Sunny side [up!]

Sunny Side [Up!] Knit Sweater by Isabell Kraemer

What Is Being Made

Sunny side [up!] is a seamless knit sweater designed as a quick project suitable for intermediate knitters. This top-down construction garment features a decorative lace panel running down the front, making it an elegant yet approachable knitting project. The sweater is offered in six sizes ranging from extra small (XS) to extra large (XL), with finished bust circumferences from 85 cm to 110 cm (34 to 44 inches). The design is intended to be worn with positive ease for comfortable everyday wear.

Knitting Techniques

The sweater is constructed using the top-down seamless method, a popular technique that allows knitters to try on the garment as they work and adjust length easily. This approach eliminates the need for seaming, resulting in a cleaner finish and faster completion. The pattern includes both charted and written instructions for the front lace section, providing flexibility for knitters who prefer visual charts or written directions. Knitters will work in the round using circular needles for the main body and transition to double-pointed needles (dpns) for the cuffs at the wrists and neckline.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the sweater is Stockinette stitch, which creates the smooth, classic fabric base. The distinguishing design element is a lace pattern featured down the front of the sweater, worked from charted instructions provided on pages 4 to 5 of the pattern. This lace detail adds visual interest and sophistication while remaining manageable for intermediate-level knitters.

Materials and Gauge

This pattern calls for fingering weight yarn, with yardage requirements varying by size: approximately 740 meters (800 yards) for the smallest size up to 1,250 meters (1,360 yards) for the largest size. Knitters will need two sets of circular needles—3.5 mm (US 4) needles for ribbing and cuffs, and 4.0 mm (US 6) needles for the main body in Stockinette stitch. Additional supplies include double-pointed needles in both sizes, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, and waste yarn or stitch holders for managing stitches during construction.

The recommended gauge is 24 stitches by 32 rows per 10 centimeters (4 x 4 inches) when worked in Stockinette stitch on the larger 4.0 mm needle. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements, and knitters are advised to adjust needle size if necessary to match this gauge.