Henwick

Henwick Seamless V-Neck Pullover by Laura Chau

What Is Being Made

Henwick is a cozy, seamless V-neck pullover designed by independent knitwear designer Laura Chau. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a flattering, fitted sweater suitable for everyday wear. The garment features a slight A-line silhouette that tapers at the waist and is designed to be worn with -2 to 1 inch (or -5 to 2.5 centimeters) of negative to positive ease at the bust for an elegant, body-skimming fit.

Construction and Design Features

Henwick is constructed as a seamless garment, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a smooth, professional finish. The sweater employs several sophisticated shaping techniques to achieve its distinctive silhouette:

• The lower body begins with an entire hem worked in the round for a clean, finished edge
• The back hem is extended and shaped using short rows, creating a longer back length that adds visual interest and flattering proportions
• A wide garter stitch back panel runs the length of the back, providing textural contrast and subtle structure
• Waist shaping is achieved through dart lines worked into the fabric, creating a fitted waist without compromising comfort
• The slight A-line shape flows from the fitted waist down to the hem, creating a flattering drape
• Long sleeves are finished with buttoned garter stitch cuffs, adding both functional and decorative detail

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate knitting project employs several key techniques that make it suitable for experienced knitters:

• Seamless construction: The sweater is worked primarily in the round, eliminating side seams and creating a polished, professional appearance
• Short rows: Used strategically to shape the curved back hem and create the longer back length without adding bulk
• Garter stitch: Featured prominently on the back panel and cuffs, providing textural contrast and a classic aesthetic
• Raglan yoke: Sleeves are worked in the round from the cuff upward, then seamlessly joined with the body at the raglan yoke for a smooth shoulder line
• Dart shaping: Waist shaping is worked along dart lines, a technique that creates fitted, tailored proportions while maintaining the integrity of the knit fabric
• V-neck shaping: The V-neckline is worked as part of the seamless construction, creating a refined neckline detail

Yarn and Materials

Henwick is designed to be worked in Lorna's Laces Haymarket, a worsted-weight yarn composed of 100% Bluefaced Leicester fiber. This yarn choice contributes to the sweater's cozy, luxurious feel while providing excellent stitch definition that showcases the various knitting techniques used throughout the design.

When working with hand-dyed yarns like Lorna's Laces Haymarket, the pattern recommends alternating skeins every 1 or 2 rounds while twisting yarns together at the beginning of the round. This technique ensures even color distribution throughout the sweater and minimizes the appearance of color variations that can occur with hand-dyed fibers.

Sizing and Fit Recommendations

The pattern is available in multiple sizes and is shown in size 33.75 inches (88 centimeters). The designer notes that the sample is worn at 4 inches (10 centimeters) of negative ease, creating a close, fitted silhouette. For the best fit, the pattern recommends measuring a sweater you already own and enjoy wearing, then selecting the size closest to those measurements rather than relying solely on standard sizing charts.

Yarn Weight and Difficulty Level

This project uses worsted-weight yarn and is rated at intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with solid foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex shaping techniques and seamless construction methods.