Elementary

Elementary Handknit Sweater by Isabell Kraemer

What is Being Made

Elementary is a handknit sweater design created by independent designer Isabell Kraemer. This downloadable PDF pattern produces a finished garment suitable for intermediate-level knitters. The sweater features colorwork elements and is constructed using a combination of circular and flat knitting techniques.

Craft and Primary Technique

This is a knitting project designed for hand knitters. The pattern employs both circular knitting (for seamless construction of the body and sleeves) and flat knitting methods, allowing knitters to choose their preferred approach for different sections of the garment. The use of multiple needles and techniques makes this an intermediate-level project that builds foundational knitting skills.

Stitches and Stitch Work

The primary stitch used throughout Elementary is Stockinette stitch (abbreviated St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric. Stockinette stitch is worked by knitting on the right side and purling on the wrong side when working flat, or by knitting every round when working in the round. The pattern also incorporates colorwork, meaning multiple yarn colors are used within the knitted fabric to create a design. Standard knitting abbreviations used in the pattern include:

• CO: cast on (the foundation row of stitches)
• BO: bind off (securing stitches at the end)
• BOR: beginning of the round
• st(s): stitch or stitches
• RS: right side (the public-facing side of the fabric)
• WS: wrong side (the interior side of the fabric)
• k: knit
• p: purl

Needles and Tools

Elementary requires multiple needle sizes to accommodate different sections of the sweater:

• US 3 (3.25 mm) circular needle for neck finishing, providing a smaller gauge for a fitted neckline
• US 4 (3.5 mm) circular needle for the main body and colorwork sections, serving as the primary needle
• US 4 (3.5 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) or longer circular needle for sleeve construction, allowing flexibility in how knitters approach this section

Yarn and Materials

The pattern specifies two distinct yarn brands and types, each offering 400 meters (436 yards) per skein:

• Rustique fine by Polo and Co: Used for the main color (Color A in Hot pink) and one contrast color (CC1 in Light pink). One skein of each color is required.
• Masgot fine by Polo and Co: Used for the primary body color (Color B in Tuffeau) and a second contrast color (CC2 in Silex). The pattern requires 2 to 4 skeins of Color B depending on the size being knitted, and 1 skein of CC2.

The yardage requirements vary by size, with the pattern offering multiple size options. The specified yarn weights and needle sizes work together to create a fabric with appropriate drape and structure for a finished sweater.

Pattern Details and Design Elements

Elementary features a colorwork design that uses at least two contrast colors in addition to the main color, creating visual interest throughout the garment. The pattern is available in multiple sizes, indicated by the sizing notations (2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4) that appear in the pattern instructions. This multi-size approach allows knitters of different measurements to customize the finished garment to their needs.

Pattern copyright © 2014 by Isabell Kraemer/grasflecken. This pattern is intended for unlimited personal use only.