Cami Hoodie

Cami Hoodie by Fluffy Su Don

What is Being Made

The Cami Hoodie is a top-down knitted sweater with an integrated hood. This downloadable knitting pattern is designed in six sizes ranging from XS to XXL, with chest circumferences from 80cm to 102cm and finished lengths between approximately 45cm and 63cm. The garment features a classic hoodie silhouette suitable for intermediate knitters seeking a structured, wearable project.

Construction Technique

The Cami Hoodie employs a top-down construction method, a popular approach in modern knitting that allows for easy fitting adjustments and the ability to try on the garment as it progresses. The pattern begins at the neckline and works downward. Once the piece reaches the appropriate length, it is divided into separate sections for the body and sleeves. Both the body and sleeves are then worked in the round using circular needles and double-pointed needles, creating seamless, tubular fabric that eliminates the need for seaming.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The Cami Hoodie utilizes fundamental knitting stitches and shaping techniques appropriate for an intermediate skill level:

• Stocking Stitch (Stockinette Stitch): The primary fabric throughout the garment, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side when working flat, or simply knitting every round when working in the round.
• Ribbing (Rib 1-1): A 1x1 rib pattern, alternating single purl and knit stitches, used for cuffs, waistband, and neckline areas to create elasticity and a fitted finish.
• Raglan Increases (RI): Strategic increases worked at raglan lines to shape the armholes and create the characteristic sloped shoulder line of a raglan-sleeve sweater. These increases are performed using make-one techniques.
• Make-One Increases: The pattern employs M1L (make 1 left) and M1R (make 1 right) increases, which create new stitches by lifting the horizontal strand between stitches and knitting into it. These directional increases are used to shape the garment symmetrically.
• Decreases: K2TOG (knit 2 stitches together) and SSK (slip, slip, knit) are used to reduce stitch counts and create shaping, particularly around the neckline and for sleeve cap shaping.
• Yarn Over (YO): An eyelet technique that creates decorative holes in the fabric, potentially used for ventilation or design detail.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The Cami Hoodie is designed to be worked in Lion Brand Pound of Love yarn. The pattern accommodates varied yarn weights and requires between 1 and 2 skeins depending on size, with a total yardage requirement ranging from 500 to 1000 meters. The specific yardage needed increases with larger sizes: XS, S, and M require approximately 500-1000m (1 skein), while L, XL, and XXL require approximately 1000-1500m (2 skeins).

Needles and Tools: The pattern requires circular needles in 40cm and 60cm lengths, as well as double-pointed needles in both 5mm and 4mm sizes. The 5mm needles are used for the main fabric, while the 4mm needles are employed for ribbed sections that require a tighter gauge. Additional accessories include stitch markers to denote pattern repeats and raglan increase lines, stitch holders to temporarily secure stitches when dividing the body and sleeves, and a 1cm button for closure details.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 19 stitches by 26 rows over a 10cm by 10cm swatch in stocking stitch, measured on 5mm needles after blocking. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements and ensuring proper fit across all size options.