Palomar Pullover

Palomar Pullover by Irina Anikeeva

What is Being Made

The Palomar Pullover is a women's knitted sweater designed by Irina Anikeeva. This pullover features overlapping back panels and is available in eight sizes ranging from XS to 4XL, with finished bust circumferences from 32 inches (80 cm) to 60 inches (142-147 cm). The garment is designed with a modest positive ease of 2-4 inches (5-10 cm), making it a comfortable, relaxed-fitting pullover suitable for various body types.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques to construct the pullover. The design utilizes circular knitting as the primary construction method, which allows for seamless construction and the ability to work in the round. The pattern incorporates double-pointed needles for sections that require smaller circumferences, such as ribbing or fitted areas. The yarn is held double throughout the entire work, which affects the gauge and creates a denser fabric from the lace weight yarn. The overlapping back panels represent a design feature that requires careful shaping and finishing to achieve the intended silhouette.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used in the Palomar Pullover is Stockinette Stitch, which creates a smooth, classic knit fabric with a distinctive V-shaped pattern on the right side. The gauge for this pattern is 19 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch when worked on US 5/3.75 mm needles after blocking. This gauge measurement is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements and fit of the garment.

Materials and Tools Required

The Palomar Pullover requires lace weight yarn held double throughout the project, which creates a DK-weight fabric from two strands of lighter yarn. Knitters will need multiple needle sizes to complete this project:

• US 5/3.75 mm circular needles in two lengths: one 16-inch (40 mm) and one 24-inch (60 mm)
• US 5/3.75 mm double-pointed needles for ribbing and smaller circumference sections
• US 4/3.5 mm circular needles in two lengths: one 16-inch (40 mm) and one 24-inch (60 mm)
• US 4/3.5 mm double-pointed needles for ribbing and smaller circumference sections

Additional notions and tools include stitch markers, waste yarn, two safety pins or removable markers, stitch holders, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and sewing pins for assembly and blocking. Adjusting needle size may be necessary to obtain the correct gauge for proper fit.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to tackle projects with more complex construction methods, such as circular knitting with multiple needle sizes and garment shaping.