The Winter Breeze Collection - Pietra Sweater in Juniper Moon Farm - 17111 - Downloadable PDF

The Winter Breeze Collection – Pietra Sweater by Claudia Wersing

The Pietra Sweater is a beautifully structured pullover sweater designed by Claudia Wersing as part of The Winter Breeze Collection. Worked in a rich combination of textural stitch patterns, this intermediate-level knitting pattern produces a cozy, substantial garment with a relaxed, oversized silhouette. The design is available as a downloadable PDF, making it instantly accessible for knitters ready to cast on right away.

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The Pietra Sweater is offered in five sizes to suit a wide range of figures:

• Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, and 2X-Large
• To fit bust: 33 (37, 41, 45, 49) inches / 84 (94, 104, 114, 124) cm
• Finished width: 43¼ (47¼, 51, 55, 59) inches / 110 (120, 130, 140, 150) cm
• Length to shoulder: 26¾ inches / 68 cm
• Sleeve length: 17¾ inches / 45 cm

The generous finished width relative to the bust measurement gives the Pietra its characteristic relaxed, comfortable fit — ideal for layering over lighter garments during cooler months.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Juniper Moon Farm Beatrix, a chunky-weight yarn, worked in the warm, earthy shade 03 Sepia. The quantity required ranges from 10 to 14 balls of 50g depending on the size chosen, making this an achievable project without an overwhelming yarn investment.

Two sizes of straight knitting needles are used throughout the construction:

• US 10½ / 7mm needles – used for ribbing, Stockinette sections, and finishing
• US 13 / 9mm needles – used specifically for the Herringbone pattern section
• A US 10½ / 7mm circular needle is also required for certain finishing steps

Gauge

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for a well-fitting result. The pattern specifies 13 stitches and 20 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm over Stockinette stitch using the US 10½ / 7mm needles. Knitters are encouraged to swatch carefully before beginning, as the chunky yarn weight means even small gauge discrepancies can significantly affect the finished dimensions.

Techniques and Construction

The Pietra Sweater is constructed in separate pieces — back, front, and sleeves — and then seamed together, a traditional approach well-suited to intermediate knitters who are comfortable with shaping and finishing. The construction of the back piece illustrates the layered textural approach that defines this design:

• Ribbing: The lower body begins with a 2x2 rib (P2, K2 repeat) worked over approximately 3 inches / 8 cm, creating a neat, elasticated hem that keeps the sweater anchored at the hips.
• Herringbone Pattern: After the ribbing, the needle size is increased to US 13 / 9mm and the signature Herringbone stitch is introduced. This striking textural pattern is created by working K2tog through the back loop (tbl) and slipping only the first stitch off the left-hand needle on right-side rows, and P2tog with the same slip technique on wrong-side rows. The result is an interlocked, woven-looking fabric that gives the sweater its visual depth and tactile interest.
• Stockinette Stitch: Following the Herringbone section, the needles return to the smaller US 10½ / 7mm size and the body continues in classic Stockinette stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side) until the piece reaches the desired length.