Superius

Superius Long Armwarmers by Helena Granholm

What is Being Made

Superius is a pair of long armwarmers designed by independent designer Helena Granholm. These are knitted accessories that extend up the forearm, featuring a functional thumbhole for added versatility and comfort. The armwarmers are worked in the round and measure approximately 38 cm (15 inches) in length from the cast-on edge to the thumbhole area.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginners. The armwarmers are constructed using circular knitting, worked continuously in the round to create seamless tubes. The pattern incorporates a thumbhole created by casting off a section of stitches and then casting new stitches back on using the backwards loop method, allowing for easy thumb insertion while maintaining the fitted structure of the piece.

The pattern uses mini circular needles as the recommended tool for managing the small circumference required for armwarmers, though knitters may substitute their preferred method for working small circumferences in the round. Proper gauge blocking is emphasized to achieve the correct finished dimensions and fabric characteristics.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K) – forms the primary fabric structure throughout the piece
• Purl stitch (P) – used in combination with knit stitches to create textured ribbing
• 1x1 ribbing [K1,P1] – creates the cuff at the cast-on edge and the finishing rib near the thumbhole, providing elasticity and a fitted appearance

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The sample armwarmers were knitted using Turtlepurl Yarns in the Striped Turtle colorway called trenchcoat. The yarn is a light fingering weight composed of 75% merino and 25% nylon, offering durability and breathability. Each skein contains 421 meters (460 yards) of yardable fiber.

The recommended needle size is 2.5 mm (US 1.5), which produces a gauge of 15 stitches and 17 rows over 5 cm (2 inches) when blocked and slightly stretched. Knitters are advised to always select a needle size that achieves the correct gauge after blocking to ensure proper fit and fabric hand.

Pattern Difficulty and Suitability

Superius is rated as a beginner-level knitting project, making it an excellent choice for those new to circular knitting or seeking a straightforward accessory pattern. The pattern requires only basic stitches and fundamental techniques, with clear instructions for the thumbhole construction. The downloadable PDF format allows knitters to reference the pattern easily while working.