Elise

Elise Pullover by Cheryl Toy

What is Being Made

Elise is a knitted pullover sweater designed by Cheryl Toy for Hudson + West. This top-down constructed pullover is available in eight finished sizes, ranging from 38.5 inches to 72 inches in finished chest circumference, making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The pullover shown in the pattern measures 43.25 inches and is worn with positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Elise pullover employs several intermediate knitting techniques that build on fundamental skills. The garment is constructed in the round from the top down, a popular method that allows for easy fitting adjustments and the ability to try on the piece as you work. This construction approach means you begin at the neckline and work downward, with sleeve stitches held on stitch holders until the body is complete, then worked separately afterward.

The pattern requires proficiency in the following skills:

• Increasing and decreasing to shape the garment as it expands from the top down
• Stranded colorwork, a technique where two colors are carried across rows to create a patterned design
• Duplicate stitch, an embroidery-like technique worked on finished knitting to add or adjust color details
• Picking up stitches to add new sections or borders to the knitted fabric
• Tubular bind off (optional), an advanced finishing technique that creates an especially elastic and polished edge

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure in Elise is Stockinette Stitch, the most fundamental knit stitch pattern, which creates the smooth, classic V-pattern texture characteristic of traditional sweaters. Stockinette is worked in the round on Size A needles and establishes the base fabric for the entire pullover.

Yarn and Materials

Elise is designed to be worked in Hudson + West Co. Forge, a premium American yarn blend composed of 70% U.S. Merino wool and 30% U.S. Corriedale wool. This blend offers the softness and breathability of Merino with the durability and structure of Corriedale. The yarn is a worsted weight with a yardage of 235 yards per 3.5-ounce skein.

The pattern calls for two colors: Aspen (a natural white main color) and Midnight (a navy blue contrast color). Yardage requirements vary by size, with the main color requiring between 5 and 8 skeins depending on finished size, and the contrast color requiring between 1 and 2 skeins. The gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch on Size A needles after blocking.

Difficulty Level

Despite the range of techniques involved, Elise is rated as a beginner-friendly pattern. This accessibility is achieved through clear construction methods and the use of fundamental stitches, making it an excellent project for knitters looking to expand their skills by learning colorwork and shaping techniques within a supportive, well-structured pattern.