Vela

Vela Sideways Pullover with Matching Cowl by Linda Marveng

What Is Being Made

Vela is an oversized sideways pullover sweater designed by Linda Marveng, paired with an optional matching cowl. The pullover features a distinctive center join construction that allows the fabric to hang straight like a sail—hence the name Vela, Italian for sail. The design combines an airy eyelet pattern throughout the body with narrow sleeves to balance the generous oversized silhouette. The sweater finishes at a round neck with ribbing and is available in three size ranges: XS/S, M/L, and XL/2XL. The accompanying cowl can be worn once or twice around the neck, offering styling versatility for different occasions and seasons.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key construction techniques. The pullover is knitted sideways, a method that builds the garment horizontally rather than from bottom to top, allowing for unique shaping and the signature center join feature. The eyelet pattern creates an open, breathable fabric ideal for warm-weather wear. The narrow sleeves are integrated into the oversized body design to create proportion and minimize excess volume. Ribbing at the neckline provides structure and elasticity. The cowl is constructed as a separate rectangular piece that can be styled flexibly around the neck.

Stitches Used

The pattern centers on an eyelet stitch pattern that forms decorative holes throughout the fabric, creating visual interest and allowing airflow. Ribbing is used at the round neckline to provide elasticity and a finished edge. The specific eyelet repeat and any additional stitch details are integral to achieving the crisp stitch definition characteristic of the yarn choice.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Vela is knitted in Hempathy by Elsebeth Lavold, a DK-weight yarn composed of 41% cotton, 34% hemp, and 25% modal. This fiber blend creates a fabric with excellent drape, breathability, and crisp stitch definition—essential qualities for showcasing the eyelet pattern. Hempathy is supplied in 50-gram balls with 140 meters (153 yards) per ball. The specific needle size and yardage requirements are detailed in the downloadable PDF pattern, which provides complete instructions for all three sizes. The cotton-hemp-modal composition makes this yarn particularly suitable for summer garments, offering natural fiber comfort with enhanced durability and a refined appearance.

Finished Measurements and Sizing

• Bust: 120 cm (47.25"), 132 cm (52"), or 144 cm (56.75") depending on size
• Length: 57 cm (22.75"), 59 cm (23.5"), or 61 cm (24.5")
• Sleeve length: 46 cm (18"), 44 cm (17.25"), or 42 cm (16.5")
• Cowl dimensions: 117 cm (46") long and 31 cm (12.25") wide
• Intended ease: +28–38 cm (11–15") of positive ease for a relaxed, oversized fit

Design Details

The sideways construction with center join is a distinctive design feature that enables the pullover to hang like a sail, creating elegant drape and movement. The oversized body paired with narrow sleeves creates a contemporary silhouette that flatters various body types while maintaining visual balance. The optional cowl adds versatility, allowing knitters to style the sweater for different occasions—wear the cowl once for a casual look or twice for added warmth and texture. The eyelet pattern provides both aesthetic appeal and practical breathability, making Vela an excellent choice for warm-weather layering or standalone wear.