Dream catcher

Dream Catcher Sweater by Marion Crivelli

What is Being Made

The Dream Catcher is a knitted sweater designed by Marion Crivelli, available in seven sizes ranging from XS to 3XL. This garment features a fitted yoke construction with set-in sleeves and is designed with 4 inches of positive ease for comfortable wear. The finished bust circumference ranges from 38¼ inches (97½ cm) for the XS size up to 54 inches (137½ cm) for the 3XL size, making it a versatile design suitable for various body types.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Dream Catcher employs several intermediate-level knitting techniques that create shaping and visual interest throughout the garment. The pattern incorporates make-one increases on both right and left sides (m1r and m1l), which are used for seamless shaping in the yoke and body sections. Additionally, the pattern utilizes make-one purl increases (m1rp and m1lp) for areas where increases occur on purl rows, allowing for consistent and invisible shaping across the fabric.

Decreasing techniques featured in this design include slip-slip knit (ssk) and slip-slip purl (ssp), which are used for symmetric decreases in the yoke shaping and sleeve cap construction. The pattern also incorporates wrap and turn (w&t) short rows, a technique that creates smooth, curved shaping in the yoke depth without visible steps in the knitting. These short-row techniques are essential for achieving the proper fit and drape in the shoulder and upper body area.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

While the specific stitch patterns are referenced in the full PDF pattern, the Dream Catcher utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined with the shaping techniques mentioned above. The pattern construction relies on stockinette stitch as the primary fabric base, with increases and decreases strategically placed to create the fitted yoke silhouette and sleeve shaping characteristic of this intermediate-level design.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Dream Catcher is designed to be worked in 4-ply yarn weight, which provides a lightweight yet structured fabric suitable for a fitted sweater silhouette. The yoke depth varies by size, ranging from 8¼ inches (21 cm) for the XS to 11¾ inches (30 cm) for the 3XL, allowing the pattern to scale proportionally across all sizes. The sleeve length from underarm to cuff is a standard 18½ inches (47 cm), though the pattern notes this can be adjusted to desired length. The length from underarm to hem measures 14½ inches, creating a standard sweater length that hits at the hip.

Knitters will need appropriate needles for 4-ply yarn and should refer to the complete pattern for specific yardage requirements and needle size recommendations. The pattern provides finished measurements for bust circumference, yoke depth, upper sleeve circumference, and total length, enabling knitters to select the correct size based on their desired fit.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate-level project, the Dream Catcher is suitable for knitters with experience in basic shaping techniques. The combination of make-one increases, slip-slip decreases, and wrap-and-turn short rows requires comfort with these intermediate techniques, making it an ideal project for knitters looking to develop their skills in fitted garment construction.