String Olivia Pullover Jumper Knitting Pattern

String Olivia Pullover: Knitted Lace Pullover Sweater

What is Being Made

The Olivia Pullover is a knitted pullover sweater designed by Lidia Karabinech for String Yarns. This garment is a lightweight, feminine pullover available in four sizes: Small (Medium, Large, Extra Large) with finished bust measurements ranging from 37½ inches to 48 inches and lengths from 18 to 21 inches. The pullover features a delicate lace construction that makes it suitable for warm-weather wear.

Techniques Used

The Olivia Pullover is constructed using several key knitting techniques:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The sweater is knitted from the bottom edge upward, allowing for easy fitting adjustments during the knitting process.
• Worked Flat: The garment is worked flat on circular needles rather than in the round, which means seaming is required to finish the piece.
• Seamed Construction: After completing the flat pieces, the sweater is seamed together to create the finished garment.
• Lace Patterning: The pullover features lace shaping, particularly in the neck and sleeve areas, creating an open, airy aesthetic.
• Two-Sided Neck Shaping: The front and back neck shaping are worked simultaneously using separate balls of yarn, a technique that allows for precise, symmetrical neckline construction.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern used throughout the Olivia Pullover is the Filet Net stitch, which works on a multiple of 3 stitches. This lace stitch creates an open, mesh-like fabric with visual interest:

• Filet Net Stitch Pattern: The stitch pattern alternates between two rows. Row 1 (Right Side) consists of knit 2, then a repeating sequence of yarn over, slip 2 stitches, pass the first slipped stitch over the second, slip 1, pass the second slipped stitch over the third, and return the stitch to the left-hand needle, then knit 1. Row 2 (Wrong Side) uses knit 2, then repeats knit 1 and purl 1 into each yarn over, knit 1. This creates a delicate, openwork pattern.
• Gauge Consideration: The Filet Net stitch is worked at a gauge of 14 stitches and 11 rows over 4 inches in 10 centimeters when blocked, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.
• Stitch Decreases: The pattern incorporates deliberate stitch decreases within the Filet Net pattern on Row 1, reducing the stitch count by one stitch per repeat, which contributes to the shaping of the garment.

Materials

The Olivia Pullover pattern calls for specific materials to achieve the intended drape and appearance:

• Yarn: STRING BONSAI yarn is used, a blend of 94% cotton and 6% linen. The yardage requirements vary by size: 8 balls for Small, 9 balls for Medium, 11 balls for Large, and 12 balls for Extra Large. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and provides 65 yards (59 meters). The pattern specifies color #310516 dusty rose.
• Needles: Size 13 (9 millimeter) circular needles measuring 32 inches (80 centimeters) long are recommended, though the pattern advises knitters to adjust needle size as needed to obtain the correct gauge.
• Notions: The pattern requires stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, as well as a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming the finished pieces together.

Pattern Summary

The Olivia Pullover is a sophisticated lace pullover that combines classic knitting techniques with modern design. The use of the Filet Net stitch creates an elegant openwork fabric that is both visually striking and breathable, making it ideal for layering or warm-weather wear. The cotton and linen blend yarn provides structure while maintaining a soft, comfortable feel against the skin. The bottom-up, worked-flat construction method allows knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and make any necessary adjustments before completing the sleeves. The simultaneous two-sided neck shaping ensures a balanced, professional-looking neckline