Mai Puffbluse

Mai Puffbluse by Knit by Siv

What is Being Made

The Mai Puffbluse is a women's pullover sweater designed by Siv Kristin Olsen. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a fitted garment available in five sizes ranging from XS to XL, with bust measurements from 90 cm to 114 cm and finished lengths between 54 and 60 cm. The design features a classic construction with separate front and back pieces and set-in sleeves.

Knitting Techniques Used

This sweater employs fundamental knitting construction methods suitable for intermediate crafters. The pattern begins with a cast-on foundation and uses ribbed edging to create structure and elasticity. Circular needles are utilized for the body and sleeves, allowing for seamless or nearly seamless construction. The pattern incorporates strategic stitch decreases to create sleeve holes, with 8 stitches cast off in each side to establish armhole shaping. Markers are placed to delineate different sections of the garment, helping maintain pattern accuracy across the front and back pieces.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch: The primary stitch forming the main fabric of the sweater
• Purl stitch: Combined with knit stitches in a 1x1 ribbing pattern for the cuff and lower edge
• Cast-on and cast-off: Foundation and finishing techniques used throughout the construction

Materials and Gauge

The Mai Puffbluse is worked in worsted-weight yarn using two complementary fiber blends. The primary yarn is Iris alpaca from Rauma, with 50 grams yielding 130 meters. Yardage requirements range from 250 to 350 grams depending on size. The secondary yarn is Drops brushed alpaca silk, with 50 grams providing 110 meters, ranging from 250 to 300 grams by size. This combination of alpaca and alpaca silk creates a luxurious, soft fabric with excellent drape.

The pattern is worked on 4 mm and 5 mm circular needles in both 40 cm and 80 cm lengths. The gauge is established at 16 stitches over 10 centimeters on 5 mm needles, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. The initial ribbed edge is worked on the smaller 4 mm needles before switching to 5 mm needles for the main body, a technique that creates a refined, fitted edge.

Pattern Structure

Construction begins by casting on 150 to 180 stitches onto a 4 mm circular needle measuring 80 cm. Knitters work 1x1 ribbing for 8 centimeters to establish the lower edge. The work then transitions to 5 mm needles, and stitch markers are placed to divide the front and back sections. After knitting to the desired length (approximately 35 to 38 centimeters), armholes are created by casting off 8 stitches in each side, with 4 stitches removed from both the front and back pieces on each side. Following this shaping, the front and back pieces are knitted separately to accommodate further shaping and sleeve cap construction.