Hazel Sweater

Hazel Sweater by Emily J. Designs

What is Being Made

The Hazel Sweater is a wearable pullover designed by Emily J. Designs, featuring a sophisticated boat neck silhouette with eyelet details and subtle waist shaping to create a flattering slim fit. This intermediate-level knitting project is available in eight sizes ranging from XXS to 3XL, with finished bust measurements from 31 inches (78.5cm) to 53 inches (134.5cm) and finished lengths from 22 to 25 inches (56 to 63.5cm). The sweater is designed to be worn with 1-2 inches (2.5-4cm) of positive ease for comfortable, intentional fit.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Hazel Sweater employs classic knitting construction methods suitable for intermediate crafters. The design utilizes circular needles or double point needles for seamless or nearly seamless construction, a technique that creates a polished, professional finish. The sweater incorporates eyelet details—small decorative holes created through yarn-over decreases—which add visual interest and a delicate aesthetic to the finished garment. Waist shaping is strategically placed to enhance the slim silhouette, demonstrating thoughtful garment design that flatters the wearer's figure.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the Hazel Sweater is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a distinctive V-pattern on the knit side. The eyelet details are created using yarn-overs combined with decreases, a fundamental lace technique that produces small, decorative holes in the fabric. These eyelets serve both as decorative elements and as structural features that contribute to the sweater's refined appearance.

Yarn and Materials

The Hazel Sweater pattern calls for Valley Yarns Greylock, a luxurious 100% cashmere yarn available in two colorways featured in the pattern: 64 Ash Brown and 09 Army Green. Each skein contains 300 yards (274 meters) and weighs 50 grams (1.75 ounces). Yarn requirements range from 3 skeins for the smallest size (XXS) to 7 skeins for the largest size (3XL).

The pattern offers flexibility in yarn weight options. Crafters can work with two strands of fingering weight yarn held together—allowing for creative color combinations using marl or solid yarns of choice—or substitute a single strand of worsted weight yarn as an alternative. This flexibility enables knitters to customize their project based on yarn availability, color preference, and desired fiber content while maintaining the intended gauge and finished dimensions.

Needles and Notions

The Hazel Sweater pattern requires two sizes of circular needles or double point needles:

• US 6 (4mm) circular needles or double point needles for the main fabric
• US 5 (3.75mm) circular needles or double point needles for ribbed edgings and cuffs

Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, as well as flexible stitch markers or strings for holding stitches and marking important locations during construction.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows equal 4 inches (10cm) in stockinette stitch when worked with the larger US 6 (4mm) needles using two strands of yarn. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished dimensions and proper fit of the sweater.