Brighton

Brighton Knitted Sweater by Pat Menchini

What is Being Made

Brighton is a knitted sweater designed by Pat Menchini, available in six sizes to fit chest measurements from 81–86 cm (32–34 inches) up to 132–137 cm (52–54 inches). This intermediate-level knitting project creates a fitted pullover sweater with a finished chest measurement ranging from 91 cm (36 inches) in the smallest size to 146 cm (57¾ inches) in the largest size. The sweater features a length to shoulder shaping that varies from 64 cm (25¼ inches) to 70 cm (27½ inches) depending on size, with sleeve seams measuring between 44 cm (17½ inches) and 48 cm (19 inches).

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters. The primary stitch used throughout the sweater is stockinette stitch (abbreviated as st st), which creates the classic smooth, V-patterned fabric characteristic of many knitted garments. The pattern requires working with stitch holders to manage stitches during construction, a standard technique for shaping garment pieces and creating neat transitions between sections.

The sweater construction involves multiple pieces that are knitted separately before being assembled. Knitters will need to understand tension gauge work and how to adjust needle sizes to achieve the correct fabric density, as proper tension is essential for the garment to fit correctly and drape as intended.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Brighton is designed to be knitted using Rico Essentials Merino DK yarn in the shade Dark Turquoise. This yarn weight classification is DK (double knitting), a medium-weight yarn that works well for creating garments with good structure and drape. Each 50-gram ball contains 120 metres (131 yards) of yarn.

Yarn requirements vary by size:

• Size 1 (to fit 81–86 cm chest): 12 balls
• Size 2 (to fit 91–97 cm chest): 13 balls
• Size 3 (to fit 102–107 cm chest): 14 balls
• Size 4 (to fit 112–117 cm chest): 14 balls
• Size 5 (to fit 122–127 cm chest): 15 balls
• Size 6 (to fit 132–137 cm chest): 16 balls

The pattern specifies two needle sizes: 3.25 mm (UK 10, US 3) and 4 mm (UK 8, US 6) knitting needles. The smaller needles are typically used for ribbed edgings or cuffs to create a snug, elastic finish, while the larger needles are used for the main body fabric. Additionally, 2 stitch holders are required to temporarily hold stitches during construction.

Gauge and Tension

The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) over stockinette stitch using 4 mm needles. Testing tension before beginning is essential; knitters should adjust needle sizes accordingly if their tension is too loose or too tight, as this directly affects the final garment fit and dimensions.