Elms Pullover Knitting Pattern

Elms Pullover in Berroco Pima Soft

What Is Being Made

The Elms Pullover is a classic knitted sweater designed by Åsa Buchta, offered in ten size options ranging from 34½" to 70½" bust circumference. This garment features a comfortable, relaxed fit with recommended positive ease of 4–8 inches, making it suitable for layering or a loose, contemporary silhouette. The pullover is shown in size 3 (42½" bust) modeled with approximately 8 inches of positive ease. Length measurements range from 23 inches in the smallest size to 25¾ inches in the largest size, providing versatile proportions for various body types.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Elms Pullover employs a practical two-part construction method that combines circular and flat knitting techniques. The body is worked in the round from the bottom up to the underarms using circular needles, which eliminates seaming on the main body and creates a seamless, comfortable garment. Once the body reaches the underarm depth, it is divided for the back and front sections, which are then worked flat using straight needles or circular needles in the flat method for the upper body shaping. Sleeve stitches are picked up around the armholes after the body is complete and worked downward in the round, a technique known as top-down sleeve construction. This approach allows for easy customization of sleeve length and eliminates the need for traditional set-in sleeve seaming.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used throughout the Elms Pullover is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance on the right side and bumpy texture on the wrong side. Stockinette stitch is achieved by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side when working flat, or by knitting every round when working in the round. This fundamental stitch pattern is ideal for showcasing yarn color and texture, making it particularly well-suited to the multi-color construction of this design.

Color Work and Materials

The Elms Pullover features a sophisticated three-color palette created using Berroco Pima Soft yarn, a premium cotton blend that offers softness, breathability, and a gentle drape. The color scheme consists of three distinct shades: Chiffon (C1) as the primary color, Powder (C2) as a secondary shade, and Navy (C3) as an accent color. Yarn quantities vary by size, with the smallest sizes requiring 4 balls of Chiffon, 3 balls of Powder, and 1 ball of Navy, while the largest sizes require 8 balls of Chiffon, 5 balls of Powder, and 2 balls of Navy. Each ball of Berroco Pima Soft weighs 50 grams.

Needles and Gauge

The Elms Pullover requires a range of circular and double-pointed needles to accommodate different sections of the garment. A 32-inch circular needle in sizes 4 (3.5 mm) and 6 (4 mm) is used for the main body and initial rounds, while a 16-inch circular needle in size 4 (3.5 mm) is used for ribbing or smaller circumferences. Double-pointed needles in sizes 4 (3.5 mm) and 6 (4 mm) are recommended for working the sleeves and other small circumferences, though knitters may substitute their preferred method for small circular knitting.

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger needles, measured after blocking. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and proper fit. Knitters are strongly encouraged to knit a gauge swatch, measure it after blocking, and adjust needle sizes as needed before beginning the main garment.

Skill Level and Notions

The Elms Pullover is rated as an Easy

Additional notions required for completing the Elms Pullover include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction points, waste yarn or stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches during the transition from body to sleeves, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends after completion.