Laguna Pullover

Laguna Pullover by Irina Anikeeva

What is Being Made

The Laguna Pullover is a women's knitted sweater designed by Irina Anikeeva. This pullover is available in six sizes ranging from XS to 2XL, with finished bust circumferences from 38 inches (95 cm) to 56 inches (140 cm). The sweater is designed with moderate positive ease of 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 cm), making it suitable for a comfortable, relaxed fit. The garment is shown in size S with a finished measurement of 41½ inches (104 cm) circumference at the underarm.

Construction Techniques

The Laguna Pullover employs a hybrid construction method that combines circular knitting with flat knitting techniques. The body of the pullover is worked in the round from the lower edge up to the underarm, which creates a seamless lower section. Once the body reaches the underarm, the front and back are separated and worked individually back and forth in flat rows. After the shoulder seams are completed, sleeve stitches are picked up from the armholes and the sleeves are worked in the round from the top down.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The primary stitch used throughout the Laguna Pullover is Stockinette Stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance on the right side. The design incorporates a Body chart that measures 3½ inches (9 cm) wide and contains 20 stitches, allowing for decorative or textural elements within the main stockinette fabric. Stitch markers and a removable marker are essential notions for tracking pattern repeats and marking important sections during construction.

Gauge and Yarn Weight

The Laguna Pullover is designed to be worked with sport weight yarn, a lightweight yarn category that produces a refined, drapey fabric. The specified gauge is 20 stitches and 32 rounds equal 4 inches (10 cm) when worked in Stockinette Stitch on US size 6 (4 mm) needles, measured after blocking. This gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. The total yardage required varies by size: XS requires approximately 1190 yards (1088 meters), while the 2XL size requires approximately 1920 yards (1755 meters).

Needles and Notions

This project requires US size 6 (4 mm) needles for working the main fabric to the specified gauge. Essential notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction sections, a removable marker for noting important rows or rounds, waste yarn for holding stitches during construction, and a tapestry needle for seaming the shoulders and weaving in ends.

Difficulty Level

The Laguna Pullover is rated as an intermediate difficulty project. This classification reflects the combination of techniques required: circular knitting, the ability to read and work from a stitch chart, transitioning from circular to flat knitting, picking up stitches, and seaming. Knitters with experience in basic garment construction and comfort with pattern charts will find this project manageable.