December 15, 2025 Bronwen Scholtz

Lulu Slipover Knitting Tips & Best Yarn Choices

A PetiteKnit Adult Vest Guide

TL;DR

The PetiteKnit Lulu Slipover (Adult) is a top-down knitted vest with structured shoulders and positive ease. DK / 8ply yarns work best for clear stitch definition, while careful swatching is essential for fit. The top-down construction allows easy length adjustments and makes this pattern suitable for confident beginners.

The PetiteKnit Lulu Slipover (Adult) has become a firm favourite among knitters — and for good reason. It’s timeless, wearable year-round, and a brilliant project whether you’re stepping into garment knitting or looking for a satisfying, mindful make.

If you’re planning to knit the Lulu Slipover and want to get the best possible result, this guide covers construction, yarn choices, gauge considerations, and practical knitting tips — all with real-world advice from the Wild & Woolly team.

What Is the PetiteKnit Lulu Slipover?

The Lulu Slipover is a classic sleeveless vest worked from the top down with a clean, modern silhouette. Designed with positive ease, it layers beautifully over shirts and dresses and works across seasons depending on your yarn choice.

It’s minimal, elegant, and deceptively clever — a pattern that rewards careful yarn selection and thoughtful finishing.

How the Lulu Slipover Is Constructed

The Lulu Slipover is worked top-down, which makes it easy to customise length and fit as you go.

Here’s what that means in practice:

The upper back is worked first, flat down to the bottom rib band
Shoulder shaping is created with increases, arm hole shaping created with increases.
Front stitches are picked up and worked where the shoulder seam would normally be
Stitches are picked up and knitted to create armhole rib edge.
Plackets are created for the button bands.
Neckline stitches are picked up and finished last in the round.

There’s no seaming, minimal finishing, and plenty of opportunity to try it on as you knit — always a win.

Construction highlights:

Top-down construction (easy to adjust length)
Clean shoulder shaping
Sleeveless armholes with neat edging
Minimal finishing required

Because it’s top down, you can try it on as you go — a huge win for fit and confidence.

Best Yarn Choices for the Lulu Slipover

PetiteKnit’s Lulu Slipover is traditionally knit in DK/8ply-weight yarn, either as a single strand or using lighter yarns held together to reach gauge (4ply held together with a 2ply Silk mohair).

Here are the best Wild & Woolly-approved options:

Option 1: Single-Stranded 8ply (Classic & Clean)

This is the most straightforward and beginner-friendly option.

Great choices include:

Fabric feel: smooth, structured, excellent stitch definition.
Best for: a crisp, polished slipover with long-term durability.

Option 2: 4ply + Mohair Held Together (Soft & Airy)

If you love a softer fabric with a gentle halo, this option is beautiful.

Popular pairings:

Fabric feel: light, cosy, slightly fluffy.
Best for: a softer, more relaxed look with beautiful drape.

Gauge Matters (Yes, Really)

Gauge is especially important for the Lulu Slipover because of the structured fit across the shoulders and chest.

Always knit a swatch
Block it the same way you’ll block the finished garment
Measure after blocking

A small difference in gauge can significantly affect fit, especially with a sleeveless garment where shoulder placement is key.

🪡 Needles & Tools You’ll Need

Before you cast on, make sure you have:

Circular needles: 4 mm [US6] / 60 cm, 3.5 mm 40 and 60 and/or 80 cm and 2.5 mm / 60 cm (For Plackets)
Stitch markers
Scrap yarn or stitch holders
Tapestry needle
4 buttons (Ø = 20 mm)

Sleeves aren’t involved here — so this is a great project if you want garment knitting without sleeve island.

Lulu Slipover Knitting Tips from the Shop

A few practical tips we regularly share in-store:

Read the full pattern before starting — especially the plakets and button holes but dont over think these
Try the slipover on before committing to body length
Block gently to even out stitches without stretching the fabric

If you’re between sizes, choose based on how you want to wear it — closer fit or relaxed layering piece.

Frequently Asked Questions

What yarn weight is best for the Lulu Slipover?

DK / 8ply is the most popular choice, offering great structure and versatility.

Can I adjust the length?

Yes! The top-down construction makes it easy to knit the body longer or shorter to suit your style.

Is the Lulu Slipover beginner friendly?

Confident beginners can absolutely tackle this pattern, especially if they’re comfortable with knitting in the round and picking up stitches.

🛍️ Ready to Knit Your Lulu Slipover?

✨ Browse 8ply yarns:
https://www.wildandwoollyyarns.co.nz/collections/8-ply-yarns

✨ Browse 4ply yarns:
https://www.wildandwoollyyarns.co.nz/collections/4-ply-yarns

✨ Browse Mohair & Silk blends:
https://www.wildandwoollyyarns.co.nz/collections/mohair-silk

✨ Shop Needles & Notions:
https://www.wildandwoollyyarns.co.nz/collections/knitting-needles

If you’d like this pattern available as a Lulu Slipover Knit Kit, we can absolutely make that happen.

Final Thoughts

The PetiteKnit Lulu Slipover is one of those patterns you’ll come back to again and again — different yarns, different colours, same satisfying knit.

Choosing the right yarn and understanding the construction will set you up for success, and once you’ve knit one… well, don’t be surprised if another magically appears on your needles.

If you need help choosing yarn, needles, or just want a second opinion, we’re always happy to help — in store or online.

Happy knitting 🧶

Frequently Asked Questions: Lulu Slipover

What yarn weight is best for the PetiteKnit Lulu Slipover?
DK / 8ply is the most popular choice because it gives great structure and stitch definition. A 4ply with 2ply Mohair can also work if you match gauge.

Can I knit the Lulu Slipover with mohair held together?
Yes. Holding a strand of mohair with a smooth base 4ply yarn adds softness and halo. Always swatch first, as mohair can affect both gauge and drape.

Is the Lulu Slipover beginner friendly?
Confident beginners can knit this pattern if they’re comfortable knitting stocking stitch and picking up stitches.

Do I really need to swatch?
Yes. Because the Lulu Slipover has structured shoulders and positive ease, even small gauge differences can affect fit. Swatch and block before measuring.

Can I adjust the length?
Absolutely. The top-down construction makes it easy to knit the body longer or shorter before working the hem.

Next article Knit Better: Guide to Needle Sizes Inside!