Katsura

Katsura Knit Sweater by Maloraé Designs

What Is Being Made

Katsura is a downloadable knitting pattern for a fitted sweater designed by independent designer Maloraé Designs. This intermediate-level project creates a classic pullover sweater available in six sizes, ranging from a finished bust circumference of 90 cm (35 inches) up to 140 cm (55 inches). The pattern accommodates a wide range of body sizes and is designed with approximately 10 cm (4 inches) of positive ease for comfortable wearing.

Sweater Measurements and Fit

The finished garment features the following key measurements:

• Bust circumference: 90 (100, 110, 120, 130, 140) cm / 35 (39, 43, 47, 51, 55) inches across sizes 1 through 6
• Upper arm circumference: 30 (31, 32, 36, 39, 42) cm / 11.5 (12, 12.5, 14, 15, 16.5) inches
• Length from underarm to hem: 43 cm / 17 inches
• Sleeve length from underarm to cuff: 42 cm / 16.5 inches

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level pattern employs fundamental knitting construction methods. The sweater is worked using pick up stitches technique, a common approach for adding ribbed edgings and creating seamless transitions between different sections of the garment. This method allows knitters to pick up live stitches along finished edges to create cuffs, necklines, and other finished details without requiring seaming.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Katsura sweater is primarily constructed using stockinette stitch (abbreviated as st st), which creates the smooth, classic V-shaped texture characteristic of traditional knit sweaters. Ribbing is incorporated at the cuffs, hem, and neckline to provide stretch and a finished appearance. The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations including K2TOG (knit two stitches together) for decreases and K1tbl (knit through the back loop) for twisted stitches, allowing for shaping and textural variation.

Yarn and Needles

The Katsura pattern is designed for fingering weight yarn, a fine 4-ply yarn that creates a lightweight, drapey fabric. Yardage requirements vary by size:

• Size 1: Approximately 1060 meters / 1160 yards
• Size 2: Approximately 1180 meters / 1290 yards
• Size 3: Approximately 1300 meters / 1420 yards
• Size 4: Approximately 1420 meters / 1555 yards
• Size 5: Approximately 1530 meters / 1675 yards
• Size 6: Approximately 1650 meters / 1805 yards

The pattern requires two needle sizes: 3.5 mm (US 4) needles for the main body and 3 mm (US 2) needles for ribbing sections. Additional supplies include stitch markers and waste yarn for holding stitches during construction.

Gauge and Blocking

The recommended gauge is 26 stitches and 38 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) in stockinette stitch on 3.5 mm (US 4) needles after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for creating a sweater with the correct finished measurements, and blocking the completed garment helps set the stitches and achieve the intended drape and fit.