Dora Sweater in Erika Knight British Blue 100 - Downloadable PDF

Dora Sweater by Erika Knight in British Blue 100 – Pattern Summary

The Dora Sweater is a beautifully relaxed, wide kimono-style pullover designed by Erika Knight. Featuring a deep V-neck and an easy, oversized silhouette, it is specifically conceived as a versatile layering piece. One of its most distinctive design details is the inclusion of optional ties that allow the wearer to wrap and fasten the sweater at the front, back, or side — giving it a fluid, adaptable fit that suits a variety of styling preferences. This is a downloadable PDF pattern available in four sizes, making it a rewarding project for intermediate knitters looking to expand their garment-making skills.

Sizing and Fit

The Dora Sweater is offered in four sizes: Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large. The finished chest measurements are generous and relaxed in keeping with the kimono aesthetic:

• Small: 126 cm / 49½ in finished chest; 54 cm / 21¼ in length
• Medium: 138 cm / 54¼ in finished chest; 57 cm / 22½ in length
• Large: 150 cm / 59 in finished chest; 60 cm / 23¾ in length
• Extra Large: 162 cm / 63¾ in finished chest; 63 cm / 24¾ in length

Armhole depth ranges from 25 cm / 10 in at the smallest size to 28 cm / 11 in at the largest. The wide, boxy proportions are intentional and integral to the kimono-inspired design, making this sweater ideal for wearing over lighter layers throughout the year.

Materials – Yarn

The pattern is written specifically for Erika Knight British Blue 100, a luxurious 100% pure British Bluefaced Leicester wool. This is a premium, single-breed British wool celebrated for its softness, subtle sheen, and excellent stitch definition — qualities that make it particularly well suited to showcasing the clean lines and relaxed drape of the Dora Sweater.

• Yarn weight: DK (double knitting)
• Yardage per hank: approximately 220 m / 240 yds per 100 g / 3 oz hank
• Quantity required: 5 hanks (S), 6 hanks (M), 6 hanks (L), 7 hanks (XL)
• Colour shown in the pattern photograph: Cloak

Bluefaced Leicester wool is known for its fine, lustrous fibre and is a breed native to the United Kingdom. Erika Knight British Blue 100 celebrates this heritage fibre, and its DK weight strikes a balance between lightness and warmth — ideal for a layering sweater like the Dora.

Materials – Needles and Notions

• 3.75 mm / US 5 needles – primary needles for the main body fabric
• 3.25 mm / US 3 circular needle – used for finishing details such as neckbands or edgings
• Stitch holders – required for managing live stitches during construction

Techniques and Construction

The Dora Sweater is an intermediate-level knitting project, meaning it is well suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic garment shaping and are ready to work with more nuanced construction methods. The kimono-style silhouette typically involves straightforward rectangular or minimally shaped body panels that are seamed together, keeping the construction approachable while still producing a polished, structured result.

Key techniques referenced in the pattern include:

• Knit (K) and Purl (P) – the foundational stitches used throughout the fabric
• K2tog (Knit 2 stitches together) – a standard right-leaning decrease used in shaping
• K2tog