Babalwa

Babalwa Pullover by BiggerthanlifeKnits

What is Being Made

Babalwa is a refreshing summer pullover designed by Noma Ndlovu, perfect for warm weather wear. This top features a relaxed fit with positive ease, making it an ideal relaxing garment for layering or wearing solo during warmer months. The pullover is available in multiple sizes, with the featured sample measuring 60 inches in circumference worn on a 40-inch bust, providing 20 inches of positive ease for comfortable, loose styling.

Construction Method

This pullover is worked sideways, knitted from sleeve to sleeve in a continuous piece. This construction technique allows for easy stripe placement and creates a unique garment flow. The bottom band and sleeve bands are knit in the round, providing a finished, professional appearance at these edges. The sideways construction method is particularly advantageous for striped designs, as it allows the stripes to run vertically when the garment is worn.

Stitches and Techniques

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch used throughout the body of the pullover, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric
• Striped Pattern: Easy-to-knit stockinette stripes add visual interest and are simple enough for intermediate knitters to execute successfully
• Circular Knitting: The bottom band and sleeve bands are worked in the round, eliminating the need for seaming at these edges
• Sideways Construction: Sleeve-to-sleeve knitting creates a distinctive garment structure and simplifies stripe management

Materials and Yarn

Babalwa is designed to be knitted with Sweet Georgia Flaxen Silk Fine, a luxurious 3-ply yarn blend consisting of 65% silk and 35% linen. This fiber content provides breathability and a beautiful drape, making it ideal for summer wear. The main color (MC) requires 3 to 4 balls of 115 grams each (approximately 439 meters or 480 yards per ball), depending on size. The contrasting color (CC) requires 1 ball of the same yarn. The specific colors featured in the sample are Slate for the main color and Snowfall for the contrasting color.

Needles and Gauge

This pattern calls for US 6 (4.0 mm) circular needles measuring 32 inches (80 cm) in length, along with a yarn needle for weaving in ends. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this project: 20 stitches and 32 rows in stockinette stitch should measure 4 inches (10 cm). The pattern notes that row gauge is especially important, as it directly affects the length and fit of the finished garment.

Difficulty Level

Babalwa is rated as an intermediate knitting project. While the primary stitch is straightforward stockinette, the sideways construction and the importance of maintaining accurate gauge require some knitting experience. Intermediate knitters will be comfortable managing the stripe pattern and working in the round for the bands.

Sizing Information

The pattern is available in four sizes with the following finished bust measurements: 50 inches, 60 inches, 70 inches, and 80 inches. All sizes feature a finished length of 26 inches from shoulder to hem, creating a cropped, modern silhouette suitable for summer styling.