String Abigail Pullover Jumper Knitting Pattern

String Abigail Pullover

What is Being Made

The Abigail Pullover is a sophisticated knitted sweater designed by Lidia Karabinech. This pullover is offered in four sizes—Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large—with finished bust measurements ranging from 36½ inches (92.5 cm) to 47 inches (119.5 cm) and length measurements from 22 inches (56 cm) to 23½ inches (59.5 cm). The garment features a classic pullover silhouette with set-in sleeves and a crew neckline finished with ribbed detailing.

Techniques Used

The Abigail Pullover is constructed using several key knitting techniques that create both structure and visual interest:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The sweater is knitted from the bottom up, allowing knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and easily adjust length if desired.
• Worked Flat: The body and sleeves are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, then seamed together for a polished finish.
• Seamed Assembly: Pieces are carefully seamed together, which creates clean, professional edges and allows for precise fit adjustments.
• Lace Details: The design incorporates lace stitch elements, specifically a Fern Stitch pattern that adds delicate texture and visual sophistication to the sweater.
• Set-In Sleeves: Sleeves are shaped with decreases near the armhole, creating a fitted sleeve cap that sits elegantly at the shoulder.

Stitches Used

The Abigail Pullover employs a variety of fundamental and decorative stitches:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch used throughout most of the sweater body, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side. This creates a smooth, classic fabric with a V-textured surface.
• 2x2 Rib: A textured stitch pattern worked in multiples of four stitches plus two, alternating two knit stitches with two purl stitches. This elastic stitch is used for the neckband, cuffs, and hem, providing stretch and recovery to keep the garment fitted.
• 2x2 Rib in Round: The same rib pattern adapted for circular knitting, used when working the neckband on a circular needle.
• Fern Stitch: A 28-stitch lace pattern that incorporates yarn overs (yo) and decreases (sk2p, ssk, k2tog) to create an openwork fern-like motif. This decorative stitch adds visual interest and sophistication to the design.

Materials and Specifications

The Abigail Pullover is designed to be worked with premium materials:

• Yarn: STRING CLASSICA DK, a luxury yarn composed of 100% cashmere. The yardage requirements vary by size: 7 balls for size Small (1,078 yards/980 meters), 8 balls for size Medium (1,232 yards/1,120 meters), 10 balls for size Large (1,540 yards/1,400 meters), and 11 balls for size Extra Large (1,694 yards/1,540 meters). Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and provides 154 yards (140 meters) of yarn. The recommended color is 200073 pewter heather.
• Needles: Two pairs of straight needles are required—one pair in size 6 (4 mm) for ribbing and one pair in size 7 (4.5 mm) for the main body. A size 6 (4 mm) circular needle measuring 16 inches (40 cm) long is used for the neckband.
• Notions: Stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, stitch holders for holding stitches during construction, and a yarn needle for seaming and finishing.

Gauge and Fit

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) when worked in Stockinette Stitch using the larger size 7 (4.5 mm) needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements and proper fit of the garment.