String Raisa Pullover Jumper Knitting Pattern

String Raisa Pullover: Intermediate Knit Sweater

What is Being Made

The Raisa Pullover is a classic crewneck pullover sweater designed by Lidia Karabinech. This intermediate-level knitting project is available in four sizes: Small (37" bust), Medium (41½" bust), Large (46" bust), and Extra Large (51" bust), with a consistent length to shoulder of 23½". The finished garment is a sophisticated, versatile piece suitable for everyday wear.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Raisa Pullover employs multiple construction techniques to create a well-finished garment:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The sweater is knitted from the bottom edge upward, allowing for easy adjustments to length during the knitting process.
• Seamed Assembly: Individual pieces are knitted separately and then joined together using seaming techniques for a polished finish.
• Worked Flat: Most of the sweater body and sleeves are worked flat on straight needles, row by row.
• Worked in the Round: The neckband is worked in the round using circular needles, creating a seamless neck opening.
• Provisional Cast-On: A crochet chain provisional cast-on technique is used, allowing live stitches to be picked up later for grafting or continued knitting, which is essential for achieving a professional appearance at seam lines.
• Three-Needle Bind-Off: This joining technique is used to bind off two pieces together simultaneously, creating a secure and invisible seam.

Stitches Used

The pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches that create texture and structure:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch used for the body of the sweater. Worked flat, this stitch is created by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows, producing the classic smooth, V-textured fabric that is characteristic of most pullover sweaters.
• K1, P1 Rib (Knit 1, Purl 1 Rib): Used for the ribbed edgings, including the cuffs, hem, and neckband. This stitch is worked both flat and in the round depending on the garment section. The alternating knit and purl stitches create an elastic, textured edge that helps the sweater maintain its shape and provides a comfortable fit at openings.

Materials and Gauge

The Raisa Pullover is designed to showcase luxurious natural fibers. The pattern calls for String GENEVA yarn, a premium blend composed of 90% cashmere and 10% extra fine lambswool. This fiber content provides exceptional softness, warmth, and a refined drape. The yardage requirement varies by size: Small requires 6 balls, Medium requires 7 balls, Large requires 8 balls, and Extra Large requires 9 balls. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and provides 156 yards (142.5 meters) of yarn.

The pattern is worked using US size 6 (4mm) needles for the main body pieces. A US size 6 (4mm) circular needle measuring 16 inches (40 centimeters) is used for the neckband ribbing. A US size G (4mm) crochet hook is required for creating the provisional cast-on chain.

The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 30 rows equals 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Stockinette Stitch when blocked. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements, and knitters are advised to knit a gauge swatch and block it before beginning the project.

Additional Notions

Beyond yarn and needles, the pattern requires stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, stitch holders for securing stitches temporarily, waste yarn for the provisional cast-on, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and grafting seams together.