Horacio Sweater

Horacio Sweater by Jean-Philippe Cliche

What is Being Made

The Horacio Sweater is a knitted pullover sweater designed by Jean-Philippe Cliche, available in eight sizes ranging from chest circumference 34 inches (86.25 cm) to 62 inches (157.5 cm). This beginner-level knitting project produces a classic crew-neck sweater with body lengths ranging from 23 to 31 inches (58.5 to 78.75 cm) and sleeve lengths from 18 to 21.5 inches (45.75 to 54.5 cm) measured from armpit to wrist.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Horacio Sweater is constructed using fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginner crafters. The primary construction method involves knitting in the round, as indicated by the gauge measurement given in rounds. The sweater features a two-color design incorporating both a main color and a contrasting color accent, requiring basic color-work skills. Blocking is an essential finishing technique for this project, as the gauge specification is measured after blocking to ensure proper finished dimensions.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The sweater is primarily worked in stockinette stitch, the fundamental stitch pattern that creates the smooth, classic appearance characteristic of traditional knitted sweaters. Stockinette stitch is created by alternating knit and purl rows (or rounds when knitting circularly), producing a fabric with a neat V-pattern on the right side and horizontal bumps on the wrong side.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Horacio Sweater is designed to be knitted with worsted weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn category that works up quickly while remaining easy to handle for beginners. The sample garment was knitted in Nurtured by Julie Asselin yarn, with the main color in the shade Miel requiring between 9 and 20 skeins (1062 to 2360 meters / 1170 to 2600 yards) depending on size. A contrasting color in Galaxie shade requires only 1 skein (45 to 60 meters / 50 to 65 yards) for the accent details.

The pattern calls for 5.0 mm (US 8) needles for the main body knitting, worked at a gauge of 18 stitches and 26 rounds per 10 centimeters (4 inches) after blocking. Additionally, 4.5 mm (US 7) circular needles measuring 55 centimeters (22 inches) are required, typically used for ribbed edgings and smaller circumference sections such as cuffs, neckline, and waistband ribbing where tighter gauge and smaller needle size create elastic, fitted edges that frame the sweater.