Double Cream

Double Cream Knit Sweater by Pat Menchini

Project Overview

Double Cream is an intermediate-level knitted sweater designed by Pat Menchini, available as a downloadable PDF pattern. This classic pullover sweater is crafted using the knitting technique and offers six size options to fit bust measurements from 76–81 cm (30–32 inches) up to 127–132 cm (50–52 inches), making it a versatile design suitable for a range of body types.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a fitted sweater with a crew neckline and set-in sleeves. The sweater features a center back length ranging from 58 cm (23 inches) in the smallest size to 65 cm (25¾ inches) in the largest size, with sleeve seams measuring approximately 44–46 cm (17½–18 inches) depending on the size. The actual bust measurements span from 97 cm (38 inches) to 132 cm (52 inches), providing a close-fitting silhouette across all six size options.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Double Cream sweater is constructed using stockinette stitch as the primary stitch pattern, which creates the classic smooth, V-textured fabric characteristic of traditional knitwear. The pattern incorporates cable work, as indicated by the inclusion of a cable needle in the materials list, adding textural interest and visual depth to the design. The use of multiple needle sizes—3 mm, 3.25 mm, and 4 mm—suggests that different sections of the sweater (such as ribbed edgings and the main body) are worked at different gauges to create definition and structure. Stitch holders are used during construction, indicating that stitches are held for later finishing, a common technique in sweater construction for neckbands and other details.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Double Cream sweater is designed to be knitted with King Cole Natural Alpaca DK yarn in the shade Cream 4324. DK (double knitting) weight yarn is a medium-weight option that works well for garments requiring drape and breathability. The pattern requires between 11 and 15 50g skeins depending on size, with each skein providing 100 metres (109 yards) of yardage. This totals approximately 1,100–1,500 metres of yarn across all six sizes.

The knitting needles required include three different sizes to accommodate various sections of the pattern: 3 mm (UK 11, US 2½) needles for ribbed edges, 3.25 mm (UK 10, US 3) needles for transitional sections, and 4 mm (UK 8, US 6) needles for the main body fabric. Additional notions include one cable needle for working cable stitches and two stitch holders for securing stitches during construction.

Gauge and Tension

The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over stockinette stitch using the 4 mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements, and the pattern emphasizes testing tension before beginning the project to ensure accurate sizing.

Sizing Information

The Double Cream sweater is offered in six graduated sizes:

• Size 1: To fit bust 76–81 cm (30–32 inches); actual bust 97 cm (38 inches)
• Size 2: To fit bust 86–91 cm (34–36 inches); actual bust 107 cm (42 inches)
• Size 3: To fit bust 97–102 cm (38–40 inches); actual bust 117 cm (46 inches)
• Size 4: To fit bust 107–112 cm (42–44 inches); actual bust 122 cm (48 inches)
• Size 5: To fit bust 117–122 cm (46–48 inches); actual bust 127 cm (50 inches)
• Size 6: To fit bust 127–132 cm (50–52 inches); actual bust 132 cm (52 inches)

Skill Level

Rated as an intermediate-level project, the Double Cream sweater is suitable for knitters with foundational skills in basic stitches, shaping, and garment assembly. The inclusion of cable work and the need to manage multiple needle sizes and stitch holders makes this pattern appropriate for knitters ready to advance beyond simple projects