Nandi Pullover

Nandi Pullover by BiggerthanlifeKnits

What is Being Made

The Nandi Pullover is a women's circular yoke pullover sweater designed by Noma Ndlovu. This top-down knit features a simple lace yoke construction combined with a stockinette stitch body, creating an elegant yet approachable garment suitable for intermediate knitters. The design includes strategic short rows worked into the yoke after the lace pattern to raise the back of the sweater for improved fit and comfort.

Knitting Techniques

This pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques that make it accessible to intermediate-level crafters:

• Top-down construction: The sweater is worked from the top down, beginning at the neckline and progressing toward the hem, allowing for easy fitting adjustments
• Circular yoke shaping: The yoke is worked in the round using circular needles, creating seamless increases that distribute evenly across the chest and shoulders
• Short-row shaping: Short rows are incorporated after the lace pattern section to add depth and raise the back neckline, improving the sweater's overall fit
• Lace patterning: The yoke features a lace pattern that adds visual interest and texture to the upper portion of the garment
• In-the-round knitting: The body is worked circularly, eliminating the need for seaming

Stitches Used

The Nandi Pullover combines two primary stitch patterns:

• Lace pattern: Used in the yoke section to create an openwork design that transitions beautifully into the solid body
• Stockinette stitch: Forms the main body of the pullover, providing a smooth, classic fabric that showcases the yarn's qualities

Materials and Specifications

This pattern is designed to be worked with 4-ply yarn weight, requiring the following materials:

• Yarn: Nurturing Fibres Supertwist Sock in 100% Merino wool (approximately 320 meters or 350 yards per 100-gram skein). The sample shown uses the colorway Maple. Yardage requirements range from 950 to 1,800 meters depending on size
• Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm) circular needles, 32 inches (80 centimeters) long for working the body and yoke in the round
• Notions: 13 stitch markers (with one distinctly different marker to denote the beginning of the round), scrap yarn for holding stitches, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends
• Gauge: 26 stitches and 38 rows measured over stockinette stitch, essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, the Nandi Pullover is well-suited for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to explore circular yoke construction and simple lace patterns. The straightforward stockinette body makes the majority of the project relaxing to knit, while the lace yoke and short-row shaping provide engaging techniques without overwhelming complexity.