String Callie Pullover Jumper Knitting Pattern

String Callie Pullover: Seamed Knit Sweater

What is Being Made

The Callie Pullover is a classic crewneck pullover sweater designed by Lidia Karabinech for String. This garment is offered in four sizes—Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large—with finished bust measurements ranging from 33½ inches (85 cm) to 45½ inches (115.5 cm) and length measurements from 22½ inches (57 cm) to 24 inches (61 cm). The sample shown is knitted in size Medium.

Techniques Used

The Callie Pullover is constructed using seamed construction and is worked flat on straight needles, meaning the front and back pieces are knitted separately in rows rather than in the round. This traditional approach allows for precise shaping and a professional finish when the pieces are seamed together.

The pattern incorporates several advanced shaping techniques to achieve a well-fitted silhouette. German short rows are used as a specialized technique for creating three-dimensional shaping without the traditional wrapping method. This technique involves working a specific number of stitches, turning the work, slipping one stitch purlwise with yarn positioned strategically, and lifting the yarn over the needle top to create both legs of the slipped stitch on the needle. This method is particularly useful for shoulder shaping and creating smooth transitions in the garment.

Increases are worked using the M1L (Make 1 left) method, which is an invisible increase technique. This increase is created by lifting the strand between needles from front to back onto the left needle and working through the back loop with a twist to prevent holes. Strategic increases are placed at key points: two stitches are increased on right-side rows (one stitch on each side), creating a gradual expansion for armhole shaping.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the Callie Pullover is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates the smooth, classic V-pattern texture characteristic of traditional knitwear. Stockinette stitch is achieved by knitting all stitches on right-side rows and purling all stitches on wrong-side rows when working flat.

The pattern uses stitch markers to denote important locations, such as armhole placement markers set at each end of a row. A provisional cast-on with waste yarn is employed at the beginning, allowing live stitches to be picked up later for seamless joining or hem finishing. This technique involves casting on with temporary waste yarn and later picking up the loops to knit them together with live stitches, creating a professional, reversible edge.

Materials and Tools

The Callie Pullover requires 5 to 8 balls of String AMALFI yarn depending on size, with yardage requirements of approximately 900 to 1,440 yards total (180 yards per 50-gram ball). String AMALFI is a luxury blend fiber containing 39% viscose, 25% lambswool, 22% silk, and 14% cashmere, offering a sophisticated drape and soft hand. The sample is worked in color #730331 mulberry.

Needle requirements include US 7 (4.5mm) needles for the main body knitting, US 5 (3.75mm) needles for the hem, and a US 7 (4.5mm) circular needle measuring 16 inches (40 cm) for the neckline. Additional tools needed are waste yarn for the provisional cast-on, stitch holders for holding stitches during construction, stitch markers for tracking shaping points, and a yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends.

Gauge and Fit

The pattern specifies a gauge of 17½ stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch, measured with a wrong-side row. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements and proper fit of the garment.

Construction Details

The sweater begins with a provisional cast-on, and after the initial hem is worked, live stitches are picked up and knitted together with the cast-on loops to create a finished hem edge. The body is worked in stockinette stitch until the piece reaches 14 inches (35.5 cm) in length, at which point removable markers are placed at each end to indicate armhole placement.

Armhole shaping is achieved through strategic increases: increases occur every 6 rows for 6 or 7 times depending on size, with