Alexis Pullover Jumper Knitting Pattern

Alexis Pullover in String Venezia Solids

What is Being Made

The Alexis Pullover is an intermediate-level knitted sweater designed by Lidia Karabinech. This pullover is available in four sizes: Small (bust 41"/104 cm), Medium (bust 45½"/115.5 cm), Large (bust 50"/127 cm), and Extra Large (bust 55"/140 cm). The finished length ranges from 21"/53.5 cm in the smallest size to 22½"/57 cm in the largest size. This is a classic crew-neck pullover suitable for everyday wear.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Alexis Pullover is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed approach, with pieces worked flat on straight needles and the neckband worked in the round on circular needles. The sweater is knitted in separate pieces and then joined together using the three-needle bind-off technique, which creates a secure seam by binding off two pieces together simultaneously. This construction method allows for precise shaping and fitting throughout the garment.

A tubular cast-on is used to create a professional, finished edge at the hem. This technique involves provisionally casting on stitches with waste yarn before switching to the main yarn, resulting in a seamless appearance. The neckband is worked using a 16"/40 cm circular needle, allowing for comfortable in-the-round knitting of the ribbed neckline.

Stitches Used

• K1, P1 Rib – A fundamental ribbing pattern that alternates knit and purl stitches. When worked flat, this creates vertical columns of texture; when worked in the round, the same alternating pattern produces a stretchy, elastic fabric ideal for cuffs and neckbands.
• Fisherman Rib – A textured stitch pattern that uses knit and purl stitches worked into the row below, creating a thick, cushioned fabric with excellent elasticity. This stitch is used for the main body of the pullover and requires careful gauge checking.
• Right-Leaning Double Decrease (RDD) – A specialized decrease technique that combines a slip, slip, knit (ssk) decrease with additional decreasing, used for shaping the garment.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Alexis Pullover is designed to be knitted with String Venezia Solids, a luxury yarn blend composed of 53% cashmere, 27% superfine lambswool, and 20% silk. This fiber combination creates a soft, breathable, and temperature-regulating fabric. The yarn is available in color #309450 marine for this pattern. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and provides 197 yards (180 meters) of yardage. The project requires 6 balls for the Small size, 7 balls for Medium, 8 balls for Large, and 9 balls for Extra Large.

Needles and Tools

Knitters will need US size 6 (4mm) needles for the main body pieces, worked flat. A US size 6 (4mm) circular needle measuring 16"/40 cm is required for the neckband, which is worked in the round. A Size G-6 (4mm) crochet hook is used specifically for the provisional cast-on technique. Additional tools include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches, waste yarn for the provisional cast-on, and a yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 34 rows equal 4"/10 cm in Fisherman Rib when blocked. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, and knitters are strongly advised to knit and block a gauge swatch before beginning the project. The three-needle bind-off technique is used to join the finished pieces, creating a decorative seam. For a decorative seam visible on the right side, this technique can be worked with wrong sides facing each other.