Three Braids

Three Braids Knitting Pattern by Justyna Lorkowska

What is Being Made

Three Braids is a seamless pullover sweater knit from the top down, designed with subtle dolman sleeves. This knitting pattern is available in six sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, and XXL, with finished bust measurements ranging from 88 cm (35.25 inches) for the smallest size to 139 cm (55.75 inches) for the largest. The sweater is intended to be worn with 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches) of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit. The sample shown in the pattern is knit in size M on a 93 cm (37 inch) bust.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pullover employs a seamless, top-down construction method, which means knitting begins at the neckline and progresses downward toward the hem. The most distinctive technical feature of Three Braids is its use of an adaptation of the contiguous method for shaping set-in sleeves, a technique developed by Susie Myers. This method allows sleeve shaping to be integrated smoothly into the body of the garment without requiring seaming, creating a polished, professional finish. The dolman sleeve style adds visual interest while maintaining the ease of seamless construction.

Stitches and Stitch Details

While the PDF content provided does not specify the exact stitch patterns used throughout the sweater, the pattern is classified as a beginner-level design, indicating that the stitchwork is accessible to knitters new to garment construction. The seamless, top-down approach and the contiguous sleeve shaping method suggest the use of fundamental knitting techniques suitable for those building foundational skills in garment design.

Yarn and Materials

Three Braids is designed to be knit with sport weight yarn. The pattern calls for 3 to 4 skeins depending on size, totaling approximately 755 to 1205 meters (830 to 1315 yards) of yarn. The sample shown in the pattern was knit using Malabrigo Arroyo, a 100% merino wool yarn available in 100g skeins with 335 yards per skein, in the colorway 58 Borrajas. Additional recommended sport weight yarns include Madelinetosh Pashmina and Colour Adventures Exquisite Sport, or any other sport weight yarn that achieves the correct gauge for the pattern. Knitters should exercise caution when selecting superwash yarns, as these tend to grow significantly during washing and may affect the final fit of the garment.

Needles

The pattern requires size 4 needles, though the specific needle type (circular, double-pointed, or straight) is not detailed in the provided content.