String Kusama Pullover Jumper Knitting Pattern

String Kusama Pullover

What is Being Made

The String Kusama Pullover is a classic knitted pullover sweater designed by Lidia Karabinech. This garment is available in four sizes ranging from Small to XL, with finished bust measurements of 33½ inches (Small) through 44 inches (XL) and lengths between 22¼ and 24¼ inches. The pullover features a refined construction suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions.

Knitting Techniques

The Kusama Pullover employs a bottom-up construction method, meaning the garment is knitted starting from the lower edges and working upward. The sweater is worked flat on straight needles for the body and sleeves, then individual pieces are seamed together for a polished finish. The neckband is the exception, as it is worked in the round using a circular needle, allowing for a seamless neck opening. This mixed construction approach combines the ease of flat knitting with the professional appearance of circular knitting at the neckline.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The primary stitch used throughout the Kusama Pullover is Stockinette stitch (St st), created by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows. This fundamental stitch creates the smooth, classic fabric characteristic of traditional pullover sweaters.

The pattern incorporates specialized decrease stitches for shaping the neckline:

• LDD (Left Double Decrease): Slip 2 stitches to a cable needle and hold in front, then knit 1 stitch from the cable needle together with 1 stitch from the back needle, twice. This creates a left-leaning double decrease.
• RDD (Right Double Decrease): Slip 2 stitches to a cable needle and hold in back, then knit 1 stitch from the front needle together with 1 stitch from the cable needle, twice. This creates a right-leaning double decrease.
• SSK (Slip, Slip, Knit): A standard left-leaning single decrease.
• K2tog (Knit 2 Together): A standard right-leaning single decrease.

Additional techniques include the use of a provisional cast-on for the sleeves, which allows stitches to be picked up later and worked in the opposite direction, creating a finished edge without a visible seam.

Materials and Gauge

The Kusama Pullover is knitted using STRING OASIS yarn, a premium blend composed of 45% linen, 33% cotton, 11% cashmere, and 11% silk. This luxurious fiber combination creates a breathable yet soft fabric with excellent drape. The yarn is worked at 120 yards per 110 meters per 50-gram ball. Pattern requirements range from 8 balls for the Small size to 11 balls for the XL size.

The pattern calls for size 6 (4mm) needles for the main body and sleeves, with the same needle size used for the 16-inch circular needle required for the neckband. The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements.

Additional notions required include stitch holders, a stitch marker, a cable needle for the special decrease stitches, waste yarn for the provisional cast-on technique, and a yarn needle for seaming and finishing.