Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Allium Shell Knitting Pattern

Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Allium Shell

What Is Being Made

The Allium Shell is a sleeveless knitted sweater shell designed by Joan Forgione. This garment is a classic layering piece available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X, with finished bust measurements from 35 inches (89 cm) to 51 inches (129.5 cm) and lengths from 21 inches (53.5 cm) to 24½ inches (62 cm). The shell features a fitted waist with strategic shaping and is constructed as a pullover style with a neckband finish.

Construction Techniques

The Allium Shell is constructed using a bottom-up seamed method, meaning the garment is knitted from the lower edge upward and the side seams are sewn together after all pieces are completed. The pattern is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for traditional two-dimensional knitting before assembly. This construction method provides excellent control over fit and shaping, particularly for the waist decreases that create the shell's silhouette.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The primary stitch used throughout the Allium Shell is Stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a knit side facing outward. The pattern incorporates several specialized knitting techniques to achieve its design details:

• Tubular Cast-On (optional) – An advanced cast-on method that creates a seamless, professional edge using waste yarn. This technique provides a polished finish at the lower edge of the shell.
• Ribbing (K1, P1) – A knit-one, purl-one rib pattern is worked at the neckband to create elasticity and a finished edge around the neck opening.
• Make Bobble (MB) – A decorative stitch technique that increases one stitch into five stitches [K1, yo, k1, yo, k1], then is decreased back to one stitch through a series of turns and decreases. This creates textured bobble details on the garment.
• Increases (M1L) – Make 1 Left increases are used to add stitches by lifting the strand between stitches and knitting into it, creating invisible increases that blend seamlessly into the fabric.
• Decreases (K2tog) – Knit 2 together decreases are used for waist shaping, creating a tapered silhouette by reducing stitch counts at strategic intervals.
• Tubular Bind-Off (optional) – A professional finishing technique that creates an elastic, seamless bind-off edge, particularly useful for neckbands.

Waist Shaping and Design Details

The shell features intentional waist shaping that creates a fitted silhouette. The pattern includes a decrease row worked on the right side, reducing 2 stitches in the first decrease row, then repeating this decrease every 4th row for 8 additional rows. This graduated shaping creates a flattering, contoured fit at the waist while maintaining comfort and wearability.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Allium Shell is designed to be knitted in Stacy Charles Fine Yarns ALICIA, a luxurious 100% linen yarn. The yardage requirements range from 5 balls for the Small size to 8 balls for the 3X size. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and provides 180 yards (165 meters) of yarn. The pattern sample is shown in color #01 pearly white, a classic neutral shade suitable for versatile styling. Linen yarn provides excellent breathability and a refined drape, making it ideal for a summer shell garment.

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires multiple needle sizes to achieve proper gauge and construction:

• Size 4 (3.5mm) needles – Used as the main needles for the body of the shell, worked in pairs for flat knitting
• Size 2 (2.75mm) circular needle, 16 inches (40 cm) – Used for the neckband ribbing
• Size 2 (2.75mm) circular needle, 16 inches (40 cm) – An extra needle used for the optional Tubular Bind-Off technique
• Size 2 (2.75mm) needles – Additional needles for alternative finishing methods