Sekhmet

Sekhmet Seamless Top-Down Round Yoke Sweater by Maria Bourne

What is Being Made

Sekhmet is a seamless, top-down knitted sweater featuring a distinctive round yoke construction. This intermediate-level garment draws inspiration from Egyptian mythology, specifically the Usekh or Wesekh—a broad collar or necklace ornament worn by ancient Egyptian elite. The design is named after Sekhmet, the Egyptian goddess of power, protection, healing, and warfare, traditionally envisioned as a fierce lioness. The sweater allows knitters to embody the strength and might of this mythological figure through wearable art.

Construction Technique

This sweater employs a seamless, top-down construction method, which means knitting begins at the neckline and progresses downward toward the hem. This approach offers several advantages: the ability to try on the garment as you knit, the flexibility to adjust length to personal preference, and the elimination of seaming work. The round yoke shaping creates a smooth, fitted shoulder area that transitions from the neckline down to the body, providing a contemporary silhouette that flatters various body types.

Stitch Techniques

The pattern incorporates slipped stitches as a key design element. Slipped stitches are created by moving a stitch from one needle to another without knitting into it, which produces a distinctive visual texture and can create decorative patterning across the fabric. This technique adds visual interest and depth to the sweater's appearance while maintaining the structural integrity of the garment. The combination of slipped stitches with standard knit and purl stitches creates the characteristic detailing that references the ornamental collar inspiration.

Yarn and Materials

Sekhmet is designed to be worked in 3-ply or 4-ply yarn weights, which are light to medium-weight yarns suitable for creating garments with good drape and wearability. These yarn weights allow for detailed stitch definition, making the slipped stitch patterning clearly visible. Knitters will require appropriate needles for their chosen yarn weight—typically circular needles for the seamless top-down method, with potential use of double-pointed needles or a smaller circular needle for the ribbed neckline and cuffs.

Pattern Details

• Designed by independent designer Maria Bourne
• Skill level: Intermediate
• Pattern version 1.1, released April 15, 2020
• Professionally tech edited and test knitted for accuracy
• Available as a downloadable PDF format
• Encourages community sharing with hashtag #SEKHMET_SWEATER