Elsebeth Lavold Lotte Pullover Jumper Knitting Pattern

Elsebeth Lavold Lotte Pullover

What is Being Made

The Lotte Pullover is a classic knitted sweater designed by Laura Barker, available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X. This pullover features a finished bust measurement of 36 to 56 inches (91.5 to 142 centimeters) with a consistent length of 26 inches (66 centimeters) across all sizes. The upper arm circumference ranges from 18 to 20 inches (46 to 51 centimeters), accommodating various body types with a modified drop sleeve construction.

Techniques Used

The Lotte Pullover employs a sophisticated combination of knitting techniques that create visual interest and structural integrity. The garment is worked flat and in the round, utilizing different construction methods for different sections. The sweater begins with a bottom-up construction, starting from the hem and building upward to the neckline.

The pattern incorporates cable techniques, specifically a faux cable pattern that is worked with German short rows to shape the yokes and neckline. The horizontal hem band is provisionally cast on and the ends are grafted into a loop, creating a seamless circular foundation. The neckband is worked sideways with provisional casting and features German short rows at the corners to achieve proper shaping and fit.

The sweater uses seamed construction for the modified drop sleeves, which are worked separately and then sewn into the armholes. A 3-needle bind-off technique is employed to join pieces together with right sides held together, creating a secure and professional finish.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is stockinette stitch (St st), which forms the foundation of the sweater's fabric. This smooth, classic stitch is complemented by the faux cable pattern that appears in the yoke sections. Cable stitches are manipulated using a cable needle to create the characteristic twisted, textured appearance that adds visual depth and sophistication to the design.

The pattern also utilizes standard knitting stitches including knit stitches, purl stitches, and decreases for shaping. The provisional cast-on method using a crochet hook and scrap yarn allows for the grafting technique used to join the hem band into a continuous loop.

Materials and Tools

The Lotte Pullover is designed to be worked with Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool yarn in shade 182 Larkspur. The yardage requirement is 7 to 11 hanks of 50-gram weight, depending on the size being knitted, providing approximately 1,050 to 1,650 yards of yarn.

The pattern requires several needles and tools: US 6/4mm circular needles in both 24-inch and 32-inch lengths for working in the round, US 6/4mm double-pointed needles for smaller circumferences, and a cable needle for manipulating stitches in the cable pattern. Additional supplies include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches, and a crochet hook with scrap yarn for the provisional cast-on technique.

Gauge Information

Accurate gauge is essential for proper fit. The pattern specifies 24 stitches and 32 rounds to 4 inches (10 centimeters) over stockinette stitch using US 6/4mm needles. For the faux cable pattern sections, the gauge is 26 stitches and 32 rounds to 4 inches (10 centimeters) using the same needle size. The pattern emphasizes taking time to check gauges before beginning the project to ensure the finished garment matches the intended measurements.

Construction Overview

• Horizontal hem band worked with provisional cast-on and grafted into a continuous loop
• Vertical body stitches picked up and worked in the round to the armholes
• Front and back pieces worked flat from armholes upward
• Horizontal neckband worked sideways with provisional cast-on and German short rows at corners
• Modified drop sleeves worked separately and sewn into armholes
• Hems and neckband folded and sewn for a finished appearance