KALINA

KALINA Pullover Sweater

What is Being Made

KALINA is a pullover sweater designed by Veta Romanenkova. This knitted garment is available in three sizes with finished bust circumferences of 44, 47, and 52 inches (111, 120, and 132 centimeters). The pattern includes positive ease of 6–10 inches at the bust line, creating a comfortable, relaxed fit. The design offers flexibility with two sleeve length options: a long sleeve with a relaxed slouch at the cuff, or a regular-length sleeve, allowing knitters to customize the finished garment to their preference.

Construction and Techniques

KALINA is constructed using a traditional bottom-up, piece-by-piece knitting method. The sweater body and sleeves are knit separately from the bottom upward, then wet-blocked to shape and finished measurements before being seamed together. The collar is worked separately using a pick-up method, where stitches are picked up from the neckline and worked in the round to create a finished edge. This construction approach allows for precise shaping and professional finishing.

Stitches Used

• 1x1 Rib: A fundamental stitch pattern with a multiple of 2 stitches plus 1, alternating knit and purl stitches (K1, *p1, k1; repeat from *). This elastic stitch is commonly used for cuffs, waistbands, and necklines to create stretch and recovery in the finished fabric.

Yarn and Materials

KALINA is designed to be knit with Kathmandu Aran by Queensland Collection, an aran-weight yarn composed of 85% Merino wool, 10% silk, and 5% cashmere goat fiber. This premium blend creates a soft, lustrous fabric with excellent drape and warmth. The yarn is available in the colorway Petrol. Yardage requirements vary by size: size 1 requires 1200 yards (1120 meters) across 12 skeins of 50 grams each; size 2 requires 1310 yards (1200 meters) across 13 skeins; and size 3 requires 1560 yards (1400 meters) across 15 skeins. The aran weight yarn works at a standard gauge suitable for intermediate knitters, creating a fabric with good stitch definition and relatively quick project completion compared to lighter yarn weights.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle garment construction. The intermediate level reflects the techniques involved: working multiple pieces, understanding gauge and blocking, seaming pieces together, and picking up stitches for the collar. Knitters at this level should be comfortable with basic stitches, reading pattern instructions, and managing larger projects.