Gismonda

Gismonda Knitted Sweater by Ashley Knowlton

What is Being Made

Gismonda is an intermediate-level knitted sweater designed by Ashley Knowlton. This downloadable PDF pattern offers seven finished bust circumference sizes ranging from 31 inches (78.5 cm) to 51 inches (129.5 cm), with corresponding total lengths from 22.5 inches (57 cm) to 26.25 inches (66.5 cm). The sweater is suitable for knitters with intermediate experience and provides a versatile garment option for various body sizes.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

Gismonda employs circular needle construction, a fundamental technique in modern sweater design that allows for seamless or minimal-seam garment assembly. The pattern utilizes both larger and smaller circular needles at different stages of construction, enabling the knitter to work in the round for body sections and adjust needle size for ribbed edgings and fitted areas. Double-pointed needles (dpns) are incorporated for construction details, providing flexibility in shaping and finishing techniques typical of intermediate-level knitwear design.

Stitches and Stitch Work

While specific stitch patterns are not detailed in the available pattern information, the construction notes indicate ribbed edgings through the use of smaller gauge needles (US 6/4mm), a standard approach in sweater design. Ribbing provides elasticity and structure at cuffs, necklines, and hems. The pattern's intermediate difficulty level suggests incorporation of techniques such as increases, decreases, and shaping methods common to fitted sweater construction.

Yarn Requirements and Specifications

Gismonda requires worsted or heavy double-knit (DK) weight yarn in quantities varying by size:

• Size 31 in (78.5 cm): 702 yards (642 meters)
• Sizes 34–38 in (86.5–96.5 cm): 936 yards (856 meters)
• Size 41.25 in (105 cm): 1170 yards (1070 meters)
• Size 44.5 in (113 cm): 1170 yards (1070 meters)
• Size 48 in (122 cm): 1404 yards (1284 meters)
• Size 51 in (129.5 cm): 1638 yards (1498 meters)

The sample garment shown in the pattern was knitted using The Sanguine Gryphon Codex, a luxury blend yarn composed of 52% silk and 48% Blue-faced Leicester wool, yielding 234 yards (214 meters) per 113-gram skein in an overdyed colorway. As The Sanguine Gryphon is no longer in business, the designer recommends alternative yarns with similar characteristics: Fyberspates Scrumptious DK/Worsted and Manos del Uruguay Silk Blend, both of which provide comparable weight and fiber content for successful pattern execution.

Needles and Notions

Gismonda requires the following needle sizes and lengths for construction:

• US 8/5mm circular needle, 32 inches (80 cm) long, for primary body construction
• US 6/4mm circular needle, available in multiple lengths: 16 inches (40 cm), 24 inches (60 cm), 32 inches (80 cm), or 40 inches (100 cm) depending on size, for ribbed edgings and fitted sections
• US 6/4mm double-pointed needles (dpns) for construction details and finishing

The use of multiple needle sizes and lengths reflects best practices in circular needle knitting, allowing the knitter to maintain proper tension and control throughout the garment while transitioning between different sections of the sweater.