Arrebol Sweater in Malabrigo Rios - Downloadable PDF

Arrebol Sweater in Malabrigo Rios by Kiri FitzGerald – Pattern Summary

The Arrebol Sweater is a beautifully crafted fitted pullover designed by Kiri FitzGerald, inspired by the fleeting beauty of early morning light and the first appearance of stars. The design captures this atmospheric quality through an intricate network of cables and a thoughtfully planned color fade, making it a truly stunning knitting project for experienced knitters. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and is knitted in Malabrigo Rios, a luxurious 100% Superwash Merino wool yarn.

What Is Being Made

The Arrebol is a women's fitted pullover sweater worked in sizes S, M, L, XL, and 2XL, designed to fit busts measuring 36.25, 39.25, 43.5, 46.5, and 50.5 inches (92, 100, 110.5, 118, and 128 cm) respectively. The garment is intended to be worn with 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) of positive ease, giving it a comfortable yet tailored silhouette. The sample shown in the pattern is knitted in a size 36.25 inches (92 cm).

One of the most distinctive design features of the Arrebol is its optional color fade. Knitters may choose three closely related tones of Malabrigo Rios and fade them gradually into one another to create a soft, atmospheric gradient effect. Alternatively, the sweater can be knitted in a single solid color for a classic, elegant result. Both approaches yield a garment that is as wearable as it is visually striking.

Techniques Used

This is an advanced-level knitting pattern, requiring comfort with a range of techniques. Key techniques include:

• Cable knitting – The body of the sweater is covered in a rich network of cables, which form the central visual and textural element of the design. Working cables requires the use of a cable needle to hold stitches temporarily while others are worked, creating the characteristic twisted, rope-like appearance.
• Color fading – Knitters working the gradient version will blend a main color (Pearl #036) with at least one contrast color (Winter Lake #846), transitioning smoothly between tones to create the signature faded atmosphere of the design.
• Working in the round – The pattern uses circular needles and double pointed needles, indicating that sections of the sweater are worked seamlessly in the round, a common construction method for fitted pullovers.
• Shaping – As a fitted garment offered in multiple sizes, the pattern includes shaping techniques to achieve the tailored silhouette.
• Waste yarn and stitch markers – The notions list includes waste yarn and stitch markers, suggesting the use of provisional cast-ons or held stitches, as well as careful stitch tracking throughout the construction process.

Stitches Used

The Arrebol Sweater draws on a combination of foundational and more complex knitting stitches:

• Cable stitches – The defining stitch pattern of this sweater, cables are formed by crossing groups of stitches over one another using a cable needle, producing the intricate, textured surface described in the design.
• Knit and purl stitches – These fundamental stitches form the structural base of the fabric and are used in combination to frame and set off the cable panels.
• Ribbing or edging stitches – Fitted pullovers of this style typically incorporate ribbed edges at the cuffs, hem, and neckline to provide elasticity and a neat finish, consistent with the fitted nature of the design.

Materials – Yarn, Needles, and Notions

The pattern calls for Malabrigo Rios, a premium aran weight yarn made from 100% Superwash Merino wool. Each skein contains 210 yards (192 meters) and weighs 100 grams. The yarn is celebrated for its rich, hand-dyed colorways and exceptional softness, making it an ideal choice for a gar