Cartesian Pullover

Cartesian Pullover by Irina Anikeeva

What is Being Made

The Cartesian Pullover is a women's knitted sweater designed by Irina Anikeeva. This intermediate-level pullover is available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3XL, with finished bust circumferences from 47.25 inches (118 cm) to 67.75 inches (169.5 cm). The garment is intended to be worn with 10 to 14 inches of positive ease, making it a comfortable, relaxed-fitting pullover suitable for layering or wearing as a standalone piece.

Construction Techniques

The Cartesian Pullover employs a top-down construction method, which allows for easy fitting adjustments and the ability to try on the garment as you work. The pullover begins with a provisional cast-on, a technique that allows stitches to be picked up later for seamless joining.

The garment is constructed in distinct sections:

• The back saddles and back portion of the sleeves are worked flat (back and forth) from the provisional cast-on to the underarm, then stitches are placed on a holder for later joining
• The front and front portion of the sleeves are picked up from the provisional cast-on and worked to the underarm with shaping applied to the neckline
• Once both front and back sections reach the underarm, they are joined in the round to create a seamless body
• The body is worked circularly from the underarm down to the lower edge
• The sleeves are worked in the round from the top down, providing a clean, seamless finish on the arms

Stitches Used

While the complete stitch guide is referenced in the pattern, the Cartesian Pullover utilizes standard knitting stitches appropriate for bulky weight yarn construction. The pattern incorporates shaping techniques for the neckline and sleeve cap, which are typical of fitted pullover designs.

Materials and Yarn

The Cartesian Pullover is designed to be worked in bulky weight yarn. Approximate yardage requirements are 900 yards for size Small, with yardage increasing for larger sizes (950 yards for Medium and beyond). Bulky weight yarn creates a fabric with excellent drape and warmth while allowing the garment to be completed relatively quickly compared to lighter yarn weights. The pattern will specify appropriate needle sizes for working with bulky weight yarn, typically in the US 9-11 range, though specific needle requirements should be confirmed in the full pattern details.

Sizing Information

The Cartesian Pullover accommodates a wide range of body types with six distinct sizes. Size Small fits bust measurements of 32 to 34 inches (81-86 cm), while size 3XL accommodates bust measurements of 52 to 54 inches (132-137 cm). The finished measurements at the underarm range from 47.25 inches for the smallest size to 67.75 inches for the largest size, providing options for various fit preferences and layering needs.