Idra Pullover in Adriafil Knitcol - Downloadable PDF

Idra Pullover in Adriafil Knitcol – Free Knitting Pattern (Downloadable PDF)

The Idra Pullover is a classic, relaxed-fit knitted sweater designed for knitters who enjoy working with self-striping yarn. This free downloadable PDF pattern is published by Adriafil Yarns and uses their signature Knitcol yarn to create a beautifully textured pullover with a distinctive raglan silhouette. The pattern is worked flat in separate pieces — back, front, and two sleeves — then seamed together, making it an excellent project for knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping techniques.

What Is Being Made

The finished garment is a raglan-sleeved pullover with ribbed cuffs, a ribbed hem, and a shaped ribbed neckline. The sweater is sized for a size 42 (with options for 40 and 44), making it a versatile pattern suitable for a range of adult sizes. The raglan construction is a timeless design feature that creates a smooth, diagonal seam line running from the underarm to the neckline, giving the pullover a clean, contemporary look while also allowing for a comfortable, flexible fit across the shoulders and chest.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Adriafil Knitcol in colour 44 — 250 g total. Knitcol is a DK-weight yarn known for its vibrant, self-striping colour sequences, which means the knitter achieves multicoloured results without the need to change yarn or manage multiple balls.
• Needles: 4.5 mm knitting needles (listed in the pattern as size 4½), suitable for DK-weight yarn and consistent with the stated tension.
• Notions: A tapestry needle for seaming the finished pieces together.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this pattern. The stated gauge is 18.5 stitches and 27 rows over 10 x 10 cm, worked in knit stitch on 4.5 mm needles. Knitters are strongly encouraged to work a tension swatch before beginning, as even small deviations can significantly affect the final dimensions of the garment, particularly across the chest and sleeve length.

Pattern Stitches and Techniques

Elastic Rib

The pattern opens and closes each ribbed section with elastic rib, worked over 4 rows. Elastic rib is a stretchy, reversible fabric created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a specific sequence. It is commonly used at garment edges to provide a neat, flexible finish that hugs the body without curling.

K2/P2 Rib Stitch

The main ribbing throughout the hem, cuffs, and neckline is worked in k2/p2 rib stitch — a classic two-by-two rib pattern where two knit stitches alternate with two purl stitches across each row. This stitch creates a deeply textured, stretchy fabric that is both functional and decorative. The hem features 16 rows of k2/p2 rib (totalling approximately 7 cm), while the cuffs are worked over 24 rows (totalling approximately 10 cm), giving the sleeves a longer, more defined ribbed edge.

Knit Stitch (Stockinette / Plain Knitting)

The body of the pullover — both the front and back panels — is worked entirely in knit stitch, which in the context of flat knitting refers to working every stitch as a knit on the right side and every stitch as a purl on the wrong side, producing a smooth stockinette fabric. This simple, clean stitch allows the self-striping properties of Adriafil Knitcol yarn to shine, with colour changes appearing naturally as the knitter works through the ball.

Construction and Shaping

Back Panel

The back is cast on with 86 stitches (80 for size 40, 92 for size 44) and begins with the ribbed edging before transitioning into knit stitch. Two stitches are decreased in the first row of the knit stitch section to adjust the stitch count. Raglan shaping begins when the