Lydia

Lydia Sweater by Marie Wallin

What Is Being Made

Lydia is an advanced-level knitted sweater designed by Marie Wallin and published as part of the Bloomsbury collection. This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for creating a fitted pullover sweater available in five sizes: Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, and Extra Extra Large, with finished bust measurements ranging from 81–86 cm (32–34 inches) to 122–127 cm (48–50 inches).

Techniques and Construction

This sweater employs several intermediate to advanced knitting techniques suited to experienced crafters. The pattern requires decreasing stitches at strategic points to shape the garment, with decreases worked at each end of rows to create fitted armholes and tailored shaping. The construction involves working straight sections between shaping rows to establish proper garment proportions and length.

The design incorporates color work using ten distinct yarn colors, which adds visual complexity and requires careful attention to color changes throughout the knitting process. Shaping is accomplished through row-by-row decreases and alternating row decreases, demonstrating the advanced skill level required for this project.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

While the complete stitch pattern details are referenced in the full PDF instructions, the pattern works with standard knit and purl stitches as the foundation. The tension requirement of 29 stitches and 30 rows to 10 centimeters establishes the gauge needed for accurate sizing and fit. Decreasing is accomplished through standard decrease methods worked at specified intervals to achieve the fitted silhouette.

Materials Required

This pattern calls for Rowan Felted Tweed yarn in DK (double knitting) weight, a versatile wool-based yarn that provides structure and drape suitable for fitted sweater construction. The design uses a sophisticated ten-color palette:

• Stone (color A): 190 grams (2–3 x 50gm balls depending on size)
• Bilberry (color B): 151 grams (1–2 x 50gm balls)
• Camel (color C): 157 grams (2 x 50gm balls)
• Pine (color D): 158 grams (1 x 50gm ball)
• Cumin (color E): 193 grams (1–2 x 50gm balls)
• Lotus Leaf (color F): 205 grams (1 x 50gm ball)
• Ginger (color G): 154 grams (1 x 50gm ball)
• Rage (color H): 150 grams (1 x 50gm ball)
• Celadon (color I): 184 grams (1 x 50gm ball)
• Barn Red (color J): 196 grams (1 x 50gm ball)

Two needle sizes are required: 2¾mm (US 2) needles and 3¼mm (US 3) needles, allowing for ribbed edgings worked on smaller needles and main fabric worked on larger needles to create proper elasticity and drape.

Finished Dimensions

The sweater is designed to fit a range of bust measurements. The finished width at the bust measures 44 cm (17½ inches) for the smallest size up to 68 cm (27 inches) for the largest size. Armhole depth ranges from approximately 14 cm (5½ inches) to 21 cm (8¼ inches) depending on the chosen size, ensuring proper fit across the full size range.