String Mercer Pullover Jumper Knitting Pattern

String Mercer Pullover

What is Being Made

The String Mercer Pullover is a knitted pullover sweater designed by Lidia Karabinech. This garment is available in four sizes: Small (Medium, Large, Extra Large) with finished bust measurements ranging from 35 inches to 50 inches and a finished length of 24 inches. The pullover features a refined construction combining stockinette stitch with basketweave lace stitch detailing, creating a sophisticated layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Techniques Used

The Mercer Pullover employs multiple knitting techniques to achieve its finished design:

• Bottom-up construction: The pullover is knitted in separate pieces from the bottom up, allowing for easier customization and fitting adjustments during the knitting process
• Worked flat: The back, front, and sleeves are knitted flat on straight needles, then seamed together for a polished finish
• Worked in the round: The neckband is picked up from the finished body and knitted in the round using a circular needle, creating a seamless neck opening
• Seamed construction: Pieces are joined using seaming techniques, with options for decorative seams worked with wrong sides facing each other for a visible design detail on the right side
• Lace detailing: Basketweave lace stitch is incorporated into the back and front panels, adding visual interest and texture to the garment

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes three primary stitch patterns:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): A fundamental knitting stitch consisting of knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side, used for edge stitches and structural elements throughout the pullover
• K3, P3 Rib: A classic ribbed pattern alternating three knit stitches with three purl stitches, used for the cuffs and neckband to create elasticity and a fitted edge. This rib is worked both flat (with edge stitches) and in the round (without edge stitches)
• Basketweave Lace Stitch: A decorative lace pattern worked over a multiple of 6 stitches plus 3, featuring yarn overs and double decreases (sk2p) that create an openwork basketweave texture. This stitch is repeated across the back and front panels and requires careful attention to the 8-row repeat pattern

Materials and Tools

The Mercer Pullover is crafted using premium materials from String Yarns:

• Yarn: STRING BREEZE, a luxurious blend of 60% cotton, 20% cashmere, and 20% silk. The pattern requires 8 to 11 balls depending on size (each ball weighs 1.75 ounces/50 grams and provides 136 yards/125 meters). The recommended color is 200072 silver
• Needles: One pair of size 8 (5mm) straight needles for knitting the flat pieces, plus one size 8 (5mm) circular needle measuring 16 inches (40 centimeters) long for the neckband
• Additional supplies: Stitch holders for securing stitches during construction and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming pieces together

Gauge and Finishing

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit. The pattern specifies a gauge of 19 stitches and 24 rows equals 4 inches (10 centimeters) when knitted in Basketweave Lace Stitch after blocking. Knitters are advised to take time to check gauge before beginning the project to ensure the finished garment matches the intended measurements.