Knitting Lydia Gluck’s Woodwardia Pullover
A Spring Project
Heading into Spring we’re enjoying the warming weather. Though, with crisp mornings and cool evenings we’re still seeking out layering pieces to transition the day.
The Woodwardia pullover by Lydia Gluck (co-founder & editor of Pom Pom Quarterly) is the perfect spring staple. With its relaxed fit and understated silhouette, it offers both comfort and warmth all with a lightness in hand.
We recently added this piece to our spring wardrobe, having worked it up in Hamelton No. 1 by BC Garn. With its top-down in-the-round construction and botanical design details it was an enjoyably simple knit.
Below, we take a closer look at some of the finer details of Woodwardia and review Hamelton No. 1.
Enjoy!
PROJECT
Knitting Woodwardia By Lydia Gluck in Hamelton No. 1 by BC Garn
AIM
Knit the Woodwardia pullover to explore:
Top-down, in-the-round construction
Knitting with Hamelton No. 1, its suitability and yarn characteristics, and
The resulting fabric and hand-feel
SKILLS
Knitting in the round
Simple increases and decreases
Casting off in pattern
Wet blocking
TOOLS
Body: 4.5mm (US 7) circular needles (we used Chiaogoo Spin Bamboo Interchangables)
Ribbing: 4mm (US 6) circular needles (we used Chiaogoo Spin Bamboo Interchangables)
MATERIALS
Hamilton No. 1 by BC Garn
Colourway BABY PINK (112)
PATTERN
The Woodwardia pullover pattern by Lydia Gluck was first published in Pom Pom Quarterly, Issue 28: Spring 2019 and subsequently in Ready Set Raglan in 2020. It is available to purchase HERE, on RAVELRY or the POM POM website.
Process
The pattern was worked as written with one design modification to the neckline.
SIZE
We knit a size 3 for a finished bust circumference of 120cm (47.25'') – to be worn with 20cm (8'') positive ease.
SETUP
We knit the pattern as written for the body and sleeves and modified the neckline.
MODIFICATIONS
As the Australian spring can be relatively temperate we thought the rolled neck collar might be a bit too warm for our climate.
We opted for crew-neck style neckline. The modification was simple, we followed the instructions for the collar as written and cast-off in pattern after 9 rows of ribbing was complete.
Adding short rows to the back neck was briefly considered. However, having tried on the pullover before the neckband was started it was deemed unnecessary as the neckline was quite generous and sat evenly around the shoulders.
FINISHING
To finish, the garment was immersed in a bath of cool water for around 10 minutes, the water was drained and the pullover pressed in a towel to remove the excess. The piece was pinned out on a blocking matt, attention given to shaping the jumper to the dimensions provided in the pattern and aligning the stitches.
Once dry the gauge measured at:
18 stitches over 10cm (4'')
28 rows over 10cm (4'')
The total yarn used:
482g (17oz) / approx. 964m (1054y), or
10 balls Hamelton No. 1
INSIGHTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
CONSTRUCTION
Being comfortable reading knitting patterns, we found the top-down in-the-round construction easy to follow. And, being familiar with the pattern skills, the garment was straightforward to knit. The purl stitch detail on the raglan sleeves was intuitive and easy to remember.
Though the styling was simple, the design included some smart design elements for a relaxed and comfortable fit – lots of positive ease, a longer back hem and generous neckline.
Knit in a worsted weight yarn and with some dedication to the project the pullover worked up quickly.
THE PULLOVER
Using Hamelton No. 1 and the needle sizes suggested, we were able to achieve the gauge specified. The measurements of the finished garment matched those stated in the pattern. Yes!
Our modification - the crew neckline, sits flat and evenly around the shoulders.
We came in just under 500g to complete the project. The resulting pullover is lightweight and warm, and we can confirm very wearable throughout the day!
THE FABRIC
We love the look of Hamelton No 1 in the knitted fabric. The worsted 2-ply construction results in a somewhat textured surface, reminiscent of handspun yarn in hand-feel and appearance.
The slight lustre of the yarn remains bright in the fabric. We have experienced some pilling on the elbows, but this can be expected on a worsted spun 2-ply yarn with moderate twist. We think after a few brushes this will settle, making for a hard-wearing sweater.
Our tester did note a slight pique to the yarn. Though wearable against the skin, they did prefer to wear a long sleeve garment under this yarn.
FINAL THOUGHTS
For those new to knitting garments, the Woodwardia pullover would make a great introduction to top-down in-the-round construction.
The skills required, and the layout of the pattern would be approachable for those interested in extending their knitting skills.
Hamelton No. 1 produced a light yet warm fabric with interesting surface texture.
The piece itself is extremely wearable with lots of positive ease for layering-up on those spring days that start cool, and warm as the day progresses.
THANK YOU FOR READING!
Would you like to save this project for later? Add it to your Ravelry favourites HERE.
Knitting Woodwardia? You’ll need a worsted / 10 ply weight yarn with the following meterage:
Size 1 - 730m
Size 2 - 845m
Size 3 - 940m
Size 4 - 1035m
Size 5 - 1130m
Size 6 - 1225m
Size 7 - 1345m
Size 8 - 1500m
Size 9 - 1590m
Size 10 - 1720m
