Tahki Yarns Estelle Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Estelle Knitted Sweater

What is Being Made

The Estelle is a knitted pullover sweater designed by Rosemary Drysdale, available in five sizes ranging from Small to 2X. This garment features a classic construction with a crew neckline and is ideal for warm-weather wear. The sweater offers knitted measurements of bust 35¼ (39¾, 44, 48¾, 51¾) inches and a length of 19 (20, 21, 22, 23) inches, making it a versatile piece suitable for layering or wearing alone during mild seasons.

Techniques Used

The Estelle employs a bottom-up construction method, meaning the sweater is knitted starting from the lower edge and working upward toward the shoulders and neckline. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for traditional seaming to join the pieces together. The pattern incorporates seamed construction, with shoulders joined using the Three-Needle Bind-Off technique for a professional finish. This approach provides excellent stitch definition and allows for precise shaping throughout the garment.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes two primary stitch patterns to create visual interest and texture:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st) — The main body stitch that creates the classic smooth, V-textured fabric characteristic of most knitted garments. This stitch is used for the majority of the sweater body and provides a clean, refined appearance.
• Feather Faggot Lace Pattern — A decorative lace stitch worked over a multiple of 4 stitches using the sequence *K1, yo, p2tog, k1; rep from * to end on all rows. This lace pattern adds an elegant, openwork element to the design and is incorporated into specific sections of the garment for visual detail and breathability.
• K1, P1 Rib — Used for the ribbed edging at the lower edge of the back and front pieces, providing elasticity and a finished appearance. The rib is worked for 6 rows before transitioning to stockinette stitch.

Materials and Gauge Information

The Estelle is designed to be knitted with Tahki Yarns Cotton Classic Lite, a 100% mercerized cotton yarn that makes this an excellent choice for warm-weather garments. The yardage requirements range from 6 to 10 skeins depending on size, with each skein containing 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and 146 yards (135 meters) of yarn. The mercerized cotton fiber provides a lustrous finish, excellent drape, and breathability ideal for spring and summer wear.

The pattern requires size 5 (3.75mm) straight needles for the main body and size 4 (3.5mm) circular needles for working the neckband. Gauge is critical for achieving proper fit and is provided for multiple stitch patterns: 24 stitches and 31 rows equals 4 inches in stockinette stitch for smaller sizes, while larger sizes work at 26 to 28 stitches and 29 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch. A separate gauge of 21 stitches and 29 rows per 4 inches is specified for the Feather Faggot lace pattern. Additional supplies include stitch markers, stitch holders, and a yarn needle for seaming and finishing.

Construction Details

The sweater begins with the back piece, which is cast on and worked in ribbing before transitioning to stockinette stitch. The front piece follows a similar construction, with the addition of lace patterning and shaping for the neckline. Sleeves are picked up and knitted from the armhole edges, creating a seamless integration with the body. The neckband is worked separately on a circular needle, providing a refined finish. All pieces are seamed together using traditional methods, with shoulders joined using the Three-Needle Bind-Off for durability and a professional appearance.