Polperro

Polperro Knitted Sweater by Pat Menchini

What is Being Made

Polperro is a knitted sweater designed by independent designer Pat Menchini. This intermediate-level project creates a fitted pullover sweater available in five size options to fit chest measurements from 91-97 cm (36-38 inches) up to 132-137 cm (52-54 inches). The sweater features a yoke construction with a finished chest measurement of approximately 99-140 cm depending on size selected, and a consistent shoulder length of 65-67 cm. Sleeve length is standardized at 48 cm across all sizes.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This sweater employs a yoke-based construction method, a popular technique for creating seamless or minimal-seam garments with shaping concentrated at the shoulders. The pattern utilizes multiple needle sizes to achieve proper tension and fabric characteristics in different sections of the garment. Knitters will work with three different needle sizes—3.25 mm, 3.75 mm, and 4 mm—allowing for ribbed edgings and varied fabric densities throughout the piece.

Stitches Used

The pattern incorporates stockinette stitch as the primary fabric, which creates the classic smooth, V-textured knit surface. Additionally, the yoke features a patterned stitch that requires careful tension work. A cable needle is included in the materials list, indicating the presence of cable stitches within the design, adding textural interest and visual complexity to the sweater.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

• Yarn: WYS ColourLab DK weight yarn in shade Harbour Blue 746, requiring 6-8 balls of 100g (225 metres/245 yards per ball) depending on size
• Needles: Three pairs of knitting needles in sizes 3.25 mm (UK 10, US 3), 3.75 mm (UK 9, US 5), and 4 mm (UK 8, US 6)
• Additional Tools: One cable needle for cable stitch work

Tension and Gauge

Achieving correct tension is essential for this project. The pattern specifies 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) over stockinette stitch using 4 mm needles. For the yoke pattern section, the gauge is slightly tighter at 23 stitches and 36 rows to 10 cm using the same 4 mm needles. Knitters must test tension before beginning to ensure proper fit and garment proportions, as loose tension will result in an oversized garment.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this pattern is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle yoke construction, multiple stitch patterns, and garment shaping. The combination of stockinette stitch, cable work, and patterned yoke sections requires attention to detail and pattern reading ability.