Stromboli Mini Pullover in Adriafil Explosion - Downloadable PDF

Stromboli Mini Pullover in Adriafil Explosion – Free Knitting Pattern (Downloadable PDF)

The Stromboli Mini Pullover is a stylish, chunky-knit short-length pullover designed for knitters who love bold textures and relaxed silhouettes. This free downloadable PDF pattern from Adriafil uses the brand's signature Explosion yarn to create a cosy, eye-catching sweater with a deep ribbed neckline and clean, classic shaping. Available in three sizes — 40, 42, and 44 — it is a satisfying project for knitters with some experience in basic garment construction.

What Is Being Made

The finished garment is a mini pullover, meaning it features a cropped or shorter body length compared to a standard-length sweater. It is worked in separate pieces — a back, two sleeves — which are then seamed together. The design includes set-in sleeves with armhole shaping, a joined shoulder, and a prominent 14 cm deep neckband worked in k2/p2 rib, giving the pullover a chunky, cosy collar that is a key design feature.

Yarn and Materials

• Yarn: Adriafil Explosion, Colour No. 84 — approximately 300 g required
• Yarn Weight: Chunky
• Needles: Size No. 8 (used for the main body and sleeves) and size No. 9 (used for the neckband, with yarn worked double)
• Additional Tools: Tapestry needle for seaming and finishing

Adriafil Explosion is a chunky-weight yarn known for its rich, multi-tonal colour effects and soft texture, making it ideal for statement knitwear. Working the yarn double on the larger No. 9 needles for the neckband creates an extra-thick, voluminous ribbed collar that adds both warmth and visual impact.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Purl stitch — the entire body and sleeves are worked in purl stitch, creating a distinctive reverse stocking stitch fabric with a textured, ridged appearance on the right side
• K2/P2 rib — used for the deep neckband, providing elasticity and a structured, fitted finish around the neckline
• Armhole shaping — achieved through regular decreases worked every 2 rows on each side of the back piece
• Sleeve shaping — sleeves are tapered with decreases every 4 rows along each side, then shaped at the sleeve head with decreases every 2 rows
• Picking up stitches — after joining one shoulder seam, stitches are picked up around the neckline to work the neckband in the round before the second shoulder is closed
• Seaming and finishing — shoulders, side seams, and sleeve seams are all joined using a tapestry needle

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 10 stitches and 12 rows over 10 x 10 cm worked in purl stitch on No. 8 needles. Achieving the correct gauge is important for ensuring the finished pullover matches the intended sizing of 40, 42, or 44.

Construction Overview

The Stromboli Mini Pullover is knitted flat in pieces and seamed. The back is cast on with No. 8 needles and worked in purl stitch until the armhole shaping begins. The sleeves are similarly worked in purl stitch, with gradual side decreases for tapering before the sleeve head shaping. Once the main pieces are complete, one shoulder is joined, the neckband stitches are picked up and the deep k2/p2 rib collar is knitted, then the remaining shoulder and neckband sides are closed. Sleeves are set in and all side seams are joined to complete the garment.

This is an excellent project for knitters looking to practise garment shaping, seaming techniques, and working with chunky yarn for a