String Livia Turtleneck Jumper Knitting Pattern

String Livia Turtleneck

What is Being Made

The String Livia Turtleneck is a knitted pullover sweater featuring a classic turtleneck collar. Designed by Vera Keller-Hum, this garment is available in three sizes: Small, Medium, and Large, with finished bust measurements ranging from 38.5 inches (98 cm) to 44.5 inches (113.5 cm) and lengths from 22 inches (56 cm) to 25 inches (63.5 cm). The turtleneck design provides a sophisticated, close-fitting neckline that offers both style and warmth.

Techniques Used

The Livia Turtleneck employs a combination of knitting construction methods to achieve its finished design. The sweater is worked flat for the body pieces, allowing for structured shaping and seaming. The ribbed cuffs and neckline are worked in the round using circular needles, which creates seamless, elastic edges. The garment is constructed using a bottom-up approach, meaning the knitter begins at the lower edge and works upward toward the shoulders. The finished pieces are seamed together, with shoulders joined using the Three-Needle Bind off technique, which creates a strong, professional finish at the shoulder seams.

Stitches Used

The Livia Turtleneck incorporates several essential knitting stitches to create its textured and fitted design:

• Stockinette Stitch – Used as the primary stitch for the body of the sweater, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric with a flat appearance on the right side and bumpy texture on the wrong side
• 2x2 Rib – A foundational ribbed pattern worked both in the round and flat, consisting of alternating knit and purl stitches in groups of two. This elastic stitch is used for the cuffs, hem, and neckline ribbing, providing stretch and recovery
• Sugar Cube Pattern – A textured stitch pattern featuring alternating rows of knit stitches with purl accents arranged in a repeating multiple of 8 stitches. This pattern is worked both in the round and in rows, creating visual interest and dimension on the finished garment

Materials and Gauge

The String Livia Turtleneck is designed to be knitted using String DOLCETTO DK yarn, a premium blend of 70% merino wool and 30% cashmere. The yarn is available in color 200073 silver, and the pattern requires 7 balls (for sizes Small and Medium) or 9 balls (for size Large), with each ball weighing 1.75 ounces (50 grams).

The pattern calls for circular needles in two sizes: US 5 (3.75mm) needles in both 24-inch (60 cm) and 16-inch (40 cm) lengths, and US 6 (4.5mm) needles in a 24-inch (60 cm) length. The US 5 needles are used for the ribbed sections, while the US 6 needles are used for the main body in Stockinette stitch. Additional supplies include two stitch holders, stitch markers, and a yarn needle for finishing.

The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10.15 cm) in Stockinette stitch using the larger (US 6) needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the proper finished measurements and fit of the garment.