Hilda

Hilda Pullover by Deb Hoss

What is Being Made

Hilda is a two-color fitted pullover sweater designed by Deb Hoss and reintroduced as a top-down, in-the-round construction. This intermediate-level knit features a distinctive wide shawl collar and three-quarter length sleeves. The design is worked primarily in the round for seamless construction, making it an engaging project for knitters with some experience. Available in seven sizes ranging from 31¼ inches to 55¼ inches bust measurement, the sweater is designed to be worn with minimal ease for a close, fitted silhouette.

Construction Techniques

Hilda employs several advanced knitting techniques that make it suitable for intermediate-level crafters. The sweater is constructed top-down and worked in-the-round, which allows for easy fitting adjustments as you progress. The three-quarter length sleeves are set in using the top-down, in-the-round method, providing a modern approach to sleeve construction. The signature wide shawl collar is shaped using short-row shaping, a technique that creates elegant curves and depth without increasing stitch count dramatically. Stitches are picked up along the neckline edges to begin the collar, demonstrating the importance of clean finishing techniques. The pattern requires blocking to achieve final measurements and shape.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The pattern incorporates a variety of essential knitting stitches and techniques:

• Cast-on methods: Long-tail cast-on and cable cast-on for secure, elastic foundations
• Decreases: Slip, slip, knit (ssk) and knit two together (k2tog) for shaping and decreasing
• Increases: Make one right (m1R) and make one left (m1L) for invisible, directional increases
• Short-row shaping: Used to create the contoured wide shawl collar
• Picking up stitches: Essential for attaching the collar to the neckline
• Circular knitting: In-the-round construction for seamless body and sleeves

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Hilda is designed to be worked in sport weight yarn, a lightweight option that creates a refined drape suitable for a fitted pullover. The two-color design makes this pattern an excellent stash-busting project, as you can use contrasting yarn colors for the main body and trim details. While specific yardage requirements are not detailed in the provided content, the sport weight classification indicates a yarn that works well for garments requiring definition and structure. Circular needles appropriate for sport weight yarn are required for the in-the-round construction, along with a set of double-pointed needles or a smaller circular needle for the three-quarter length sleeves. The pattern is presented as a downloadable PDF, allowing immediate access to complete instructions and schematics.

Design Features

The Hilda pullover stands out for its elegant two-color colorwork trim and fitted silhouette. The wide shawl collar adds a sophisticated neckline detail that frames the face beautifully, while the three-quarter length sleeves provide a versatile length suitable for various seasons and styling options. The in-the-round construction minimizes seaming and creates a polished, professional finish throughout the garment.