Ledbury

Ledbury Knitted Slipover by Pat Menchini

What Is Being Made

The Ledbury is a knitted slipover designed by Pat Menchini, available in five size options to fit chest measurements from 91-97 cm (36-38 inches) up to 132-137 cm (52-54 inches). This is a classic pullover-style garment with a fitted silhouette, featuring length to shoulder shaping that ranges from 64 to 70 cm depending on the chosen size. The slipover offers a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level knitting project employs fundamental knitting techniques combined with cable work details. The construction uses stocking stitch (also known as stockinette stitch) as the primary fabric base, creating a smooth, classic knit surface. Cable techniques are incorporated into the design, requiring the use of a cable needle to create textured, twisted stitch patterns that add visual interest and dimension to the finished garment. The pattern includes shaping at the shoulders, indicating tailored construction that requires attention to decreasing and stitch manipulation for proper fit.

Stitches Used

The Ledbury pattern utilizes essential knitting stitches including:

• Knit stitch (k) – the fundamental stitch forming the primary fabric
• Purl stitch (p) – used in combination with knit stitches to create texture and pattern definition
• Stocking stitch (st st) – the primary stitch pattern creating the smooth, classic fabric surface
• Cable stitches – created using a cable needle to cross stitches over one another, adding decorative twisted texture throughout the design

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Ledbury is designed to be worked in Rico Essentials Merino DK, a mid-weight yarn offering 109 metres (120 yards) per 50g ball. Yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 10 balls for the smallest size up to 12 balls for the largest sizes, providing approximately 500-600 metres of yardage total depending on the chosen dimensions. The recommended shade is Light Teal (81), though substitutions are possible when matching the specified tension.

Needles and Notions

This project requires two pairs of knitting needles in different sizes to create proper fabric tension and structure. The 3.25 mm needles (UK 10, US 3) are used for ribbed sections and edgings, while the 4 mm needles (UK 8, US 6) are used for the main stocking stitch fabric. Additional notions include one cable needle for executing cable stitch techniques and two stitch holders for securing stitches during construction, particularly at the neckline and armhole areas.

Tension and Gauge

The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) over stocking stitch using the 4 mm needles. Achieving correct tension is critical for proper fit, as the slipover is sized based on this specific gauge. Knitters are advised to test tension before beginning the project; if the test swatch is too loose, a finer needle should be substituted, and if too tight, a larger needle should be used. This tension adjustment ensures the finished garment matches the intended measurements.