Julissa
Julissa
Back in 2011, I set out to design the sweater I wished I had when I first started knitting garments. I wanted something stunning but approachable. Something that looked intricate but was secretly easy to make. A pattern that could help knitters take that big, scary leap into sweater-making without feeling left in the dark.
That’s how Julissa—my very first garment pattern—was born. It’s a top-down, beautifully detailed, boat neck raglan pullover that quickly became the first-ever sweater for so many knitters. But just like every knitter evolves, so do patterns.
Fast forward 10 years to 2021, and I knew Julissa deserved more. In that decade, I had learned so much about fit, shaping, finishing techniques, and how to make my knitting patterns more intuitive. I cared about this design too much to leave it in the past, so I completely updated it with everything I’d learned:
Expanded size range to meet today’s size-inclusivity standards
More refined shaping for the neckline and larger busts
Extra guidance on customization for different body types and fit preferences
Detailed explanations and links to video tutorials for professional shaping and finishing techniques
More printer-friendly and interactive
This pattern is an oldie but a goodie; a legacy piece that has grown and improved right alongside me and the knitters who’ve made it. Ready to become a part of its history?
What makes Julissa special
Looks impressive, knits like a dream. The cables and lace might seem fancy, but I included both charted and written instructions that walk you through every step. You’ll find yourself enjoying the process.
Sized and shaped for your body. 18 sizes with detailed bust shaping and customization notes so you can dial in the fit. No guessing games.
A sweater for anyone. Whether it’s your first or your twentieth, the techniques and fit details work across all skill levels.
Try it on as you knit. Because it’s top-down, you can adjust things as you go. You’ll know exactly how it fits before you’re done.
Techniques that transfer to other patterns. Short rows, shaping, and professional finishing details—skills you’ll use for years.
Testermonials
“This is the best fitting sweater I’ve ever made. I seriously almost cried when I tried it on because it feels amazing and I felt beautiful in it.”
“This is the BEST fitting sweater I’ve ever made or worn. I was so thoroughly impressed with all the work it must have taken for you to figure out all that shaping info and to articulate it for your pattern. Seriously, well done!”
“The pattern is incredibly thoughtful in its detail and explanations! I really appreciated the color diagram for yoke marker placement and thought the lace/cable chart page was clear and not too busy. Some of the pages can look a bit intimidating at first glance, but the info included is helpful and concise - just fantastically thorough, which helped decrease that intimidation immediately!”
“It’s not as difficult as it looks, especially the cables. The well-written pattern is helpful. It’s a great design even for the beginners.”
What you get
Instant PDF download. Cast on whenever you’re ready.
Charted and written instructions. Choose whichever format works for you.
Video tutorials. Step-by-step walkthroughs for techniques you may not have used before.
Inclusive size range & two sleeve lengths to choose from. Plus a detailed schematic so you’re fully informed.
Fit adjustment guidance. Instructions for customizing the length and adding or modifying bust, waist, and hip shaping.
Your turn to write this sweater’s story.
The Knitty-Gritty
DESCRIPTION
Julissa is a modern raglan pullover knit seamlessly from the top down using a worsted weight yarn. A wide neckline, striking cable and lace details, three‑quarter length or full-length sleeves (your choice!), and a bit of waist shaping all together create this feminine, easy-to‑knit top. Short rows are used to lower the front neckline for a comfortable fit, and instructions are also provided for adding bust darts, if necessary. Wear this beautifully fitted sweater with your favorite pair of jeans and a complementary colored tee or tank top underneath.
Originally published as my first sweater pattern in 2011, this pattern was revised in 2021 to be size inclusive and to improve the fit of preexisting sizes while staying true to the original sweater’s look and feel.
Additional Languages
Also available in French.
SIZES
1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) [8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13] {14, 15, 16, 17, 18}
FINISHED BUST CIRCUMFERENCES
In Inches: 30.5 (32, 34.5, 36, 38.5, 40, 42.5) [44, 46.5, 48, 50.5, 52, 54.5] {56, 58.5, 60, 62.5, 64}”
In Centimeters: 76 (80, 86, 90, 96, 100, 106) [110, 116, 120, 126, 130, 136] {140, 146, 150, 156, 160} cm
Pullover is intended to fit with 1–3” (2.5–7.5 cm) of negative ease and no positive ease at the full bust. Sample shown in size 3 with 1.5” (4 cm) of negative ease and no bust darts.
YARN
Plied, worsted weight yarn in the following amount(s):
With 3/4 Length Sleeves: 856 (896, 961, 1011, 1077, 1128, 1194) [1244, 1314, 1365, 1441, 1504, 1572] {1637, 1716, 1768, 1844, 1911} yards / 782 (820, 879, 924, 985, 1031, 1092) 1138, 1202, 1248, 1318, 1375, 1438 {1497, 1569, 1616, 1686, 1747} meters
For Long Sleeves, Add: 136 (141, 146, 155, 160, 164, 169) [179, 183, 192, 202, 211, 221] {230, 239, 249, 253, 263} yards / 125 (129, 133, 142, 146, 151, 154) 163, 167, 176, 184, 193, 202{210, 219, 228, 232, 241} meters
Sample shown in Malabrigo Rios [worsted weight, 100% superwash merino wool] in colorway ‘Azul Profundo.’
NEEDLES
US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needle, 24” (60 cm), or needle size necessary to obtain correct gauge
US 5 (3.75 mm) circular needle, 24” (60 cm), or needle size .75 mm smaller than gauge needle
Circular needles in the same two sizes, 32” (80 cm) or longer, as appropriate for the sweater size chosen
Appropriate needle(s) in both sizes for your preferred method of knitting small circumferences in the round
GAUGE
20 sts and 29 rnds = 4” (10 cm) in stockinette stitch worked in the round using larger needles, blocked
NOTIONS
(1) Stitch marker, unique, for beginning of round
(3) Stitch markers, color A, for raglan lines
(6) Stitch markers, color B, for cable panels
(2) Removable markers, to mark centers of underarms
Cable needle
Tapestry needle
Waste yarn or two spare circular needles/cords, for placing sleeve stitches on hold
