Riparia

Riparia Pullover Sweater by Joan Forgione

What Is Being Made

Riparia is a top-down pullover sweater designed by Joan Forgione and published by Paper Moon Knits. This intermediate-level knitting project features a colorful yoke that evokes the appearance of bright wildflowers grown at the edge of a riverbank. The sweater is available in seven sizes, ranging from 34 inches to 53¼ inches in bust circumference, making it suitable for various body types and fit preferences.

Construction Method

This sweater is constructed using the top-down method, meaning knitting begins at the neckline and progresses downward toward the hem. This construction approach allows for easy customization of length and provides opportunities to try on the garment during the knitting process. The yoke features stranded colorwork, a traditional technique where multiple yarn colors are carried across the back of the work to create intricate patterned designs.

Knitting Techniques and Skills

Riparia incorporates several intermediate-level knitting techniques that make it an excellent project for knitters looking to expand their skill set:

• Knitting in the round: The sweater is worked circularly using needles suited for this method, creating seamless fabric throughout most of the garment.
• Stranded colorwork: Also known as Fair Isle knitting, this technique involves working with multiple yarn colors in a single row, creating detailed patterned sections, particularly in the yoke area.
• Reading colorwork charts: Knitters must follow written instructions that translate visual chart patterns into stitches, requiring careful attention to color placement and stitch counts.
• Short rows: This shaping technique creates three-dimensional structure and is used to customize the fit of the garment.
• Increasing and decreasing: Strategic increases and decreases shape the yoke and body of the sweater to achieve proper fit and silhouette.
• Provisional cast-on: This temporary cast-on method allows stitches to be picked up later, useful for creating finished edges or adding elements after the initial knitting is complete.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

Stockinette stitch forms the primary fabric of Riparia. This fundamental knitting stitch creates a smooth, flat surface with characteristic V-shaped columns of stitches on the right side. The stockinette stitch is worked with larger needles than those used for the colorwork sections, which helps achieve the specified gauge and creates the desired fabric drape and appearance.

Yarn and Materials

Riparia is designed to be worked in The Knitting Boutique Anacostia DK, a yarn weight classified as DK (double knitting). This yarn is composed of 100% superwash Merino fiber, making it durable, easy to care for, and suitable for garments that may require frequent washing. The yardage requirements vary by size: the main color (MC) requires 240 yards per skein, with knitters needing between 4 and 7 skeins depending on the chosen size. Contrast color (CC1) requires only 1 skein across all sizes, allowing for creative color selection without significant yardage commitment.

Gauge and Finished Measurements

The specified gauge for Riparia is 24 stitches and 34 rounds over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when working stockinette stitch with the larger needles, blocked if necessary. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements. The pattern is shown in the 37-inch size with 1 inch of positive ease, meaning the finished bust measurement is 1 inch larger than the wearer's actual bust measurement for comfortable wearing ease. Finished bust measurements range from 34 inches for the smallest size to 53¼ inches for the largest size, accommodating a wide range of body types.

Pattern Format and Difficulty Level

Riparia is available as a downloadable PDF pattern, making it immediately accessible to knitters upon purchase. The intermediate difficulty level indicates that knitters should have foundational knitting skills and experience with basic shaping techniques before attempting this project. While not suitable for absolute beginners, the pattern is approachable for knitters who have completed several basic sweater projects and are ready to explore colorwork and more advanced construction methods.