Antrim Pullover

Antrim Pullover by Irina Anikeeva

What is Being Made

The Antrim Pullover is a women's knitted sweater designed by Irina Anikeeva. This pullover is offered in eight sizes ranging from XS to 4XL, with finished bust circumferences from 33 inches (82.5 cm) to 60½ inches (151 cm). The garment is designed to be worn with 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) of positive ease, making it a comfortable, relaxed-fit pullover suitable for everyday wear.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Antrim Pullover is constructed using circular knitting techniques, which creates a seamless garment. The pattern employs both circular needles and double-pointed needles during construction. The body is worked in the round using a 24 to 32-inch (60 to 80 cm) circular needle, while the ribbed sections and smaller circumference areas are worked on a 16-inch (40 cm) circular needle or a set of double-pointed needles. This construction method eliminates the need for seaming and creates a smooth, professional finish.

The sweater features charted pattern sections in addition to stockinette stitch, adding visual interest and texture to the design. Knitters will need to follow both written instructions and stitch charts to complete this intermediate-level project.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch used in the Antrim Pullover is Stockinette Stitch, which creates a smooth, classic knit fabric. The pattern also incorporates Charted Pattern sections, which may include colorwork, textured stitches, or other stitch combinations that add design detail to the pullover. Ribbing is used in the cuff, hem, and neckline areas to provide structure and elasticity to the garment.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Antrim Pullover is designed to be worked in fingering weight yarn, which is also classified as 4-ply yarn. This lightweight yarn weight creates a refined, drapey fabric suitable for a pullover sweater. Yarn quantities vary by size, ranging from approximately 1175 yards for the XS size up to 2656 yards for the 4XL size.

The pattern specifies a gauge of 23 stitches and 36 rounds equal 4 inches (10 cm) when worked in Stockinette Stitch or Charted pattern on US 4/3.5 mm needles after blocking. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, and knitters are advised to adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the specified gauge.

Needles and Notions Required

• US 4/3.5 mm circular needles: 24 to 32 inches (60 to 80 cm) for working the body
• US 4/3.5 mm double-pointed needles: A set of needles for working smaller circumference sections
• US 3/3.25 mm circular needles: 24 to 32 inches (60 to 80 cm) and 16 inches (40 cm) for ribbed sections (optional spare needle of the same size)
• US 3/3.25 mm double-pointed needles: A set for ribbed cuffs and neckline
• Additional notions: Stitch markers, waste yarn for provisional cast-on or holding stitches, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Difficulty Level

The Antrim Pullover is rated as an intermediate knitting project. Knitters should be comfortable with circular knitting techniques, reading charted patterns, and managing multiple needles. The seamless construction and stitch pattern complexity make this an ideal project for knitters who have completed several basic sweaters and are ready to expand their skills.