STRANDHUS

STRANDHUS Pullover by Veta Romanenkova

What is Being Made

STRANDHUS is an advanced-level knitted pullover sweater designed by Veta Romanenkova as part of the TOV Collection II. This garment is available in six sizes to fit chest measurements from 34" to 49", with finished circumferences ranging from 41" to 56". The design is offered in both men's and women's versions, each with distinct yardage requirements. The pullover features sophisticated stitch patterning with honeycomb, rope, and diamond cable motifs integrated into the body and sleeves.

Knitting Techniques Used

The STRANDHUS pullover employs several intermediate to advanced knitting techniques that contribute to its sophisticated construction. The garment is knit in pieces and seamed, a traditional method that allows for precise stitch pattern placement and easier shaping. The design incorporates cable knitting techniques, evidenced by the use of a cable needle in the required notions. The collar is picked up and worked, meaning stitches are picked up from the finished neckline edge and knitted in the round, a technique that creates a refined, integrated neckline finish. This advanced construction approach requires careful attention to stitch counts and gauge to ensure proper fit and pattern alignment.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The STRANDHUS features multiple distinct stitch patterns that create visual interest and textural depth throughout the garment. The primary background stitch is double seed stitch, which provides a dense, reversible fabric with excellent drape and structure. This stitch is worked on the larger needles and serves as the foundation for gauge calculations. The design showcases three specialized panel patterns:

• Body Honeycomb panel – a 36-stitch pattern measuring 5.125" wide when blocked on larger needles, creating a dimensional cellular texture
• Rope and Diamond combination panel – a 40-stitch pattern measuring 6.5" wide when blocked, featuring twisted rope cables framing diamond motifs
• Rope and Sleeve Honeycomb combination panel – a 48-stitch pattern measuring 7.125" wide when blocked, integrating rope cables with honeycomb texture for sleeve shaping

These panels are strategically placed to create vertical lines and visual interest while maintaining the structural integrity of the garment.

Yarn and Materials

The STRANDHUS is designed to be knitted with Woolfolk Tov, a premium yarn composed of 100% Ovis 21 Ultimate Merino®. This high-quality merino wool offers excellent elasticity, breathability, and softness, making it ideal for a garment with complex stitch patterns that require blocking and shaping. The yarn is supplied in 100-gram skeins with 173 yards per skein. Yardage requirements vary by size and version: the men's version requires 11 to 16 skeins depending on size, while the women's version requires 10 to 14 skeins. The pattern specifies color no. T00 for both versions.

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires two needle sizes to achieve proper gauge and fabric characteristics. Size US 7 (4.5 mm) needles are used for ribbed or fitted sections, including both straight needles and a 16" circular needle for the collar. Size US 8 (5 mm) needles are used for the main body and sleeves, where the double seed stitch and cable panels are worked. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, a cable needle for executing the rope and diamond cable stitches, a tapestry needle for seaming the pieces together, and stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches during construction.

Gauge and Blocking

Accurate gauge is critical for this advanced pattern. The specified gauge is 21 stitches and 27 rows over 4 inches in double seed stitch on larger needles, after blocking. The pattern also provides specific blocked widths for each panel pattern, allowing knitters to verify their gauge before committing to the full project. Blocking is essential for this design, as it sets the cable stitches, evens the double seed stitch texture, and ensures the garment achieves its intended finished measurements.