Solanales

Solanales Knit Sweater by Maloraé Designs

What is Being Made

Solanales is a downloadable knitting pattern for a fitted sweater designed by independent designer Maloraé Designs. This intermediate-level project is available in nine sizes, ranging from size 0 through size 8, making it suitable for a wide range of body measurements. The sweater features a classic construction with set-in sleeves and is designed to be worn with positive ease of approximately 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) for comfortable fit.

Finished Measurements

The sweater is offered across a comprehensive size range with the following finished measurements:

• Bust circumference: 81, 91, 103, 114, 125, 136, 147, 158, and 170 cm (32, 35.5, 40.5, 45, 49, 53.5, 57.5, 62, and 67 inches)
• Upper arm circumference: 29, 30, 31, 34, 37, 38, 39, 42, and 45 cm (11.5, 11.5, 12, 13, 14.5, 15, 15, 16.5, and 18 inches)
• Length from underarm to hem: 42 cm (16.5 inches)
• Sleeve length from underarm to cuff: 42 cm (16.5 inches)

Knitting Techniques

This intermediate-level pattern incorporates several essential knitting techniques that add visual interest and texture to the finished garment. Knitters will practice picking up stitches, a fundamental skill used when adding new fabric sections from existing edges. The pattern also features cable knitting without a cable needle, a more advanced technique that creates decorative twisted rope-like textures using only the working needles. These techniques combine to create a sweater with dimensional stitch patterns suitable for knitters with some prior experience.

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

The Solanales sweater is worked in a stitch pattern that requires a gauge of 27 stitches and 40 rows per 10 centimeters when measured on 3.25 mm needles after blocking. The pattern incorporates ribbed sections, typically worked at a tighter gauge using smaller needles, creating the fitted edges characteristic of classic sweater construction. Cable stitches feature prominently in the design, adding textural depth and visual complexity to the body and sleeves.

Yarn and Materials

Solanales is designed to be knit with 4-ply fingering weight yarn, a fine and delicate yarn category that creates beautifully detailed stitch definition. The original pattern features a luxury yarn blend of merino, silk, and yak fiber in the colorway Tabac from Claines. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from approximately 955 meters (1,045 yards) for the smallest size to 1,890 meters (2,070 yards) for the largest size.

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires two sizes of straight or circular needles:

• 3.25 mm (US 3) needles for working the main body and pattern sections
• 2.75 mm (US 2) needles for ribbing at cuffs, hem, and neckline

Additional notions needed include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, as well as waste yarn for holding stitches during construction.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate project, Solanales is suitable for knitters who have completed basic sweater projects and are comfortable with techniques such as picking up stitches, working cable patterns, and managing multiple stitch sizes. The pattern provides clear guidance for executing cables without a cable needle, making it an excellent choice for knitters looking to expand their technical skills while creating a sophisticated finished garment.