Tolmie

Tolmie Sweater by Josée Paquin

What is Being Made

Tolmie is a cozy, top-down knit sweater designed as a versatile layering piece suitable for early fall through spring wear. This garment features a beautiful diamond motif on the front and is constructed entirely in the round, making it an ideal project for knitters seeking a seamless finish. The sweater is available in multiple sizes to accommodate various body measurements, though the designer notes that shorter knitters may wish to adjust body and sleeve length for optimal fit.

Construction Method and Techniques

Tolmie employs a top-down construction method, meaning the sweater is begun at the yoke and worked downward toward the hem. The entire garment is knit in the round, which eliminates side seams and creates a smooth, continuous fabric. The yoke is shaped using standard top-down increases to accommodate the transition from neck to body width. Sleeves are also worked in the round using double-pointed needles, allowing for seamless sleeve caps and cuffs.

The diamond motif featured on the front is created using a combination of knit and purl stitches, forming a textured pattern that adds visual interest without requiring color changes or complex stitch techniques. This stitch-based patterning makes the design accessible to beginner-level knitters while still delivering an elegant finished appearance.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch – Forms the primary fabric structure throughout the sweater
• Purl stitch – Used in combination with knit stitches to create the diamond motif and textured details
• Garter stitch – Applied at the yoke, hem, and cuffs to create a defined, textured edge that frames the garment

Materials and Specifications

Tolmie is designed to be worked in worsted weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn that knits at a standard gauge and produces a fabric with good structure and drape. The sample shown in the pattern was knitted using Brooklyn Tweed Shelter, a 100% wool yarn that provides warmth and durability ideal for a transitional season sweater. Yardage requirements range from approximately 1005 yards for the smallest size to 1830 yards for the largest size, with the pattern recommending 8 to 14 skeins of Brooklyn Tweed Shelter depending on the desired size.

Three circular needle sizes are required to accommodate the different gauges used throughout the sweater: a US 6 (4 mm) needle for the ribbed or garter stitch edgings, a US 7 (4.5 mm) needle for transitional sections, and a US 8 (5 mm) needle for the main body fabric. All circular needles should measure at least 24 inches (60 cm) in length to comfortably accommodate the stitches when working in the round. Double-pointed needles in the same sizes are also needed for working the sleeves in the round.

Skill Level

Tolmie is rated as a beginner-friendly project despite its polished appearance. The pattern relies on fundamental knitting techniques—knit and purl stitches—combined with straightforward top-down shaping. Knitters new to in-the-round construction will find this sweater an excellent introduction to circular needle and double-pointed needle techniques, as the continuous rounds eliminate the complexity of managing multiple seams.