of straight needles on the bodice and sleeves, working back and forth rather than in the round, which provides additional working space for the wider fabric.

Stitches Used

• Double Moss Stitch: The primary stitch used throughout the sweater body, sleeves, and back. This stitch creates a textured, reversible fabric with visual depth and interest.
• K1, P1 Rib: Used for the neckband to create an elastic, fitted finish that sits comfortably around the neck opening.

Materials

The Palermo Sweater pattern is designed to be worked with two strands of yarn held together. The recommended yarns include Jo Sharp Soho Summer DK Cotton and Jo Sharp Mulberry Silk Georgette, which can be combined for beautiful color and texture effects. The pattern calls for 6.00mm needles (USA size 10, UK size 4), available in both straight and circular needle formats. Straight needles are used for working the bodice and sleeves back and forth, while a set of 6.00mm circular needles is used for working the neckband in the round. The use of circular needles on the bodice and sleeves is presented as an optional alternative that provides additional working space for the wider fabric created by using two yarn strands together.