Corona

Corona Hoodie by Teresa Gregorio

What is Being Made

Corona is a youthful, modern hoodie designed by Teresa Gregorio for independent knitters seeking a comfortable yet stylish garment. This pullover hoodie combines casual comfort with sophisticated design elements, featuring a virtually seamless construction that minimizes finishing work. The design is available in seven sizes ranging from XS (28-30" bust) through XXXL (52-54" bust), making it accessible to a wide range of body types.

Design Features and Construction

The Corona hoodie employs a virtually seamless design approach, which significantly reduces the amount of seaming required during finishing. This construction method is particularly appealing to knitters who prefer minimal assembly work while still achieving a polished, professional-looking garment. The design incorporates 5 inches of negative ease, meaning the finished garment is intentionally 5 inches smaller than the wearer's actual measurements, creating a fitted, contemporary silhouette that flatters the body.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Corona requires advanced knitting skills and incorporates several specialized techniques that elevate this project beyond beginner or intermediate levels. The primary stitch pattern is stockinette stitch, which forms the smooth, classic fabric base of the garment. The hoodie features a prominent cable pattern that adds visual interest and texture throughout the design.

The cable pattern repeats over 12 rows and uses the following abbreviations and techniques:

• C2F (Cable 2 Front): Slip 1 stitch to cable needle and hold in front, knit 1, then knit the stitch from the cable needle
• C2B (Cable 2 Back): Slip 1 stitch to cable needle and hold in back, knit 1, then knit the stitch from the cable needle
• K (knit): The fundamental knit stitch
• P (purl): The fundamental purl stitch
• Inc (increase): Adding stitches to shape the garment
• Dec (decrease): Removing stitches through techniques such as ssk (slip, slip, knit)
• Sm (slip marker): Moving stitch markers to track pattern repeats

Beyond cables, Corona requires proficiency in Kitchener Stitch, also known as grafting. This advanced finishing technique allows two sets of live stitches to be joined together invisibly, contributing to the garment's seamless aesthetic and professional appearance.

Gauge and Sizing

The Corona hoodie is worked at a gauge of 5 stitches per 1 inch over stockinette stitch on 5 mm needles. Achieving correct gauge is essential for proper fit, particularly given the negative ease design. The pattern provides seven distinct size options with yardage requirements ranging from 4 hanks for the smallest sizes (XS, S) to 10 hanks for the largest size (XXXL).

Materials and Tools Required

The Corona hoodie is designed to be worked with worsted weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn that knits efficiently while providing excellent stitch definition for cable work. The pattern provides flexibility in yarn selection, with examples shown in two different yarns:

• Dream in Color "Classy" in the colorway Petal Shower
• Cascade 220

Both of these yarns are worsted weight and suitable for the 5 mm gauge specified. Knitters may substitute other worsted weight yarns of similar fiber content and yardage requirements.

The needle requirements include two pairs of 5 mm circular needles, each at least 16 inches long, which allow for the seamless, in-the-round construction typical of modern hoodie designs. Additionally, 5 mm double-pointed needles are required for working the smaller circumferences of the sleeves and hood, where circular needles become impractical.

Skill Level Summary

Corona is classified as an advanced knitting project and is best suited for experienced knitters who are comfortable with cable techniques, seamless construction methods, and finishing techniques such as Kitchener Stitch grafting. The combination of cable patterns, circular needle construction, and invisible seaming makes this an excellent project for knitters looking to expand their technical skills while creating a contemporary, wearable garment