PROTEA

PROTEA Pullover by Tête Bêche Designs

Garment Overview

The PROTEA is a top-down pullover sweater designed by Tête Bêche Designs as part of the Sno Collection. This intermediate-level knitting project is worked seamlessly in the round, creating a refined pullover with a striped colorwork pattern. The design offers nine graduated sizes, ranging from 36.25 inches to 68.25 inches in finished bust circumference, accommodating a wide range of body measurements. The sample shown features a relaxed fit with approximately 8 inches of positive ease.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The PROTEA pullover employs several key knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters. The garment is constructed from the top down, a method that allows for easy fitting adjustments and the ability to try on the sweater as you work. The pullover is worked in the round using circular needles and double-pointed needles, which eliminates the need for seaming and creates clean, professional results. The design features a stripe pattern that incorporates multiple colors, adding visual interest and demonstrating colorwork skills without the complexity of intricate stitch patterns.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

While the PDF content specifies that the garment is worked in a stripe pattern, the exact stitch abbreviations and row-by-row instructions would be detailed in the complete pattern. The stripe pattern is worked at a gauge of 23 stitches and 34 rounds per 4 inches on the larger needles when blocked, indicating a fabric with good drape and structure suitable for a pullover silhouette.

Yarn Requirements and Materials

The PROTEA is designed to be worked with fingering weight yarn, specifically Woolfolk Tynd and Woolfolk Sno, both composed of 100% Ovis 21 Ultimate Merino®. Each skein yields 223 yards per 50 grams, providing excellent yardage for a lightweight, breathable garment. The pattern calls for three coordinating colors:

• Color A (Woolfolk Tynd, color no. 00): 2 to 3 skeins depending on size
• Color B (Woolfolk Sno, color no. 21+30): 1 to 3 skeins depending on size
• Color C (Woolfolk Sno, color no. 00+28): 2 to 3 skeins depending on size

The merino wool fiber provides softness, breathability, and natural elasticity, making it an excellent choice for a fitted pullover that maintains its shape through wear and washing.

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires two sets of circular needles in different sizes to accommodate the gauge changes typical of pullover construction. Crafters will need:

• US 4 (3.5 mm) circular needles: Both 16-inch and 24-inch lengths, plus a set of double-pointed needles for working smaller circumferences
• US 2.5 (3 mm) circular needles: Both 16-inch and 24-inch lengths, plus a set of double-pointed needles, typically used for ribbed edgings

Additional notions include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, and waste yarn for holding stitches during construction.

Sizing and Fit

The PROTEA is offered in nine sizes organized into three groups: sizes 1–5 and sizes 6–9. Finished bust measurements range from 36.25 inches (smallest) to 68.25 inches (largest), with graduated increments accommodating various body types. The pattern recommends selecting a size with 5 to 10 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit. The sample garment pictured was knitted in size 2 with 8 inches of positive ease.

Skill Level and Pattern Format

Designed for intermediate knitters, the PROTEA requires familiarity with circular knitting, colorwork stripe techniques, and top-down construction methods. The pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF, allowing crafters to access instructions digitally and print as needed. This format is ideal for following along during the knitting process.