Lena

Lena Pullover by Deb Hoss

What is Being Made

Lena is a versatile all-season pullover sweater designed by Deb Hoss. This slim and shapely garment features a high hip length, making it an excellent wardrobe addition suitable for year-round wear. The pullover is characterized by its wide shallow scoop neckline and dramatic raglan three-quarter sleeves, creating a flattering silhouette that works beautifully across multiple sizes from XS through 3X.

Design Features and Construction

Lena is constructed using a bottom-up approach on circular needles, which continues until the underarm where raglan shaping begins. At this point, the bodice splits and each side is worked separately to accommodate the raglan sleeve shaping. The neckline trim is completed by continuing stitches held from the body and picking up stitches along each side front. The one-by-one rib trim frames the wide scoop neckline and the raglan three-quarter sleeves, adding both structure and visual interest to the design.

Stitches and Techniques Used

Lena employs several intermediate to advanced beginner knitting techniques that create both texture and shaping:

• Double Wing Lace: The primary stitch pattern throughout the garment, featuring an easily memorized 16 stitch by 10 row repeat that creates visual texture without overwhelming complexity
• Reverse Stockinette: Used strategically at the edges of the lace pattern, which allows for minimal and nearly invisible seaming
• One-by-One Rib: Applied as trim on the neckline and sleeve edges for structure and definition
• Yarn Overs (yo): Essential for creating the lace openwork throughout the design
• Decreases: Including k2tog, ssk (slip, slip, knit), and sl1-k2tog-psso for shaping and lace definition
• Increases: Including m1r (make one right) and m1l (make one left) for raglan shaping
• Purl Techniques: Including p2tog and p2tog tbl for reverse stockinette sections and shaping
• Long-Tail Cast On: Used to begin the project with a sturdy, elastic foundation

Materials and Tools

Lena is worked on circular needles throughout the construction process, which facilitates the seamless bottom-up approach and allows for easy transition between working the body and raglan sections. The pattern accommodates yarn and needle specifications appropriate for creating a garment with drape and definition suitable for the Double Wing lace texture.

Skill Level and Difficulty

Lena is rated as an advanced beginner project, making it ideal for knitters who have mastered fundamental techniques and are ready to tackle lace patterns and raglan shaping. While the Double Wing lace repeat is described as easily memorized, the combination of lace work, raglan decreases, and separate side shaping requires intermediate attention and technical understanding.