Blackcurrant

Blackcurrant Sweater by Alicia Plummer

What is Being Made

The Blackcurrant is a knitted sweater designed by independent designer Alicia Plummer. This garment is a pullover-style jumper available in five sizes with finished bust measurements ranging from 32 inches (81 cm) to 56 inches (142 cm). The sweater is designed to be worn with 0–4 inches of positive ease, offering a comfortable, relaxed fit. The size 38 is modeled with 4 inches (10 cm) of positive ease, demonstrating the intended styling for this design.

Construction Techniques

The Blackcurrant sweater is constructed using a combination of circular and flat knitting techniques. The garment begins with a cast-on worked in the round using circular needles, continuing this method up to the armholes. At the armhole shaping, the work is divided and switched to flat knitting for the front and back panels. The shoulders are then rejoined using a three-needle bind-off technique, which creates a strong, finished seam. After the body is complete, the sleeves and turtleneck are picked up from the existing stitches and knit in the round using circular needles or double-pointed needles, depending on the crafter's preferred method.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used in the Blackcurrant is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat knit side and a bumpy purl side. This stitch pattern is worked on the larger needles and is measured at a gauge of 16 stitches and 20 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) after blocking.

Yarn and Materials

The Blackcurrant is designed to be knitted in worsted-weight yarn. The pattern specifies Julie Asselin Leizu Worsted, a luxury blend composed of 90% superwash merino wool and 10% silk. This fiber combination provides both durability and a subtle sheen. Each skein contains 200 yards (183 meters) per 4 ounces (115 grams).

Yardage requirements vary by size:

• Size 32: 900 yards (825 meters)
• Size 38: 1,100 yards (1,000 meters)
• Size 44: 1,350 yards (1,225 meters)
• Size 50: 1,550 yards (1,425 meters)
• Size 56: 1,750 yards (1,600 meters)

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires two sets of circular needles: US 8 (5.0 mm) needles for the ribbed cuff sections and US 9 (5.5 mm) needles for the main stockinette stitch fabric. Coordinating double-pointed needles (DPNs) are needed if the crafter prefers not to use the magic loop method for working small circumferences in the round. Additional notions include 2 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, stitch holders or scrap yarn for holding stitches during construction, and a darning needle for weaving in ends.

Difficulty Level

The Blackcurrant is rated as an intermediate knitting project. This difficulty level reflects the combination of techniques required: working in the round, transitioning between circular and flat knitting, executing a three-needle bind-off, and picking up stitches for sleeves and neckline. Knitters should have foundational skills in basic stitches and shaping before beginning this project.