Potomac

Potomac Knit Sweater by Christina Loman

What Is Being Made

Potomac is a fitted knit sweater designed by independent designer Christina Loman, inspired by the Potomac River that divides Maryland and Virginia. This bottom-up worsted weight sweater combines warmth with a fitted silhouette, making it ideal for active winter wear. The design is available in seven sizes ranging from XS to 3X, with finished chest measurements from 30 to 50 inches and lengths from 23.5 to 26 inches.

Design Inspiration and Aesthetic

The sweater draws its visual character from the natural appearance of the Potomac River on a sunny winter morning. The color variations inherent in kettle-dyed yarn replicate the subtle tonal shifts visible in the river's surface, while the stitch pattern echoes the water's movement. The design captures both the glassy, calm quality and the dynamic flow of this fast-moving river through its thoughtful yarn and stitch selection.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Potomac employs a combination of fundamental and decorative knitting techniques to achieve its textured surface. The sweater features a field of stockinette stitch as the primary background, which creates a smooth, classic knit fabric. Tiny cables are worked across this stockinette foundation, mimicking the appearance of water eddies and ripples. This interplay between the flat stockinette base and the dimensional cable details creates visual interest and texture throughout the garment.

Construction Method

This sweater is constructed using a bottom-up building method, meaning knitting begins at the lower edge and progresses upward toward the neckline. This approach allows for easy fitting adjustments and the ability to try on the garment as it develops.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Potomac is designed to be worked in DK weight yarn. The pattern calls for Neighborhood Fiber Co. Maisonette DK, a luxury blend yarn composed of 50% silk and 50% merino wool. Each skein contains 280 yards (256 meters) and weighs 114 grams. The specified colorway is Rock Creek Park, a kettle-dyed color that showcases the subtle variations that inspired the design. Yardage requirements range from 3 skeins for the smallest sizes (XS, S) to 5 skeins for the larger sizes (L, 1X, 2X, 3X).

Tools Required

One set of US #4 (3.5 mm) double-point needles is needed to complete this project. Double-point needles are ideal for working in the round and creating seamless garments.

Skill Level

Potomac is rated as an intermediate difficulty project. Knitters should be comfortable with fundamental techniques such as casting on, knitting, purling, and binding off, as well as working with double-point needles. The cable stitch work requires familiarity with cable techniques, making this an appropriate challenge for knitters with some experience beyond the absolute beginner level.

Yarn Weight Considerations

The DK weight classification places this yarn in the lighter worsted to heavier sport weight range, making it suitable for creating garments with good drape and structure. The silk and merino blend provides both warmth and breathability, with the silk component adding subtle sheen and the merino contributing elasticity and temperature regulation—ideal qualities for a versatile winter sweater.