Grenadine sweater

Grenadine Sweater by Takako Takiguchi

What is Being Made

The Grenadine sweater is a simple, elegant pullover designed by Takako Takiguchi. This top-down, in-the-round construction sweater features a classic silhouette available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3XL, with finished chest measurements from 98cm to 127cm. The design combines textural interest through strategic cable placement with a wearable, everyday aesthetic suitable for various seasons and climates.

Construction Method

The Grenadine sweater is worked from the top down in the round, a construction technique that allows for easy fitting adjustments and minimal seaming. This method begins at the neckline and progresses downward to the hem, with stitches cast on at the neck and worked continuously in circular rows. The seamless construction creates a comfortable, unified garment with no side seams to interrupt the pattern flow.

Stitch Techniques and Pattern Details

The sweater showcases two primary stitch patterns that work together to create visual and textural depth:

• Double moss stitch forms the foundation of the main body, creating a subtle, reversible texture that provides structure and visual interest without overwhelming the design
• Cable stitches are strategically incorporated throughout the sweater—small cables accent the main body sections, while cables and plain stitches feature prominently on the sleeves for added dimension and movement

The combination of these stitches creates a balanced design where textural elements enhance rather than dominate the garment's appearance, making it suitable for intermediate knitters who are comfortable managing multiple stitch patterns within a single project.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is designed to work with DK and sport weight yarns, offering flexibility in fiber content and seasonal appropriateness. The sample garment uses Garnstudio Drops Baby Merino in color #34 Heather, requiring 7 to 10 skeins (approximately 1220 to 1740 meters total) depending on size. The pattern notes that any yarn meeting the specified gauge will work, allowing knitters to choose warm wools for cold weather or cotton and linen for hot seasons, making this a versatile design adaptable to year-round wear.

Needles, Gauge, and Notions

Construction requires a 3mm circular needle to achieve the specified gauge of 24 stitches and 32 rows over 10cm in double moss stitch. Essential notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and round beginnings, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and an optional cable needle for managing cable stitches. The cable needle is listed as optional, suggesting that experienced knitters may choose to cable without it.

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The Grenadine sweater is offered in six sizes with the following finished measurements:

• Size S: Chest 98cm, length from neckline 65cm, underarm length 38cm
• Size M/L: Chest 105cm/108cm, length from neckline 69cm/71cm, underarm length 38cm/40cm
• Size XL: Chest 115cm, length from neckline 75cm, underarm length 40cm
• Size 2XL: Chest 120cm, length from neckline 78cm, underarm length 42cm
• Size 3XL: Chest 127cm, length from neckline 82cm, underarm length 42cm

This range of sizes ensures accessibility for a wide variety of body types and fit preferences.

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, the Grenadine sweater is appropriate for knitters with solid foundational skills who are ready to manage multiple stitch patterns, work in the round continuously, and handle cable techniques. The straightforward top-down construction simplifies the building process, while the combination of double moss stitch and cables provides engaging pattern work without excessive complexity.