Brumous

Brumous Knitted Sweater by Alicia Plummer

What is Being Made

Brumous is a downloadable knitting pattern for a pullover sweater designed by Alicia Plummer. This intermediate-level garment is available in five finished bust sizes: 32, 38, 44, 50, and 56 inches (81, 96.5, 112, 127, and 142 centimeters). The pattern is shown modeled in the 38-inch size with 4 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Construction Method and Techniques

Brumous employs a top-down construction method that maximizes efficiency and allows for easy customization. The sweater is cast on and worked in the round from the top, continuing in this circular method up to the armhole shaping. At the armholes, the work is strategically split to work flat, allowing the front and back pieces to be shaped independently. Shoulders are joined using a 3-needle bind off, a professional technique that creates a sturdy, invisible seam. After the body is complete, both the sleeves and neckline are picked up and knit in the round, eliminating the need for seaming and ensuring a polished finish.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used throughout Brumous is stockinette stitch, which creates the classic smooth, V-shaped texture characteristic of traditional knitted sweaters. This fundamental stitch provides an ideal canvas for the yarn's color and texture to shine while remaining accessible to intermediate knitters.

Yarn and Materials

Brumous is designed to be knitted with Colour Adventures Dia Tweed Aran yarn, an aran-weight yarn that offers 183 yards per 100-gram skein. Total yardage requirements vary by size:

• Size 32": 950 yards
• Size 38": 1,150 yards
• Size 44": 1,350 yards
• Size 50": 1,550 yards
• Size 56": 1,750 yards

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires two sizes of circular needles for gauge control and shaping: a US #9 (5.5 mm) circular needle measuring 32 inches or longer for the main fabric, and a US #8 (5.0 mm) circular needle of the same length for ribbed sections and edgings. Coordinating double-pointed needles (DPNs) are needed if the knitter prefers not to use the magic loop method for working small circumferences. Additional notions include 2 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, a cable needle for any cable work, stitch holders or scrap yarn for holding stitches temporarily, and a darning needle for weaving in yarn ends.

Gauge

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 16 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch on the larger US #9 needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and ensuring the sweater fits as intended.

Skill Level

Brumous is rated as an intermediate knitting pattern, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex construction techniques. The combination of circular knitting, flat knitting, picking up stitches, and the 3-needle bind off provides valuable experience in advanced garment assembly methods.