Kirsty

Kirsty Sweater by Jody Long

What is Being Made

Kirsty is an intermediate-level knitted sweater designed by Jody Long. This pullover-style garment is available in three sizes to fit chest measurements of 81/85 cm (32/34 in), 86/90 cm (34/36 in), and 91/95 cm (36/38 in), with corresponding finished chest widths of 91 cm (36 in), 96 cm (38 in), and 101 cm (40 in). The sweater features a length from the top of the shoulders measuring 64–66 cm (25¼–26 in), making it a standard adult-length pullover. Sleeve seams measure a consistent 43 cm (17 in) across all sizes.

Knitting Techniques Used

This design employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques appropriate for the intermediate skill level. The pattern includes increases worked by knitting into the front and back of the next stitch, and decreases achieved by working two stitches together. Cable work is featured, as indicated by the abbreviation C4B (slip next 2 stitches onto a cable needle and hold to the back), which creates textured cable details. The pattern requires attention to right side and wrong side work, with instructions to work through the back of the loop in specific instances. Tension checking before beginning the garment is emphasized as essential for achieving proper fit.

Stitches Used

The Kirsty sweater utilizes core knitting stitches including knit (K) and purl (P) stitches as the foundation. The pattern incorporates slip stitches (sl) and the skpo decrease (slip 1, knit 1, pass slip stitch over), along with standard knit two together decreases. Cable stitches are worked using the C4B technique. The pattern is constructed using stitch repeats (rep) across rows, with alternate (alt) row instructions to create the overall fabric structure and any textured patterning.

Materials

The Kirsty sweater is knitted using Sirdar Wash 'n' Wear DK yarn in the shade Stone. DK (double knitting) weight yarn is a medium-weight option suitable for creating garments with good drape and structure. The yardage requirement varies by size: the smallest size requires 14 balls of 50g yarn, the medium size requires 15 balls, and the largest size requires 16 balls of 50g yarn. Quantities are noted as approximate, based on average requirements, and actual yardage may vary. The pattern recommends checking the actual yarn color, as printing may not accurately represent the shade. Appropriate knitting needles for DK weight yarn are required, though specific needle sizes are referenced in the complete pattern document.