Pullover 1940

Pullover 1940 by Jutta Maria Guerth

What Is Being Made

The Pullover 1940 is a knitted pullover sweater designed by Jutta Maria Guerth. This garment features a fitted waist with strategic shaping and is available in multiple sizes, with detailed instructions provided for size M and L. The design incorporates colorwork elements with a charted pattern and a coordinated color sequence throughout the piece.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several fundamental and intermediate techniques to create a structured, fitted garment. The construction begins with a cast-on edge worked in garter stitch, followed by charted colorwork pattern work. Strategic shaping is achieved through strategic bind-offs and cast-ons at specific height intervals to create waist definition. The pattern uses both flat knitting on straight needles and circular needle work, with finishing details completed using crochet and tapestry needle techniques for seaming and neckline finishing.

Stitches and Construction Details

• Knitting stitch (garter stitch) used for the initial cast-on row
• Charted colorwork pattern followed throughout the main body sections
• Bind-off and cast-on shaping at 15 cm (6"), 19 cm (7½"), and 23 cm (9") heights to create fitted waist shaping
• Crochet finishing for neckline details using chain stitches
• Tapestry needle work for seaming and weaving in yarn ends

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: The Pullover 1940 is designed to be made from mixed-quality yarn leftovers, accommodating cotton, silk, polyester, wool, and blended fibers. This flexible material approach makes the project an excellent stash-busting option. Yardage requirements are 350 grams for size M and 400 grams for size L, with a yardage of approximately 180 meters per 50 grams (196 yards per 50 grams). The yarn weight is 4-ply, a medium-weight yarn suitable for garment construction.

Color Palette: The design incorporates a vibrant, coordinated color sequence including light grey, green, greyblue, pink, light pink, fuchsia, red, and black, with dark grey reserved for the neckline.

Tools Required:

• Knitting needles, size 3.5
• Circular needle, size 3
• Crochet hook, size 3
• Tapestry needle for finishing

Gauge: The pattern is worked at a gauge of 22 stitches and 33 rows over 10 x 10 centimeters (4" x 4"), which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this project is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle colorwork patterns, garment shaping, and multi-technique finishing. The combination of charted pattern work and strategic waist shaping provides a rewarding challenge for developing knitters.