Kume Sweater

Kume Sweater by Vanessa Pellisa

Garment Overview

The Kume is a seamless, bottom-up open-front cardigan designed by Vanessa Pellisa in February 2020. This versatile knitting pattern offers flexibility in both length and construction method, allowing knitters to customize the finished garment to their preferences and comfort level with advanced techniques.

Design Features and Options

• Length Variations: The pattern includes options for both coat-length and cardigan-length versions, giving you the freedom to choose your preferred finished silhouette
• Construction Methods: Instructions are provided for working in the round with steeking (cutting the knitting to create the front opening) or working flat if you prefer to avoid cutting your finished knitting
• Cable Details: Features cable stitch detailing positioned at the side seams and along the sleeves for visual interest and texture
• Neckline: A folded neck construction provides extra warmth and a refined finish
• Button Band: The button band is picked up along the front edges and extends up to the collar for a polished, professional appearance

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate-level pattern employs several key knitting techniques. The seamless construction uses the bottom-up method, which allows you to try on the garment as you progress. Cable stitches are incorporated at structural points for both decorative and textural effect. For those choosing the in-the-round option, steeking is required—a technique where you knit past the front opening and later cut the fabric to create the cardigan opening, then secure the cut edges. The folded neck involves picking up stitches and working them to create a double-layer neckline.

Yarn and Materials

The Kume is designed to be worked in aran weight yarn, which provides good stitch definition for the cable details and creates a fabric with appropriate drape and warmth. The pattern was originally created using Nutiden yarn from Honer och Eir, described as exceptionally soft and delicate after blocking. The sample shown features a pink colorway, though the pattern is suitable for any aran weight yarn in your preferred color.

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this pattern is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle seamless garment construction, cable work, and either steeking or flat construction methods. The flexibility in construction options allows knitters to choose a path that matches their experience and comfort level.