Calexico Knitting Pattern

Calexico Knit Sweater Pattern

What Is Being Made

Calexico is a fitted knit sweater designed by Maura Kirk, available in six sizes ranging from 32.5 inches to 52 inches finished bust measurement. The sweater is engineered with a tailored fit, designed to be worn with 2 inches of positive ease for a close, flattering silhouette. This is a medium skill level project suitable for knitters with foundational experience in circular knitting techniques.

Techniques and Construction Methods

Calexico employs seamless in-the-round construction using circular needles, eliminating the need for seaming. The sweater features strategic decreasing shaping to create a fitted waist and bodice. The pattern incorporates a structured approach with a set-up round followed by rhythmic decrease rounds that are repeated multiple times to achieve the intended shaping. The body is worked continuously in the round before dividing for the front and back sections.

The design combines two distinct stitch patterns: stockinette stitch worked in the primary yarn and reverse stockinette stitch worked in the contrasting yarn, creating visual texture and interest. Knitters will use essential techniques including knitting and purling in the round, increasing, and decreasing (specifically ssk and k2tog decreases for shaping).

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch (St st) – the primary fabric structure in The Fibre Company Meadow yarn
• Reverse stockinette stitch – textural contrast worked in The Fibre Company Savannah yarn
• Knit stitch (k) and purl stitch (p) – foundational stitches worked in the round
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) – left-leaning decrease used for waist shaping
• Knit two together (k2tog) – right-leaning decrease used for waist shaping
• Slip marker (slm) – used to mark pattern repeats and construction sections

Yarn and Materials

Calexico calls for two distinct yarns from The Fibre Company, each selected for specific qualities and gauge requirements.

Primary Yarn: The Fibre Company Meadow in the colorway Queen Anne's Lace comprises the majority of the sweater. This yarn is a luxury blend of 40% merino, 25% baby llama, 20% silk, and 15% linen, offering softness, drape, and breathability. Each skein yields 545 yards at 100 grams. Yardage requirements range from 2 skeins for the smallest size to 3 skeins for the largest size. When worked in stockinette stitch, Meadow achieves a gauge of 25 stitches and 33 rounds over 4 inches after blocking.

Contrast Yarn: The Fibre Company Savannah in Natural provides textural contrast throughout the design. This yarn blends 50% wool, 20% cotton, 15% linen, and 15% soya, creating a balanced, breathable fabric. One 50-gram skein (160 yards) is required for all sizes. Savannah is worked in reverse stockinette stitch at a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rounds over 4 inches after blocking.

Needles and Notions: The pattern requires two US 6 [4 mm] circular needles – one 16-inch needle and one 32-inch needle – to accommodate the large cast-on and accommodate in-the-round construction at different stages. Additional notions include 2 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and stitch holders or smooth waste yarn of comparable gauge for holding stitches during the front and back division.

Size Range and Finished Measurements

Calexico is offered in six finished bust sizes: 32.5 inches, 36.5 inches, 40.25 inches, 44.25 inches, 48 inches, and 52 inches (82.5 cm, 92.75 cm, 102.25 cm, 112.5 cm, 122 cm, and 132 cm). A detailed schematic is provided in the pattern for precise finished measurements of all dimensions. The 2-inch positive ease ensures the sweater skims the body without clinging.