Fade Sweater in Brioche Stitch - Lollipop Sweater

Fade Sweater in Brioche Stitch - Lollipop Sweater

What is Being Made

The Lollipop Sweater is a knitted pullover garment designed by Dana Kikic Nemmert. This is a scrap yarn project that allows knitters to personalize the design using their own color combinations. The sweater features a distinctive brioche stitch construction that creates a textured, reversible fabric with excellent drape and elasticity.

Garment Details and Sizing

The Lollipop Sweater is available in seven sizes ranging from XS to 2XL, accommodating a wide range of body measurements. The pattern provides yardage requirements for each size, starting at approximately 800 meters for the smallest size and increasing to 1210 meters for the largest size.

Primary Knitting Technique

Brioche Stitch is the signature technique used throughout this sweater. Brioche stitch is an advanced knitting method that creates a highly elastic, puffy fabric by working yarn overs and knit stitches in a specific sequence. This stitch is known for its reversible nature, meaning both sides of the fabric look nearly identical, and it provides excellent stretch and recovery, making it ideal for fitted garments that maintain their shape through wear and washing.

Stitches and Construction

The pattern utilizes brioche stitch as the primary stitch throughout the garment. The gauge for this project is 16-17 stitches and 24 rows per 10x10 centimeter (4x4 inch) square when worked in brioche stitch on the larger needles, measured after washing and blocking. Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements and fit.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The sweater requires fingering weight yarn, with yardage ranging from approximately 800 to 1210 meters depending on the chosen size. The pattern is designed as a scrap yarn project, allowing knitters to use multiple colors and yarn combinations. The sample shown was knitted using Knit Cosmic Strings Merino Singles in three colors: new color (approximately 1/2 hank), groovy (approximately 1.5 hanks), and kaleidopop (approximately 3/4 hank).

Needles: The pattern requires two sizes of circular knitting needles: 3mm (US size 3) and 3.5mm (US size 4). Circular needles should measure either 60 centimeters (24 inches) or 80 centimeters (32 inches) in length, depending on the knitter's preference and the size being worked. The larger needles are used for the brioche stitch sections.

Additional Tools: A darning needle or blunt-end tapestry needle is required for weaving in yarn ends and seaming, if necessary.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic knitting techniques and are ready to explore more complex stitch patterns. Familiarity with brioche stitch or willingness to learn this specialized technique is recommended before beginning this project.

Pattern Format and Designer Information

The Lollipop Sweater is available as a downloadable PDF pattern designed by independent designer Dana Kikic Nemmert. The pattern includes detailed instructions and sizing information. This design is part of the sweaters and jumpers collection and represents knitting as the primary craft. The designer encourages knitters to share their finished creations on Instagram using the hashtag #lollipopsweater and #boredomkillsdesign to connect with the community and participate in actions and giveaways.