Beatrix

Beatrix Pullover Sweater by Myriam Forneris

What is Being Made

Beatrix is a top-down pullover sweater designed by independent designer Myriam Forneris. This garment features a distinctive rounded yoke construction that serves as the foundation for the sweater's upper body. The design is available in nine sizes ranging from XS to 4XL, with finished bust circumferences from 80 cm to 140 cm (32 inches to 55.5 inches), making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The sweater is designed to be worn without ease for a fitted silhouette.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques that create visual interest and texture throughout the garment. The primary construction method is top-down yoke knitting, which allows knitters to work from the neckline downward, gradually increasing stitches to shape the shoulders and upper body. This technique provides excellent fit control and the ability to try on the garment as you work.

The yoke features colored blocks that are interspersed with blue stripes, creating a geometric patterned design element. These color changes are worked into the fabric using stranded colorwork or similar techniques. Additionally, the design incorporates bobbles—decorative three-dimensional knitted embellishments—that are scattered throughout the patterned sections, adding textural depth and visual complexity to the sweater.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

While the PDF excerpt does not specify every individual stitch used, the construction clearly involves standard knitting stitches combined with specialty techniques. The bobbles mentioned in the design require specific bobble stitch construction, typically created by increasing multiple stitches in a single stitch, working several rows over those stitches, then decreasing them back to one stitch to form the three-dimensional bump. The colored block sections utilize stranded colorwork or similar multi-color knitting methods to transition between the blue stripes and colored blocks seamlessly.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Beatrix is designed for 4-ply yarn weight, also known as fingering or sport weight depending on the specific yarn construction. This lighter yarn weight creates a fabric with excellent drape and stitch definition, allowing the colored blocks and bobble details to display clearly. The exact yardage requirements vary by size, with the pattern noting that gauge is crucial to achieving the correct finished measurements and yardage calculations. Knitters must adjust their yarn quantities accordingly if their gauge differs from the pattern specifications.

The pattern requires appropriate needles for 4-ply yarn, typically in the range of US 1-3 (2.25-3.25 mm), though the specific needle size will depend on individual gauge and the yarn chosen. Circular needles are essential for the top-down yoke construction method, allowing for the seamless working of the rounded yoke and subsequent body increases.

Pattern Details and Sizing

The Beatrix pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF and is the intellectual property of designer Myriam Forneris. The pattern permits unlimited personal use, allowing knitters to make the sweater for themselves and as gifts. The finished body length from underarm to hem ranges from 38 to 40 cm depending on size, with the pattern carefully graded across all nine sizes to maintain proportional fit.

For questions or inquiries about the pattern, knitters can contact the designer directly at myriamf84@yahoo.it. The designer is also active on social media platforms including Ravelry, Facebook, and Instagram under the handle @mycraftydream, where additional design inspiration and community engagement can be found.