Pekoe

Pekoe Lightweight Pullover by Laura Chau

What is Being Made

Pekoe is a lightweight pullover sweater designed by Laura Chau, featuring a unique reversible construction with contrasting stitch patterns on the front and back. This elbow-length, close-fitting pullover is intended to be worn with minimal ease (0–2 inches / 0–5 centimeters) and works beautifully layered over a brightly colored camisole for a peekaboo effect. The design offers creative versatility, as the front and back can be reversed if desired, allowing knitters to wear the sweater in multiple ways.

Techniques Used

Pekoe employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its distinctive look and construction. The body is worked in the round from the bottom up to the underarm, which creates a seamless torso and ensures consistent fabric quality. This circular knitting method is efficient and produces minimal seaming work. The elbow-length, set-in sleeves are worked flat on straight needles and then sewn in by hand, a traditional approach that allows for precise sleeve cap shaping and professional finishing. Gentle waist shaping is incorporated into the body to create a flattering silhouette, and the pattern is engineered to fit closely to the body without excess fabric.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch forms the simple, smooth front of the sweater, creating a classic knit fabric with a clean appearance
• Garter stitch eyelet pattern adorns the back, combining garter stitch (knit every row) with strategmic yarn overs and decreases to create decorative holes that add visual interest and a playful texture

Materials and Specifications

Pekoe is designed to be worked with 4-ply yarn, a lightweight weight that produces a delicate, breathable fabric ideal for layering. The pattern was originally photographed in Colinette Jitterbug, a 100% merino wool yarn that provides softness and elasticity. The yardage requirement is 320 yards (291 meters) per 110-gram skein. The pattern includes fifteen finished bust sizes ranging from 30.25 inches (75.5 centimeters) to 58.25 inches (148.5 centimeters), accommodating a wide range of body measurements. Knitters should select the finished size closest to their high bust measurement for the best fit. Standard knitting needles appropriate for 4-ply yarn and a tapestry needle for seaming are required to complete this project.

Difficulty Level

Pekoe is rated as an intermediate knitting project. While the stockinette stitch on the front is accessible to knitters of various skill levels, the garter stitch eyelet pattern on the back requires understanding of yarn overs and decreases. The combination of in-the-round and flat knitting, along with the set-in sleeve construction and seaming, makes this an ideal project for knitters who have completed several basic garments and are ready to expand their technical skills.