String Andrea Pullover Jumper Knitting Pattern

String Andrea Pullover: Knitted Striped Cashmere and Cotton Blend Sweater

What is Being Made

The String Andrea Pullover is a classic knitted pullover sweater designed by Lidia Karabinech. This garment is available in four sizes—Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large—with finished bust measurements ranging from 33 inches (84 cm) to 44½ inches (113 cm) and length to shoulder measurements from 20½ inches (52 cm) to 22 inches (56 cm). The pullover features a crew neckline and is constructed as a seamed, bottom-up garment with striped colorwork throughout.

Techniques Used

The Andrea Pullover employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its finished structure and visual appeal. The sweater is worked flat on straight needles, meaning the front and back pieces are knitted separately in rows rather than in the round, and then seamed together. The bottom-up construction method begins with casting on at the lower edge and working upward toward the shoulders, allowing for easy length adjustments during the knitting process. The garment features striped patterning created by working with two yarn colors held together throughout the project, producing horizontal color bands across the fabric. Shaping is achieved through strategic decreases on right-side rows to form the armholes and through bind-offs to shape the shoulders. The neckband is worked in the round using a circular needle after the main body pieces are complete, providing a finished edge at the neck opening.

Stitches Used

The Andrea Pullover relies on fundamental knitting stitches to create its structure and texture. Stockinette Stitch (St st) forms the primary fabric throughout the sweater body. This stitch is created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing the classic smooth, V-textured appearance characteristic of many pullover sweaters. 1x1 Rib is used for both the waistband and the neckband, created by alternating single knit and purl stitches across each row (or round for the neckband). Ribbing provides elasticity and helps the garment hold its shape at the edges. Standard decreases, including k2tog (knit two together) and ssk (slip, slip, knit), are used to shape the armholes and shoulders, creating a fitted silhouette.

Materials and Tools

The Andrea Pullover is designed to showcase luxurious fiber blends. The pattern calls for two distinct yarn types held together throughout construction. STRING BLOSSOM yarn comprises 50% cashmere and 50% silk, offering softness and subtle sheen; the pattern requires 3 to 4 balls of color 200009 mushroom (A1), 2 to 3 balls each of color 100002 pearl (A2) and color 200737 almond (A3), depending on size. STACY CHARLES FINE YARNS FLORA is a lightweight cotton blend containing 95% cotton and 5% metallic polyester; the pattern requires 4 to 5 balls of color 07 smoky quartz (B1), and 3 to 4 balls each of color 01 pearl (B2) and color 29 khaki (B3), depending on size. Each ball of STRING BLOSSOM weighs 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and contains 177 yards (162.5 meters); each ball of FLORA weighs 0.88 ounces (25 grams).

The pattern specifies the following needles and tools: one pair of size 6 (4mm) straight needles, one pair of size 7 (4.5mm) straight needles, one size 6 (4mm) circular needle measuring 16 inches (40 cm) long for the neckband, and one size G-6 (4mm) crochet hook for the provisional cast-on method. Additional supplies include a stitch marker, stitch holders, a yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends, and waste yarn for the provisional cast-on technique.

Gauge and Construction Details

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch with decreases. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements. The stripe pattern is maintained throughout the body and armhole shaping, with the two yarn types held together to create the visual striping effect. The sweater features shaped armholes created through decreasing stitches on right-side rows, and shoulders are shaped through strategic bind-offs at the beginning of rows. The neckband is