Tweed Stitch Sweater

Tweed Stitch Sweater by Natalie Smart

What is Being Made

The Tweed Stitch Sweater is a pullover knit garment designed by Natalie Smart. This intermediate-level project creates a fitted sweater available in six sizes to fit bust measurements from 81cm to 107cm (32in to 42in). The finished sweater features an actual bust measurement range of 84cm to 110cm (33in to 43in), with a length of 62cm to 67cm (24.5in to 26.5in) depending on size selected. The sleeve seam length is consistent at 47cm (18.5in) across all sizes.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This sweater showcases the distinctive tweed stitch pattern, which creates a textured, flecked appearance characteristic of traditional tweed fabrics. The construction involves knitting separate pieces that are later assembled, with the pattern worked throughout the body and sleeves. The design uses two coordinating yarn colors to enhance the tweed effect, with the primary color (Shade Mustard 855) forming the base and a contrasting secondary color (Shade Wine 32) creating the characteristic speckled texture.

The pattern requires careful tension work to achieve the proper fabric drape and fit. Knitters must obtain a tension of 24 stitches and 50 rows to 10cm (4in) over the tweed stitch pattern using 3.25mm needles. Adjustments to needle size may be necessary to achieve correct tension, as this directly impacts the final garment dimensions.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout this sweater is the tweed stitch, a textured stitch pattern that creates visual interest and depth. This stitch is worked consistently across the main body and sleeves to produce the sweater's signature appearance. The pattern likely incorporates basic knitting fundamentals including knit and purl stitches combined in a repeating sequence to achieve the tweed effect.

Materials Required

Yarn: King Cole Merino Blend DK yarn in 100% pure merino wool is specified for this project. The yarn provides 112 meters per 50g ball. Yardage requirements vary by size: 7 to 9 balls of Shade Mustard 855 (the primary color) and 6 to 8 balls of Shade Wine 32 (the contrasting color) are needed depending on which size is being knitted.

Needles and Notions: The pattern requires one pair each of 2.75mm and 3.25mm straight knitting needles, plus one 2.75mm circular needle. Additional supplies include stitch holders for managing active stitches during construction and a row counter to track progress through the pattern repeats.

Difficulty Level

This sweater is rated as an intermediate knitting project, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic techniques. The tweed stitch pattern requires attention to stitch placement and color changes, while the multi-piece construction and finishing techniques demand intermediate-level skills in seaming and assembly.