Stonewall

Stonewall Sweater by Alicia Plummer

What Is Being Made

Stonewall is a knitted sweater designed by Alicia Plummer. This intermediate-level pullover features a classic construction with ribbed cuffs and a structured body. The sweater is available in five sizes, with bust measurements ranging from 31 inches (79 cm) to 49 inches (124 cm), making it suitable for a wide range of body types.

Yarn and Materials

This design calls for The Plucky Knitter Scholar, a luxurious blend of 75% merino wool and 25% cashmere. The yarn is described as very lofty, contributing to the sweater's soft and airy qualities. The pattern requires between 4 and 9 skeins depending on size, totaling 1,020 to 2,100 yards of yardage. The yarn weight is worsted, providing good stitch definition and durability.

Needles and Notions

Stonewall requires two sets of needles to accommodate different sections of the sweater:

• US size 9 (5.5 mm) circular needles and double-pointed needles for the main body in stockinette stitch
• US size 6 (4.0 mm) circular needles and double-pointed needles for ribbed sections

Additional notions include 4 place markers, 1 bobbin marker, and a darning needle for weaving in ends and grafting seams.

Gauge and Fit

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 18 stitches and 24 rows in stockinette stitch over a 4-inch square. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit across all size options.

Stitches and Techniques

Stonewall employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques:

• Stockinette stitch forms the primary fabric of the sweater body, creating a smooth, classic appearance
• Ribbing is used for cuffs and waistband sections to provide elasticity and a neat finish. The pattern notes that the rib is intentionally worked on the smaller US size 6 needles to keep the ribbing clean and elastic, despite Scholar yarn's lofty nature
• Dot stitch pattern adds textural interest to the design
• Increase rounds using make-one left (m1l) and make-one right (m1r) techniques shape the sweater, with 4 stitches increased per round during shaping sections
• Long tail tubular cast-on is recommended for creating a professional, seamless edge, though a standard long tail cast-on is offered as an alternative
• Grafting techniques are employed for finishing seams invisibly

Design Notes

The pattern includes helpful guidance for knitters. The designer specifically recommends learning the long tail tubular cast-on method, as it creates a cleaner edge than the standard long tail cast-on. The choice to work ribbed sections on smaller needles is deliberate, as Scholar's lofty construction could otherwise result in loose, unstable ribbing. This intermediate-level sweater rewards attention to technique with professional-quality results.