Kayla

Kayla Chunky Sweater by LaMode Knits

What is Being Made

The Kayla is a chunky knit sweater featuring a distinctive OXO cable pattern design. This intermediate-level knitting project produces a slightly flared pullover sweater available in five sizes ranging from small to extra-extra-large. The finished garment is designed to be worn with a relaxed fit, incorporating a minimum of 10 cm ease for comfortable wear.

Garment Specifications and Sizing

The Kayla sweater is offered in UK sizes S, M, L, XL, and XXL. Finished bust measurements when laid flat in a relaxed state are approximately 46 cm (size S), 50 cm (size M), 52 cm (size L), 60 cm (size XL), and 66 cm (size XXL). Shoulder measurements range from 60 cm to 64 cm depending on size, while the sleeve length is a consistent 56 cm (22 inches) across all sizes.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This sweater employs several fundamental knitting techniques to create its textured appearance. The primary construction method uses stockinet stitch, which creates a smooth, classic knit fabric. The design incorporates cable stitches as part of the OXO pattern, a decorative cable motif that requires the use of a cable needle to create twisted rope-like texture. Ribbing is used throughout the garment, including at the collar, cuffs, and hem, providing elasticity and structure.

The sweater features a cross rib pattern that contributes to the garment's slightly flared silhouette. This ribbing technique creates vertical lines of texture that add visual interest while maintaining the sweater's shape and fit.

Tension Requirements

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this intermediate project. The stockinet stitch tension should measure 9 stitches and 12 rows over 10 cm (4 inches) using UK size 8 needles (US size 11). The rib tension is 10 stitches and 12 rows over the same measurement, while the OXO cable pattern requires a tension of 12 stitches and 12 rows. These specific tension measurements ensure the finished garment achieves the intended dimensions and drape.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Kayla sweater is designed to be knitted with chunky weight yarn. The pattern calls for 9 to 12 balls of 100 g yarn depending on size selection: 9 balls for size S, 10 balls for sizes M and L, 11 balls for size XL, and 12 balls for size XXL. The original pattern specifies "So Crafty" Chunky yarn in the Vanilla colorway, though any chunky yarn with matching tension is suitable for substitution.

An alternative yarn suggestion is Paintbox Yarns Wool Mix Super Chunky, which features a 50% wool and 50% acrylic blend in 100 g (3.5 oz) balls. This blend provides warmth, durability, and ease of care while maintaining the chunky weight necessary for the pattern.

Needles and Notions

The Kayla pattern requires a selection of needles in different sizes and styles. Knitters will need UK 7 mm straight needles for the main body sections and a UK 7 mm circular needle for working the collar ribbing. The primary construction uses UK 8 mm needles (US size 11), or whatever needle size is necessary to achieve the correct tension. Additional notions include a cable needle for manipulating stitches in the cable pattern, stitch markers to identify pattern repeats and shaping points, and stitch holders to temporarily secure stitches during construction.

Skill Level and Pattern Format

The Kayla is classified as an intermediate-level knitting project, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle cable work and more complex stitch patterns. The pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF, allowing knitters to access instructions digitally and print them as needed during the knitting process.