Elyna Sweater MODE Collection in Rowan Summerlite DK and Kidsilk Haze

Elyna Sweater MODE Collection

What is Being Made

The Elyna Sweater is a knitted pullover garment designed as part of the MODE Collection by Quails Studio. This intermediate-level sweater is constructed with a classic fitted silhouette and is available in nine size options ranging from 71-76 cm (28-30 inches) chest measurement up to 152-157 cm (60-62 inches) chest measurement. The finished garment chest measurements range from 86 cm (33¾ inches) to 168 cm (66¼ inches), providing a range of fits across multiple size grades.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Elyna Sweater employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques. The garment is constructed using the stockinette stitch as the primary fabric base, which creates a smooth, classic appearance. The pattern incorporates shapings throughout, including strategic decreases at the neckline to create a fitted neck opening and decreases at the armholes and shoulders to achieve proper garment structure. The front and back pieces are worked separately with neck shaping that involves decreasing stitches over multiple rows and alternate rows to create a gradual, professional-looking neckline curve. Shoulder shaping is achieved through cast-off decreases at the beginning of rows, and the pattern includes two-color knitting with yarns held together throughout, which adds visual interest and texture while maintaining structural integrity.

Stitches Used

The pattern primarily utilizes knit stitch (K) and stockinette stitch (st st), which forms the foundation of the sweater fabric. The pattern also incorporates decreases worked at specific intervals to shape the neckline, armholes, and shoulders. Ribbing is created at the cuffs and hem using a combination of knit and purl stitches in a 1x1 or similar pattern structure (indicated by the K2 notation at the beginning of rows), which provides elasticity and a finished edge. The tension is calibrated at 23 stitches and 32 rows to 10 centimeters measured over stockinette stitch, ensuring proper garment dimensions across all sizes.

Materials and Tools

The Elyna Sweater is knitted using Rowan Summerlite DK and Rowan Kidsilk Haze yarns held together as a single strand throughout the project. Summerlite DK is used in Sailor Blue (color A), with yardage requirements ranging from 8 to 11 balls of 50-gram skeins depending on size selection. Kidsilk Haze is used in Navy (color B), requiring 4 to 6 balls of 25-gram skeins per size. The combination of these two yarns—a DK-weight cotton-blend yarn paired with a lightweight mohair-silk blend—creates a sophisticated, breathable fabric with subtle texture and sheen.

The pattern requires two pairs of needles: 3¾mm (US 5) needles for the ribbed cuffs and hem, and 4mm (US 6) needles for the main garment body worked in stockinette stitch. The pattern also calls for stitch holders to temporarily secure stitches during construction, particularly for the neckband and underarm areas.

Pattern Structure

The Elyna Sweater is worked in separate pieces: a back panel, front panel, and two sleeves. The back is cast on using the smaller needles with both yarns held together, beginning with ribbed edging before switching to the larger needles for the main stockinette fabric. The front follows a similar construction method but includes additional neck shaping that begins approximately 24 to 30 rows before the shoulder shaping commences. Neck decreases are worked over multiple rows and alternate rows to create a gradual, symmetrical neckline. The sleeves are similarly constructed with ribbed cuffs and stockinette body, with appropriate cap shaping for proper armhole fit. All pieces are designed to be seamed together upon completion, with a neckband worked from held stitches to finish the neck opening.