Sub-Division

Sub-Division Sweater by Pat Menchini

What is Being Made

Sub-Division is a DK-weight knitted sweater designed by Pat Menchini. This intermediate-level pullover features a sophisticated color-blocking design using three contrasting shades from the King Cole Majestic DK yarn range. The sweater is available in five sizes, ranging from 81–86 cm bust (32–34 inches) through to 122–127 cm bust (48–50 inches), making it suitable for a wide range of body measurements. The finished garment offers a relaxed fit with an actual bust measurement ranging from 104 cm (41 inches) in the smallest size to 149 cm (58¾ inches) in the largest size.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This sweater employs fundamental knitting construction methods appropriate for intermediate crafters. The pattern utilizes multiple needle sizes to create different fabric densities and textures throughout the garment. Stitch holders are incorporated into the pattern, indicating that stitches are held at various points during construction—a common technique for managing neckline shaping or other design elements. The color-blocking design suggests strategic yarn changes throughout the knitting process to achieve the visual Sub-Division effect.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used in this sweater is stockinette stitch (abbreviated as st st in the pattern), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance on the right side. The tension is set at 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) over stockinette stitch when worked on 4 mm needles. This tension specification is critical for achieving the correct finished measurements and garment proportions. Achieving proper tension before beginning the project is essential, as variations will directly affect the fit and overall dimensions of the completed sweater.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Sub-Division sweater is designed to be worked in King Cole Majestic DK yarn, a double-knit weight fiber. Each 50g ball provides approximately 121 metres (131 yards) of yarn. The pattern calls for three coordinating colorways:

• Denim 2654 (A): 6, 7, 7, 8, or 8 balls depending on size
• Cerise 2659 (B): 1, 1, 1, 2, or 2 balls depending on size
• Cream 2642 (C): 4, 4, 5, 5, or 6 balls depending on size

The color combination of Denim, Cerise, and Cream creates a contemporary aesthetic suitable for modern knitwear. Total yardage requirements scale with size, with larger sizes requiring proportionally more yarn to accommodate increased garment dimensions.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires three pairs of knitting needles in graduated sizes: 3.25 mm (UK 10, US 3), 3.75 mm (UK 9, US 5), and 4 mm (UK 8, US 6). The use of multiple needle sizes is typical in sweater construction, with smaller needles often used for ribbing or edgings to create elasticity, while the larger 4 mm needles are used for the main stockinette stitch fabric. Two stitch holders are also required to hold stitches during construction, particularly for neckline shaping.

Garment Dimensions

The sweater features a center back length (excluding neckband) ranging from 60 cm (23½ inches) in the smallest size to 65 cm (25½ inches) in the largest size. All sizes share a consistent sleeve seam measurement of 44 cm (17½ inches), providing a standard sleeve length across the size range. These proportions create a balanced, wearable garment with appropriate coverage and sleeve positioning for most body types within the specified size range.