Catriona

Catriona Knitted Sweater by Pat Menchini

What Is Being Made

Catriona is a beginner-friendly knitted sweater designed by Pat Menchini. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a classic pullover jumper available in six sizes, ranging from 81–86 cm bust (32–34 inches) up to 132–137 cm bust (52–54 inches). The finished garment offers generous ease with actual bust measurements from 103 cm (40½ inches) to 156 cm (61½ inches), making it suitable for relaxed, comfortable wear. The sweater features a consistent sleeve length of 47 cm (18½ inches) across all sizes, with varying body lengths from 57 to 60 cm (22½ to 23½ inches) depending on the size chosen.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginners. The primary construction uses stockinette stitch (abbreviated as st st), which creates the smooth, classic appearance of traditional knitted sweaters. The pattern requires working with three different needle sizes during construction: 3.25 mm needles (UK 10, US 3) for ribbing, 4 mm needles (UK 8, US 6) for the main body and sleeves, and 8 mm needles (UK 0, US 11) for specific sections. Stitch holders are used during the knitting process to hold stitches temporarily, a standard technique for managing sleeve caps and neckline shaping.

Stitches Used

The Catriona pattern centers on stockinette stitch, the fundamental knit stitch that forms the majority of the garment. Ribbing—created by alternating knit and purl stitches—is used for finishing edges and creating elasticity at the cuffs, hem, and neckline. This combination of stitches keeps the pattern accessible for knitters developing their foundational skills while producing a polished, wearable result.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Catriona is designed to be worked in Rico-Design Hand-Dyed Happiness DK yarn, a double knitting weight yarn that provides excellent stitch definition and drape. This yarn is supplied in 100g hanks, each containing 400 metres (437 yards). Yarn requirements vary by size: the smallest size (81–86 cm bust) requires 3 hanks, sizes 91–97 cm and 102–107 cm each require 4 hanks, size 112–117 cm requires 4 hanks, size 122–127 cm requires 5 hanks, and the largest size (132–137 cm) requires 5 hanks. The pattern specifies shade 005 for the hand-dyed colorway.

The recommended needle sizes are 3.25 mm (UK 10, US 3), 4 mm (UK 8, US 6), and 8 mm (UK 0, US 11) knitting needles. The pattern also calls for 2 stitch holders to manage stitches during construction. The working tension is 23 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) over stockinette stitch using 4 mm needles. Knitters are advised to test their tension before beginning, adjusting to a finer needle if their tension is too loose or a larger needle if too tight, ensuring the finished garment meets the intended measurements.

Pattern Notes

Yarn amounts listed in the pattern are approximate and based on average requirements. The pattern recommends testing tension before starting work, as matching the specified tension is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. When substituting yarn, knitters should ensure the replacement yarn matches the tension stated in the pattern to maintain garment proportions and fit.