Taormina Sweater in Erika Knight Studio Linen - Downloadable PDF

Taormina Sweater in Erika Knight Studio Linen – Knitting Pattern Summary

The Taormina Sweater is a beautifully understated women's knitted sweater designed by Erika Knight, available as a downloadable PDF for home printing. Inspired by relaxed, effortless style, the Taormina features a soft, low V-neckline and three-quarter length sleeves, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for warmer seasons. The design is classified as intermediate difficulty, making it an ideal next step for knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping and ready to explore simple lace construction.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a pullover sweater worked in a four-row lace stitch repeat. The silhouette is relaxed and wearable, with a finished chest measurement ranging from 88 cm (34¾ in) for a size Small up to 136 cm (53½ in) for a size XXL. Front lengths range from 56 cm (22 in) to 66 cm (26 in), and sleeve lengths from 33 cm (13 in) to 41 cm (16 in), giving knitters a well-graded range of five sizes: S, M, L, XL, and XXL.

Yarn and Materials

The recommended yarn is Erika Knight Studio Linen, a DK-weight yarn composed of 85% recycled rayon linen and 15% premium linen. Each hank provides approximately 120 m (131 yds) and weighs 50 g (1¾ oz). The pattern requires 9 to 12 hanks depending on size — specifically 9 hanks for sizes S and M, 10 hanks for L, 11 hanks for XL, and 12 hanks for XXL. Yarn quantities are described as approximate, based on average requirements.

The linen-rayon blend gives the finished sweater a fluid drape and subtle sheen, characteristic of plant-based fibres. Recycled rayon linen is known for its breathability and lightweight feel, making this sweater particularly well suited to spring and summer knitting projects.

In addition to yarn, knitters will need:

• 4mm (US 6) knitting needles
• A large-eyed blunt-tipped sewing needle for finishing and seaming

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is essential for a well-fitting finished garment. The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 32 rows to 10 cm (4 in), measured over the lace pattern using 4mm (US 6) needles. Knitters are advised to change needle size if necessary to achieve this gauge before beginning the main pieces.

Techniques Used

The Taormina Sweater employs a range of knitting techniques appropriate for an intermediate-level knitter:

• Lace knitting – The body is worked throughout in a four-row lace stitch pattern, creating an open, textured fabric with a delicate visual rhythm.
• Casting on – The back begins with a cast-on of 82 to 126 stitches depending on size.
• Armhole shaping – Decreases are worked at both ends of rows to shape the armhole, with specific decrease rows varying by size.
• Neckline shaping – A soft, low V-neck is shaped within the pattern, requiring careful attention to stitch counts and row sequencing.
• Sleeve shaping – Three-quarter length sleeves are worked with appropriate length and shaping for each size.
• Seaming and finishing – A blunt-tipped needle is used to join pieces together cleanly.

Stitches Used

The pattern makes use of the following stitches and techniques, all of which are defined within the abbreviations section of the PDF:

• Knit (K) and Purl (P) – the foundational stitches of the fabric