String Isabella Pullover Jumper Knitting Pattern

String Isabella Pullover

What Is Being Made

The Isabella Pullover is a knitted sweater designed by Lidia Karabinech, offered in four sizes ranging from Small to Extra Large. This pullover features a classic crew neckline and is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed approach. The garment showcases horizontal stripes created through the combination of two luxurious yarn types in complementary colorways. The finished bust measurements range from 34½ inches (87.5 cm) in size Small to 44½ inches (113 cm) in size Extra Large, with a length to shoulder of approximately 19 to 20 inches (48 to 51 cm) depending on size.

Techniques Used

The Isabella Pullover employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its finished design. The sweater is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for a traditional seamed construction where individual pieces are knitted separately and then joined together. The bottom-up construction method means the knitter begins at the lower edge of the body and works upward toward the shoulders, providing flexibility for length adjustments during the knitting process. Horizontal stripes are created by alternating between two distinct yarns in different colors—String DOLCETTO DK in fuschia (color 201077) and String VENEZIA in dahlia (color 730644)—adding visual interest and dimension to the finished garment. The neckband is worked in the round using a circular needle, transitioning from the flat construction of the body pieces.

Stitches Used

The Isabella Pullover utilizes fundamental knitting stitches that create both textured and smooth fabric surfaces. Stockinette Stitch (St st) forms the primary fabric of the sweater body, created by knitting all stitches on right-side rows and purling all stitches on wrong-side rows. This stitch produces the classic smooth, V-textured appearance characteristic of many traditional knitwear designs. Reverse Stockinette Stitch (Rev St st) is also employed, which inverts the stockinette pattern by purling on right-side rows and knitting on wrong-side rows, creating a bumpy texture on the public-facing side. 1x1 Ribbing appears in two variations within the pattern: one version worked flat for certain sections and another worked in the round for the neckband. This ribbing is created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a one-by-one pattern, producing an elastic, textured fabric that provides stretch and recovery, making it ideal for cuffs, hems, and necklines.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Isabella Pullover requires two premium yarn types from String Yarns, each contributing distinct qualities to the finished sweater. The first yarn is String DOLCETTO DK, a blend of 70% merino and 30% cashmere, available in color 201077 (fuschia). This yarn comes in 1.75-ounce (50-gram) balls with 206 yards (187 meters) per ball. The pattern calls for 2 balls for size Small, 2 balls for size Medium, 3 balls for size Large, and 4 balls for size Extra Large. The second yarn is String VENEZIA, a luxurious blend of 53% cashmere, 27% superfine lambswool, and 20% silk in color 730644 (dahlia). This yarn also comes in 1.75-ounce (50-gram) balls with 197 yards (180 meters) per ball, requiring 3 balls for sizes Small and Medium, 4 balls for size Large, and 4 balls for size Extra Large.

Needles and Notions

The Isabella Pullover pattern specifies US 6 (4.0mm) needles as the primary needles for working the main fabric in stockinette stitch, or the size needed to obtain the correct gauge. US 5 (3.75mm) needles are used for working ribbed sections that require a tighter gauge. A US 5 (3.75mm) circular needle measuring 16 inches (40 cm) long is required for knitting the neckband in the round. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches during construction, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming the garment pieces together.

Gauge Information

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for the Isabella Pullover to fit as designed. The pattern specifies a gauge of 19 stitches and 25 rows measuring 4 inches (10