Elena Maxi Pull in Adriafil Cheope - Downloadable PDF

Elena Maxi Pull in Adriafil Cheope – Free Knitting Pattern Summary

The Elena Maxi Pull is a relaxed, oversized sweater (maxi pullover) designed for knitters working with Adriafil Cheope yarn. This free downloadable PDF pattern produces a stylish, generously sized jumper featuring a distinctive textured stitch pattern created by alternating needle sizes, giving the finished fabric a beautifully draped, open quality. The design is well-suited to intermediate knitters who are comfortable working basic rib borders and transitioning between multiple stitch patterns within a single project.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a maxi-length pullover sweater — a long, relaxed-fit knitted jumper worked in separate pieces and seamed together. The pattern includes shaping for armholes and is sized for a size 46 (with smaller sizes 42–44 also given), making it a versatile pattern for a range of adult figures. The generous proportions and flowing stitch pattern give the Elena Maxi Pull a contemporary, effortless aesthetic.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Adriafil Cheope in green (shade no. 60) — approximately 350 g required. Cheope is a DK-weight yarn from the Italian brand Adriafil, known for its smooth, elegant finish that works beautifully with textured and openwork stitch patterns.
• Knitting Needles: A set of 3.5 mm (no. 3½) needles for the ribbed border, 4 mm (no. 4) needles for the main body, and a single 6 mm (no. 6) needle used in alternation with the 4 mm needle to create the signature fancy row stitch texture.
• Tapestry Needle: Required for seaming the finished pieces together.

Techniques Used

• Casting on and working a structured ribbed border to begin each piece
• Armhole shaping using row-by-row stitch decreases, worked every 2 rows
• Alternating needle sizes within the same stitch pattern to create a deliberately uneven, textured fabric — a clever technique that produces visual interest without complex stitch work
• Seaming with a tapestry needle using back stitch to join the knitted panels

Stitches Used

• Elastic Rib (start): A foundational rib used for the first 4 rows of the border, providing a neat, stretchy cast-on edge
• K1/P1 Rib Stitch: Worked over 40 rows (approximately 12 cm) to form the main ribbed border — a classic single rib alternating one knit stitch with one purl stitch across every row
• K2/P2 Rib Stitch: A double rib variation also referenced in the pattern, providing a slightly chunkier ribbed texture
• Fancy Row Stitch: The signature stitch of this pattern, worked over any number of stitches. Row 1 is purled using 4 mm needles; Row 2 is knitted using the larger 6 mm needle; this two-row sequence is then repeated continuously. The contrast in needle sizes creates a relaxed, almost lace-like drape in the fabric without requiring any yarn-overs or complex manoeuvres — making it accessible even for less experienced knitters.
• Back Stitch: Used during finishing to seam the garment pieces together securely

Gauge

The stated gauge for this pattern is 21 stitches and 36 rows over 10 x 10 cm, worked in the fancy row stitch using the alternating 4 mm and 6 mm needles. As with all garment knitting, working a gauge swatch before beginning is strongly recommended to ensure accurate sizing.

Construction Notes

The back piece is cast on with 109 stitches (for size 46) using 3.5 mm needles. After completing the 12 cm ribbed border, the knitter switches