String Shalene Pullover Jumper Knitting Pattern

String Shalene Pullover

What is Being Made

The Shalene Pullover is an intermediate-level knitted sweater designed by Lidia Karabinech. This is a classic pullover style garment available in four sizes: Small, Medium, Large, and XL. The finished bust measurements range from 40½ inches (103 cm) for the smallest size to 55½ inches (141 cm) for the largest size, with a consistent length to shoulder of 22 inches (56 cm). The design features a sophisticated construction that combines two distinct yarn types worked together to create visual and textural interest.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Shalene Pullover employs several key construction techniques that contribute to its intermediate difficulty level:

• Bottom-up construction: The sweater is knitted from the bottom edge upward, allowing for easier fitting adjustments and a more intuitive building process
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, which simplifies stitch management and pattern work
• Seamed assembly: Individual pieces (back, front, and sleeves) are knitted separately and then seamed together using a yarn needle, creating clean, professional-looking seams
• German Short Rows: This advanced shaping technique is used to create the front neckline shaping without wrapping stitches. The method involves slipping stitches purlwise with strategic yarn manipulation to create a double leg on the needle, allowing for seamless short-row shaping that maintains stitch integrity

Stitches Used

Waffle Stitch is the primary stitch pattern throughout the Shalene Pullover. This textured stitch is worked over an odd number of stitches and alternates between knit rows on the right side and purl-knit combinations on the wrong side, creating a distinctive waffle-like texture. The stitch pattern is straightforward but creates visual depth and interest across the entire garment. The gauge for this project is 16 stitches and 22 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) when working the Waffle Stitch with both yarns held together.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Shalene Pullover uses a two-yarn combination worked simultaneously throughout the project, creating a unique blended fabric:

• Yarn A - String AMALFI: A luxury blend yarn containing 14% cashmere, 25% lambswool, 22% silk, and 39% viscose. Each ball weighs 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and provides 180 yards (165 meters) of yardage. The color used is 728332 sand dollar. Yardage requirements range from 6 balls for the Small size to 8 balls for the XL size
• Yarn B - Sesia FLORA PAILLETTES: A lightweight cotton-blend yarn composed of 95% cotton and 5% polyester, designed to add sheen and drape to the finished fabric. Each ball weighs 0.88 ounces (25 grams) and provides 114 yards (105 meters) of yardage. The color used is 0665 khaki. Yardage requirements range from 8 balls for the Small size to 13 balls for the XL size
• Needles: US 10.5 (6.5mm) needles or the size required to obtain the specified gauge
• Notions: Stitch holders, stitch markers, and a yarn needle for seaming

Design Notes

The combination of Yarns A and B held together creates a sophisticated fabric that blends the warmth and luxury of cashmere, lambswool, and silk with the breathability and subtle sheen of cotton. This two-yarn technique is worked consistently throughout the back, front, and shaping sections, ensuring a cohesive appearance. The German Short Row technique used for neckline shaping demonstrates the intermediate skill level required for this project, as it demands understanding of advanced shaping methods beyond basic increases and decreases.