This delightful pullover is based on a piece of traditional embroidery from Zakynthos (Ζάκυνθος), an island in the Ionian Sea in Greece.

It uses 8-ply (DK) yarn and 3.5mm (size 4) and 4.5mm (size 7) needles to create a warm pullover that could be worn by a large child or small adult. The chest measurement of the finished pullover is approximately 34” (85cm) and the pattern has instructions for body and sleeve lengths suitable for size 6-8 and 8-10 years - but they can easily be lengthened as needed!

The pullover is made with a top-down construction technique with no seams (even in the sleeves!), knit and purl stitches only, and stranded or colourwork style in some portions, which uses two threads at a time. The pattern makes use of both colour charts and written instructions.

It was tested using worsted-weight pure wool yarn (you will need 300g of each colour), so measurements and weights may vary if you use acrylic or cotton. It pattern should also work for DK yarn - both are considered 8-ply.