Gael

Gael Sweater by Marie Wallin

What is Being Made

Gael is a knitted sweater and jumper design from the Winter Crochet collection by independent designer Marie Wallin. This garment features integrated crochet motifs combined with knitted construction, creating a hybrid technique piece. The sweater is available in five sizes ranging from small (to fit bust 81-86 cm / 32-34 in) to extra-extra-large (to fit bust 122-127 cm / 48-50 in).

Techniques Used

Gael employs both knitting and crochet techniques, making it a mixed-craft project. The primary construction method is knitting, with crochet motifs incorporated as decorative elements. The crochet motifs are worked as separate square shapes that are then integrated into the knitted garment. This combination of techniques adds textural interest and visual complexity to the finished sweater.

Stitches Used

The knitted sections are worked primarily in stockinette stitch (st st), which provides a smooth, classic fabric base. For the crochet components, the pattern utilizes several fundamental crochet stitches:

• Chain stitch (ch) – used for foundation and spacing
• Double crochet (dc) – a basic crochet stitch forming the main fabric of the motifs
• Double treble (dtr) – a taller stitch adding height and dimension
• Double treble decrease (dtr2tog) – used at the beginning of rounds to shape the motifs
• Slip stitch (ss) – used to join rounds

The completed crochet motif forms a square shape measuring 8 cm using the 2.50mm crochet hook.

Materials and Tools

This project requires both knitting needles and a crochet hook. The knitting needles used are 2¾mm (US 2) and 3mm (US 2/3) sizes. A 2.50mm (US B1/C2) crochet hook is used for the crochet motifs. The yarn is Rowan Felted Tweed in DK weight (light worsted), with yardage requirements varying by size: 7 x 50g balls for size small, 8 x 50g balls for sizes medium and large, 10 x 50g balls for size extra-large, and 11 x 50g balls for size extra-extra-large. The photographed sample is shown in Delft 194, a color option within the Rowan Felted Tweed range.

Tension and Sizing

The pattern specifies a tension of 25 stitches and 36 rows to 10 cm measured over stockinette stitch using the 3mm (US 2/3) needles. The crochet motif tension is 8 cm square when worked with the 2.50mm (US B1/C2) crochet hook. Finished bust measurements range from 48 cm (19 in) for size small to 71.5 cm (28 in) for size extra-extra-large.

Difficulty Level

Gael is rated as an intermediate difficulty project. This classification reflects the combination of knitting and crochet techniques required, as well as the integration of separate crochet motifs into a knitted garment structure. Crafters should be comfortable with both knitting and crochet fundamentals before beginning this design.