Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Ethel Pullover Knitting Pattern

Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Ethel Pullover

Garment Overview

The Ethel Pullover is a sophisticated knitted sweater designed by Irina Poludnenko. This pullover features a refined construction combining classic stockinette stitch with delicate lace detailing, creating an elegant garment suitable for various occasions. The sweater is available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X, with finished bust measurements from 37 inches (94 cm) to 57 inches (145 cm) and lengths from 23 inches (58.5 cm) to 25.5 inches (65 cm).

Construction Techniques

The Ethel Pullover is constructed using a bottom-up seamed approach, meaning the body and sleeves are knitted separately from the lower edges upward and then joined together. This traditional method allows for precise shaping and fitting. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, providing flexibility in pattern placement and construction. The design incorporates stripe patterning throughout the piece, adding visual interest and dimension to the finished sweater.

Stitch Techniques and Pattern Details

The primary stitch used in the Ethel Pullover is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows. The sweater features an open stitch pattern that introduces lace elements into the design. This lace pattern is constructed on a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2, utilizing yarn overs (yo) and purl 2 together (p2tog) decreases to create openwork sections. The lace rows are strategically placed within stockinette stitch sections to create visual texture variation.

The pattern employs standard knitting decreases including knit 2 together (K2tog), purl 2 together (P2tog), and slip, slip, knit (ssk) techniques for shaping the neckline, armholes, and shoulders. These decreases are essential for creating the fitted silhouette and proper garment proportions across all six sizes.

Materials and Gauge

The Ethel Pullover is designed to be knitted with S. Charles Collezione STELLA yarn, a luxurious blend of 74% silk and 26% lurex. This fiber content creates a lustrous, elegant fabric with subtle shimmer. The yarn is available in color #31 orchidea. Yardage requirements range from 11 balls for the smallest size to 18 balls for the largest size, with each ball containing 0.88 ounces (25 grams) and providing 76.5 yards (70 meters) of yarn.

The pattern calls for size 8 (5mm) needles for the main body pieces, with a specified gauge of 16 stitches and 28 rows equaling 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements. A size 8 (5mm) circular needle measuring 16 inches (40 cm) is used for the neckband finishing. Additional supplies include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming pieces together.

Sizing and Fit

The Ethel Pullover accommodates a wide range of body sizes with six distinct size options. The bust measurements progress in 4-inch (10 cm) increments, allowing for customized fit across the chest. The length measurements increase gradually by approximately half-inch increments, providing proportional lengthening for larger sizes. This comprehensive sizing range ensures that knitters of various dimensions can achieve a well-fitting garment.