In The Sky

In The Sky by Ririko

What is Being Made

In The Sky is a knitted pullover top featuring a distinctive dolman sleeve construction. This intermediate-level design creates a relaxed, contemporary silhouette that pairs effortlessly with casual wear like jeans. The garment is worked horizontally from sleeve to sleeve, making it an excellent project for knitters seeking a different approach to top construction.

Knitting Techniques

This pullover employs several key knitting techniques that define its construction and visual appeal:

• Horizontal knitting: The entire garment is worked side-to-side, beginning at the left sleeve and progressing toward the right sleeve. This directional approach influences how gauge affects the finished dimensions—stitch count impacts garment length, while row count affects width and sleeve length.
• Dolman sleeve shaping: The sleeves are constructed using strategic increases worked from the shoulder area downward, creating the characteristic draped silhouette of dolman-style sleeves.
• Seamless construction: The front and back body pieces are joined and worked in continuous rounds or back-and-forth rows without traditional seaming.
• Color work: The design incorporates color changes between the main color and contrast color. Because the garment is worked horizontally, these color transitions are simplified compared to vertical knitting methods.
• Slipped stitch edges: The neckline features slipped stitch edge (SSE) finishing, creating a neat, professional edge that requires no additional finishing.
• Ribbed cuffs: Extended ribbed edging at the wrists and hem provides a polished, fitted finish that contrasts with the relaxed body of the garment.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches executed with precision:

• Stockinette stitch: Forms the primary fabric of the body and sleeves.
• Ribbed stitch: Creates the fitted edges at the wrists and lower hem, providing elasticity and structure.
• Slipped stitch edge: Applied to the neckline for a refined, finished appearance.
• Increases and decreases: Used strategically to shape the dolman sleeves and create the shoulder drop characteristic of this style.

Materials and Tools

This project requires DK weight yarn in two colors:

• Main color (MC): Approximately 895 to 1315 yards (815 to 1200 meters) depending on size, worked in white in the sample.
• Contrast color (CC): Approximately 260 to 430 yards (235 to 390 meters) depending on size, shown in ground sapphire in the sample.
• Yarn composition: The recommended yarn is a silk and merino blend—50% wool and 50% silk superwash—offering approximately 232 yards per 100 grams, providing both softness and durability.
• Needles: One 4.2 mm (Japanese size 7) circular needle measuring 80 centimeters or longer for the main knitting, and one 3.6 mm (Japanese size 5) circular needle or set of five double-pointed needles for ribbed sections.

Sizing and Customization

The pattern offers flexibility in finished dimensions. Knitters can independently select preferred measurements for body width, sleeve width, and garment length, allowing for personalized fit adjustments. The horizontal construction method means that gauge accuracy is particularly important, as stitch count directly affects length and row count affects width and sleeve dimensions.

Design Notes

The In The Sky pullover combines contemporary ease with thoughtful construction details. The dolman sleeves create a flattering, comfortable fit suitable for layering or wearing as a standalone piece. The color-work element adds visual interest without requiring complex techniques, making it an accessible intermediate project. The extended ribbing at cuffs and hem ensures the garment maintains its shape and provides a refined silhouette despite the relaxed sleeve proportions.