Spadchyna

Spadchyna Sweater by Veta Romanenkova

What is Being Made

Spadchyna is an oversized knit sweater designed by Veta Romanenkova. This intermediate-level project creates a relaxed-fit pullover sweater available in three sizes with finished bust circumferences of 110, 120, and 130 centimeters. The design features positive ease at the bust line of 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 centimeters), making it a comfortable, intentionally loose-fitting garment suitable for layering or a relaxed aesthetic.

Construction Technique

Spadchyna is worked flat in separate pieces that are assembled after completion. The sweater is constructed from the bottom up, meaning knitting begins at the lower edge and progresses toward the neckline. After all pieces are knitted, they undergo wet-blocking to set the fabric and achieve proper measurements and drape. Once blocked and dried, the individual pieces are sewn together to create the finished garment. The neckband is picked up from the neck edge and worked separately, a common technique for adding a refined finishing detail to pullover sweaters.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

While the PDF excerpt does not specify the exact stitch patterns used throughout the sweater, the construction method and yarn weight indicate the use of fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for an intermediate-level project. The sweater likely incorporates stockinette stitch or similar basic stitches as the primary fabric, with the neckband worked in a ribbed stitch or similar elastic stitch to provide a snug, finished edge.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: Spadchyna is designed to be knitted with 4-ply weight yarn. The main color (МС) requires 4, 4, or 5 skeins depending on size, totaling 940, 1000, or 1200 yards (860, 915, or 1010 meters). The pattern calls for Le Petit Lambswool by Biches & Bûches, a 100% wool yarn in fingering weight (14 wraps per inch), with each 50-gram skein containing 271 yards (248 meters). The contrast color (СС) in white requires 1 skein or 190, 220, or 250 yards (175, 200, or 230 meters) of yarn with similar thickness and composition. Substitutions of comparable 4-ply wool yarn are permitted.

Needles and Notions: The pattern specifies US size 1 (2.75 millimeter) circular needles for the main knitting. A size D crochet hook is also listed among the notions, though specific use is not detailed in the provided excerpt. Additional notions typically required for sweater construction include stitch markers, yarn needles for seaming and weaving in ends, and blocking supplies.

Difficulty Level

Spadchyna is rated as an intermediate-level knitting project. This classification reflects the skills required to work flat pieces, manage color changes between the main and contrast yarns, execute proper wet-blocking techniques, and seam garment pieces together with invisible or mattress stitch seaming methods.