Nydia
Nydia
You know those days that start with spilled coffee on your desk and broken eggs on the kitchen floor? The kind where you just need easy, repetitive knitting and maybe some puppy snuggles to reset? That's exactly the kind of day I was having when I started working on Nydia.
Before that day, I'd already fallen in love with the addictive, potato-chip textured lace stitch from my Indira shawl and cowl—so easy to memorize you can practically knit it in your sleep. Once it got in my head I couldn't stop thinking, “What if I put this in a sweater?” So I did.
As this sweater became my go-to project through quiet evenings after long work days, it felt like finding comfort in my stitches. I could rely on the rhythm and familiarity of the repeat to melt away any stress or cares. The name Nydia—which means a safe place—felt right.
Nydia is a versatile pullover worked seamlessly from the top down in DK weight yarn with compound raglan shaping. It features a scoop neckline, but you can throw on the optional separate cowl to change up the look entirely. It's also cropped. (Yes, I know. My dad’s exact words were, "That's a little short, baby . . ." when I showed him my second Nydia, and I had to assure him it's a thing.) But here's the beauty: you can totally make it longer if that's more your style, and several knitters have!
This is the sweater you'll reach for when you need something that just works—you just have a couple choices to make. So are you team cropped-with-cowl, or are you making it your own with a different length? I can’t wait to see.
What makes Nydia special
The stitch is the secret—it looks complicated, but it's a simple 4-row repeat you'll memorize in one sitting then knit on autopilot.
Lateral braids frame the stitch and elevate the whole look—and there's a video tutorial if you need one.
The shaping is thoughtfully handled so it fits you perfectly without guessing.
DK weight yarn means you knit faster than you expect. Before you know it, you've got a sweater that looks like it took months of work.
💡 Psst: More of a cardigan person? Or want to try this stitch in a smaller format first? Check out my Nydia Cardigan and Nydia Hat patterns—same addictive stitch, different vibes.
What other knitters have said
“I want to make one of these in every color. Knits up super quickly with an easy to follow pattern that creates an amazing texture. Subtle patten details help make it feel even more special and unique.”
“I’m definitely going to make this again in wool, it’s a fantastic pattern, surprisingly simple (once you get past the yoke shaping) and both a pleasure and relaxing to knit. ❤️”
“This is a great pattern. It knits up a lot quicker than you expect because the 4-row pattern is so potato chip worthy. VSD writes the pattern to have x amount of rows with a suggested length. I find that so much easier than “knit x amount of inches” to keep going on. Most of my other sweaters are stalled on that part.”
“This is a first-time test for me with this designer, and honestly I had a little apprehension about knitting a fitted raglan of all garments, but Vanessa was very helpful in providing the schematic and options for in-between sizing, and I really couldn’t be happier with the final fit! . . . I had sworn of raglans prior to this test because they usually fit so poorly, but Nydia fits like a dream. The yoke depth is perfect, the collar is nice and high (but not too close), and the underarms are snug but comfortable.”
“Another beautiful pattern from Vanessa Smith Designs! Lots of thoughtful details and techniques in this pattern to make this sweater a wardrobe staple. Also the pattern makes modifications easy so not only can you make a sweater that fits you perfectly, you can knit up a few versions with different body and sleeve lengths.”
“This was such a pleasure to test knit! It was a perfectly detailed pattern - I can only imagine the amount of time Vanessa put into it. The sweater fits absolutely perfectly, and it’s no doubt a testament to the level of detail in the pattern. Everything was spot on.”
What’s included
Nydia was my first size-inclusive pattern, a turning point in how I think about design. I created it with you in mind—not some theoretical knitter, but a real person with a real body that deserves a perfect fit.
12 sizes covering actual bust circumferences from 29" (72.5 cm) to 64.5" (161 cm)
Detailed customization tips for 12 more in-between sizes up to 66” (165 cm), adjusting for curves, and tweaking the length to your preference
An optional separate cowl variation if you want to switch up the neckline
Video tutorials to walk you through the lateral braids and other techniques
Everything’s here. Now comes the fun part.
The Knitty-Gritty
Description
Nydia is a cropped pullover worked seamlessly from the top down with raglan shaping. Knit in a DK weight yarn and primarily in a simple yet luxurious textured lace pattern, this sweater knits up very quickly. Lateral braids separate all the ribbed edgings from the focal stitch pattern. Short rows are used to gently curve and lower the front neckline, and a bit of waist shaping allows the sweater to gracefully contour your form.
With its classic scoop neckline, versatile length, and optional separate cowl, this sweater will become a wardrobe staple that offers lots of layering and styling options and can be worn from season to season. Want a tee to wear in a warmer climate? Change it up and knit this sweater with short sleeves! In between two sizes? Follow the fit customization guidelines to achieve bust circumferences ranging 30.5–64" (76.5–160 cm) instead. Tips are provided for adjusting the sweater to your liking!
Sizes
1 (2, 3, 4, 5) [6, 7, 8, 9] {10, 11, 12}
Finished Bust Circumferences
In Inches: 29 (32, 35, 38, 41.25) [44.25, 47.25, 50.25, 53.25] {56.5, 59.5, 62.5}”
In Centimeters: 72.5 (80, 87.5, 95, 103) [110.5, 118, 125.5, 133.5] {141, 148.5, 156} cm
Pullover is intended to fit with approximately 0–2" (0–5 cm) of negative ease at the full bust. Sample shown in size 3 with 1.5” (4 cm) of negative ease.
Yarn
Plied, DK weight yarn in the following amount(s):
Pullover (Cropped): 889 (982, 1060, 1158, 1258) [1339, 1420, 1556, 1639] {1794, 1879, 2010} yards / 813 (898, 970, 1059, 1151) [1225, 1299, 1423, 1499] {1641, 1719, 1838} meters
Separate Cowl (Optional): 295 (313, 313, 331, 331) [349, 349, 367, 367] {384, 384, 402} yards / 270 (287, 287, 303, 303) [320, 320, 336, 336] {352, 352, 368} meters
Sample shown in Sprigs and Stone Mer-Yak DK [DK weight, 60% superwash merino wool, 20% yak, 20% silk] in colorway 'Into the Abyss'
Needles
US 6 (4 mm) circular needle, 24" (60 cm), or needle size necessary to obtain correct gauge
US 4 (3.5 mm) circular needle, 24” (60 cm), or needle size .5 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
21 sts and 28 rnds = 4” (10 cm) in textured lace pattern worked in the round using larger needles, blocked
Notions
(1) Stitch marker, unique, for beginning of round
(7) Stitch markers, for raglan lines
(1) Stitch marker, temporary, for sleeve separation round
(2) Removable markers, to mark centers of underarms
Crochet hook, size D (3.25 mm) or slightly smaller
Tapestry needle
Waste yarn or two spare circular needles/cords, for placing sleeve stitches on hold
Ready? I’m here if you have questions.
But it on Ravelry.
