String Marilyn Oversized Turtleneck Jumper Knitting Pattern

String Marilyn Oversized Turtleneck

What Is Being Made

The Marilyn Oversized Turtleneck is a pullover sweater designed by Vera Keller for String. This knitted garment features an oversized fit with a turtleneck collar, available in three sizes: S/M, L, and XL. The finished bust measurements range from 38¾ inches (98.5 cm) for the smallest size to 48¼ inches (122.5 cm) for the largest, with corresponding lengths from 28½ to 30½ inches (72.5 to 77.5 cm). The sweater is crafted from a luxurious blend of merino wool and cashmere yarn in a white and black colorway.

Knitting Techniques

This sweater employs a combination of construction techniques to achieve its sophisticated design. The body is worked in the round from the bottom up, creating a seamless center section before transitioning to flat knitting for the back and front pieces. The sleeves are worked separately in rows. The design incorporates cable knit patterns as decorative elements, requiring the use of a cable needle to manipulate stitches and create the characteristic twisted rope-like textures. Seaming is used to join the various components together, combining the efficiency of circular knitting with the precision of seamed construction.

Stitches Used

• Reverse Stockinette Stitch (Rev St st): The primary stitch used throughout the sweater, worked both in the round and in rows. This stitch creates a smooth, refined texture with the purl bumps facing outward, which is a signature element of the design.
• 2x2 Rib: Used for the ribbed cuffs and waistband, alternating knit and purl stitches in groups of two. This elastic stitch provides structure and helps the garment maintain its shape at the edges.
• Cable Patterns: Two cable patterns are featured in this design—a 12-stitch cable pattern and an 18-stitch cable pattern. These are strategically placed on the front and back of the sweater. The 18-stitch cable involves slipping 6 stitches to a cable needle and holding them while working the next 6 stitches, then working the held stitches, creating a braided effect that repeats every 12 rounds.

Materials and Tools

The Marilyn Oversized Turtleneck is knitted using STRING OSLO yarn, a premium blend of 70% merino wool and 30% cashmere. This luxurious fiber composition provides warmth, softness, and drape. The yardage required is 9 balls for size S/M, 11 balls for size L, and 12 balls for size XL, with each ball containing 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and 155 yards (142.5 meters).

The pattern calls for two circular needles in different sizes: a Size 6 (4.0mm) circular needle measuring 24 inches (60 cm) long for the ribbed sections, and a Size 7 (4.5mm) circular needle of the same length for the main body. The gauge is 17 stitches and 22 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in Reverse Stockinette stitch using the larger needles after blocking, making accurate gauge checking essential for proper fit.

Additional tools required include stitch markers to denote pattern sections and side seams, a cable needle for manipulating cable stitches, waste yarn or spare circular needles for holding stitches, stitch holders, and a yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends. The downloadable PDF format provides complete written instructions for constructing this elegant turtleneck sweater.