Free Knitting Pattern for the Nutcracker Sweater.
Pähkinänsärkijä (Nutcracker) Pullover
The Pähkinänsärkijä (Nutcracker) Pullover is a loose-fitting women’s sweater with a dropped shoulder design and a high polo neck collar. It is knit flat in pieces (back, front, and sleeves) using Novita Isoveli yarn, a bulky weight yarn. The construction involves ribbing and stockinette stitch. The collar is picked up and knit in the round.
Skill Level: Easy
Sizes: XS/S (M) L (XL) 2XL (3XL) (Loose fit)
Finished Measurements:
- Body Circumference: 104 (114) 120 (128) 138 (144) cm / 41 (45) 47¼ (50½) 54¼ (56¾) in
- Length: 54 (56) 58 (60) 63 (66) cm / 21¼ (22) 22¾ (23½) 24¾ (26) in
- Inner Sleeve Length: 45 (46) 47 (48) 48 (49) cm / 17¾ (18) 18½ (19) 19 (19¼) in
Materials Used:
- Yarn: Novita Isoveli [(010) Off White]: 600 (650) 700 (750) 800 (850) g. [Fiber content not stated in this extract].
- Needles: Novita 5 mm (UK 6 / US 8) and 6 mm (UK 4 / US 10) needles, or sizes needed to obtain gauge. 5 mm circular needle (40 cm / 16 in) for the neckline.
- Notions: Stitch markers, stitch holders, tapestry needle.
Gauge: Not explicitly stated in rows and stitches per a set measurement, but implied through stitch counts and finished measurements. The pattern gives the yarn, needle size, and stitch patterns.
Stitch Guide:
- Ribbing (flat): k2, p2, repeat –. Knit the knit sts and purl the purl sts on following rows.
- Stockinette Stitch: Knit on RS rows, purl on WS rows.
- Ribbing (in the round): k2, p2.
Pattern Notes:
- The sweater is worked flat in pieces from the bottom up and then seamed.
- The shoulders are sloped by binding off stitches.
- The front neckline has shaping with decreases.
Pattern Pieces:
- Back: Begins with 2×2 ribbing, then transitions to stockinette stitch. Armholes are marked, and shoulder shaping is worked at the top.
- Front: Worked similarly to the back, with neckline shaping starting before the shoulders.
- Sleeves: Stitches are picked up around the armhole and worked in stockinette stitch with decreases to shape the sleeve. The cuff is worked in 2×2 ribbing.
Finishing:
- Sew shoulder seams.
- Pick up stitches for the collar and work in 2×2 ribbing in the round.
- Attach sleeves.
- Sew sleeve seams and side seams.
- Pin to measurements, mist, and allow to dry.
Abbreviations:
- Common knitting abbreviations are used: k (knit), p (purl), st(s) (stitch(es)), RS (right side), WS (wrong side), k2tog (knit two together), skp (slip 1 knitwise, k1, pass slipped st over), – (repeat instructions between asterisks), and others are likely used, but a complete list is not included in this pattern excerpt.
Additional Notes:
- Designer: Lea Petäjä
