The Winter Breeze Collection - Pietra Sweater in Juniper Moon Farm

The Winter Breeze Collection - Pietra Sweater by Claudia Wersing

What is Being Made

The Pietra sweater is a classic knitted pullover design from the Winter Breeze Collection by Juniper Moon Farm. This intermediate-level garment is available in five sizes ranging from Small to 2X-Large, with finished bust measurements from 33 inches to 49 inches. The sweater features a relaxed fit with a length to shoulder of 26¾ inches and sleeve length of 17¾ inches, making it an ideal layering piece for cooler seasons.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Pietra sweater employs several key knitting techniques to create visual interest and structure. The garment begins with a ribbed cuff worked in a 2x2 rib pattern (knit 2, purl 2) that provides elasticity and a finished edge. This ribbing is worked for 3 inches using smaller needles before transitioning to the main body.

The primary stitch pattern featured in the Pietra sweater is the Herringbone pattern, which creates a distinctive diagonal texture. This pattern is achieved through a combination of knit-together-through-back-of-loop decreases and slip stitches that produce the characteristic zigzag appearance. The herringbone section is worked over three rows using larger needles, creating visual contrast against the stockinette sections.

The body of the sweater is primarily constructed in Stockinette stitch, the fundamental knit fabric created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side. This creates a smooth, classic fabric that serves as the base for the garment. The sweater is shaped through strategic decreasing at the back neck, with cast-off stitches creating clean armhole and neckline edges.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K): The fundamental stitch that forms the basis of stockinette stitch and ribbing
• Purl (P): Used in combination with knit stitches to create ribbed edges and stockinette fabric
• Knit Two Together Through Back of Loop (K2tog tbl): A left-leaning decrease used in the herringbone pattern
• Purl Two Together (P2tog): A decrease worked on wrong-side rows within the herringbone pattern
• Slip Stitch (sl): Used to move stitches between needles without working them, creating the interlocking effect of the herringbone pattern
• Cast On and Cast Off: Techniques for securing stitches at the beginning and end of sections, including strategic cast-offs for shaping the neckline

Materials and Gauge

The Pietra sweater is knitted using Juniper Moon Farm Beatrix yarn in the color 03 Sepia. The pattern requires 10 to 14 balls of 50-gram yarn depending on the size selected, providing approximately 500 to 700 grams of yarn for the complete garment. Beatrix is a worsted-weight yarn suitable for creating structured, durable knitwear.

Two sizes of knitting needles are required for this project. Size US 10½ (7mm) needles are used for the ribbed cuffs, the main stockinette body, and the final finishing sections. Size US 13 (9mm) needles are used exclusively for the herringbone pattern section, creating a subtle texture variation through needle-size changes. A size US 10½ (7mm) circular needle is also needed for finishing work.

The pattern is designed to achieve a gauge of 13 stitches and 20 rows over a 4-inch square in Stockinette stitch using the size US 10½ (7mm) needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements and garment fit.

Pattern Format and Difficulty

This downloadable PDF pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic techniques. The pattern requires understanding of shaping through decreases, working with multiple needle sizes, and following stitch pattern instructions. The herringbone pattern, while visually striking, is achieved through straightforward decreases and slip stitches that intermediate knitters will find manageable.