Carly

Carly Seamless Striped Pullover by Justyna Lorkowska

What is Being Made

Carly is a seamless striped pullover sweater designed by independent designer Justyna Lorkowska. This top-down knit features a classic pullover silhouette with subtle dolman sleeves, offering a relaxed and comfortable fit. The design is available in six sizes ranging from XS to XXL, with finished bust measurements from 89.5 cm (35.75 inches) to 143 cm (57.25 inches). The sweater is intended to be worn with 15 to 20 cm (6 to 10 inches) of positive ease for a comfortable, slightly loose fit.

Knitting Techniques Used

Carly employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its refined construction. The sweater is knit seamlessly from the top down, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a smooth, continuous garment. The design utilizes the contiguous method of shaping set-in sleeves, a technique developed by Suzie M that allows for elegant sleeve cap shaping while maintaining the seamless construction. The striped colorwork pattern runs throughout the entire sweater, created by alternating between the main color and contrasting color yarns. Both yarns are worked double-stranded throughout the entire project, which adds depth to the striping effect and creates a more substantial fabric weight.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

While specific stitch details are not extensively outlined in the pattern overview, the seamless top-down construction typically employs fundamental knitting stitches worked in the round using circular needles. The contiguous method for the set-in sleeves involves strategic increases and decreases to shape the sleeve cap smoothly without interrupting the seamless construction. The striped pattern is achieved through color changes rather than complex stitch variations, making this an accessible project for beginner-level knitters.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn Requirements: The pattern calls for two different yarns, both from Holst Garn, worked double-stranded throughout:

• Main Color (MC): Holst Garn Coast in the colorway Lead. This yarn is composed of 55% Merino and 45% Cotton, offering a blend of warmth and breathability. Each skein contains 382 yards and weighs 50 grams. The yardage required ranges from 4 skeins for size XS to 8 skeins for size XXL.
• Contrast Color (CC): Holst Garn Samarkand in the colorway Ginger Lily. This yarn is made from 75% Wool and 25% Silk, providing a luxurious feel and subtle sheen. Each skein contains 314 yards and weighs 50 grams. The yardage required ranges from 1 skein for size XS to 3 skeins for size XXL.

Yarn Substitutions: Knitters seeking alternative options may substitute both yarns with either Holst Garn Noble or Holst Garn Supersoft 10, provided the yardage requirements are met.

Circular needles are required for the seamless, top-down construction, though specific needle sizes are not detailed in this overview. The double-stranded yarn work creates a fabric with good structure and drape suitable for a pullover sweater.

Difficulty Level

Carly is classified as a beginner-level knitting project, making it an excellent choice for knitters new to garment construction. While the pattern incorporates seamless top-down knitting and the contiguous method for sleeve shaping, these techniques are presented in an accessible manner. The striped colorwork pattern adds visual interest without requiring complex stitch techniques, and the seamless construction eliminates the intimidating step of seaming pieces together.