Ihana Knitted Polo Shirt in Novita Merino 4 Ply - Downloadable PDF

Ihana Knitted Polo Shirt in Novita Merino 4 Ply

What Is Being Made

The Ihana Knitted Polo Shirt is a classic pullover-style polo garment designed by Lea Petäjä. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a fitted, tailored shirt with medium-length sleeves suitable for everyday wear. The design features a structured silhouette with carefully calculated shaping throughout the body and sleeves.

Finished Dimensions

This pattern is available in six sizes ranging from extra-small to extra-large:

• Body Circumference: 78 cm (30¾ in) for XS up to 118 cm (46½ in) for XXL
• Total Length: 51 cm (20 in) for XS up to 61 cm (24 in) for XXL
• Inner Sleeve Length: 17–19 cm (6¾–7½ in) depending on size

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs fundamental knitting shaping methods to create a professional-looking garment. Ribbing is worked at the cast-on edge to create elasticity and a neat finish. The main body is constructed using stockinette stitch, the most common knit fabric, which produces a smooth, flat surface ideal for a fitted polo shirt.

Strategic increases are worked throughout the lower body to create gradual shaping and a flattering silhouette. These increases are performed by knitting the strand of yarn between stitches through the back loop, a technique that creates minimal visual disruption in the fabric. The increases are spaced at regular intervals—every 2 cm for the majority of the shaping, then every 1 cm in later rows—allowing the garment to expand smoothly from the cast-on edge.

Bind-off shaping is used on every other row at the armhole to create the sleeve cap and neckline openings, a standard technique for fitted garments.

Stitches Used

• Ribbing: Elastic knit-purl combination worked over 3 rows for cuff and edge definition
• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch throughout the body and sleeves, created by alternating knit rows and purl rows
• Increases: Yarn-over and lifted increases to add stitches for shaping
• Bind-off: Standard bind-off technique used for armhole and neckline shaping

Materials and Yarn Requirements

This pattern is designed specifically for Novita Merino 4 Ply, a fine-weight yarn that creates a smooth, refined fabric suitable for tailored garments. The 4-ply weight classification indicates a lightweight yarn that produces excellent stitch definition and drape.

Yarn Quantity by Size:

• XS and S: 200 grams
• M: 250 grams
• L: 300 grams
• XL: 350 grams
• XXL: 400 grams

The color specified is Chantarelle, a warm, golden-yellow shade from the Novita Merino 4 Ply range.

Needles and Gauge

Two needle sizes are required to achieve proper fabric tension and structure. 3 mm needles (UK 11 / US 2½) are used for the ribbed edging, which creates a tighter, more elastic fabric. 3½ mm needles (US 4) are used for the main stockinette stitch body and sleeves, creating a slightly looser gauge that is more comfortable for wearing. Knitters should adjust needle sizes as needed to achieve the correct gauge for their individual tension.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle garment construction. The pattern requires understanding of basic increases, decreases, and shaping techniques, as well as the ability to follow multi-size instructions and manage multiple stitches on needles. The straightforward stockinette stitch base makes it accessible, while the fitted shaping adds complexity appropriate for developing knitters.