Loudoun Pullover

Loudoun Pullover by Donna Estin Designs

What is Being Made

The Loudoun Pullover is a seamless women's knit sweater designed by Donna Estin. This pullover features an A-line silhouette inspired by fall vineyard aesthetics and casual weekend styling. Available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X, the sweater offers finished bust circumferences from 34 inches to 54 inches, with hemline circumferences ranging from 42 to 62 inches. The design is shown in size Medium and is ideal for knitters seeking a garment without extensive finishing work.

Construction Techniques

The Loudoun Pullover is constructed entirely seamless and worked in the round, eliminating the need for seaming. The A-line body is knit in the round from the hem upward, while the lace sleeves are also worked in the round. The sleeves are then joined to the body at the armholes, creating a finished garment with minimal finishing requirements. This construction method makes the sweater particularly appealing for knitters who prefer to avoid traditional seaming techniques.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): Used for the main body of the pullover
• Oriel Lace: Featured on the sleeves, adding an elegant lace detail to the design
• Decreases: Worked at marked positions on the body to create the A-line shaping

Gauge and Specifications

Proper gauge is essential for this project. In stockinette stitch, the gauge is 22 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when blocked. In Oriel Lace, the gauge is 19 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when blocked. Knitters are advised to measure lengths vertically while allowing the weight of the piece to hang naturally from the needles for accurate measurements.

Materials and Yarn Weight

This pattern calls for DK weight yarn, a medium-light yarn that works well for creating the delicate lace details on the sleeves while maintaining structure in the stockinette body. The pattern requires circular needles suitable for DK weight yarn to accommodate the seamless, in-the-round construction method.

Skill Level

The Loudoun Pullover is rated as an intermediate difficulty project. Knitters should be comfortable with in-the-round knitting techniques, lace pattern work, and decreases for shaping. The seamless construction and lace elements require intermediate-level skills, though the straightforward A-line shaping makes it accessible to experienced knitters ready to expand their techniques.