Abbraccio Sweater in Red Heart Vera - LM6046 - Downloadable PDF

Abbraccio Sweater in Red Heart Vera - LM6046

What is Being Made

The Abbraccio Sweater is a beginner-friendly knitted pullover sweater designed by the Italian Collection Design Team. This downloadable PDF pattern produces a classic turtleneck sweater available in five sizes: Small (36" finished bust), Medium (41"), Large (44"), X-Large (47"), and 2X-Large (52"). The finished length ranges from 23½" to 25½" depending on size, not including the turtleneck. This two-color design combines contrasting yarns for visual interest and texture.

Craft and Techniques

The Abbraccio Sweater is a knitting project worked in chunky yarn weight, making it an ideal choice for beginners seeking quick results and straightforward construction. The pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for those new to the craft, while still offering enough visual appeal to satisfy intermediate knitters. The two-color construction introduces basic color-work techniques without requiring complex Fair Isle or stranded knitting methods.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern featured in this design is the Two-Color Shell pattern, which creates texture and visual dimension through the combination of two contrasting yarn colors. The pattern also incorporates 2x2 Rib stitching, a fundamental ribbed stitch used for fitted edges and cuffs that provide elasticity and structure to the garment. These stitch combinations are worked to achieve a gauge of 20 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches in the Two-Color Shell pattern.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

• Yarn: Red Heart Vera (Art R181), a chunky weight yarn available in 3.5 oz (100 g) balls with 135 yards (123 meters) per ball
• Yarn Quantities: 5 (6, 7, 7, 8) balls in Nero (color 2312 - black) for the primary color, and 4 (5, 5, 6, 7) balls in Latte (color 2311 - cream) for the contrast color
• Needles: Susan Bates knitting needles in two sizes: 5.5mm (US 9) and 6mm (US 10), with an additional set of 5.5mm (US 9) double-pointed needles for the turtleneck
• Additional Supplies: Stitch holder and yarn needle for finishing

Gauge and Pattern Notes

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit. The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 20 rows measuring approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) when worked in the Two-Color Shell pattern using the larger 6mm (US 10) needles. Knitters are advised to check their gauge before beginning and may adjust needle size as needed to obtain accurate measurements. The pattern directions are written for the Small size, with adjustments for larger sizes provided in parentheses throughout.