336 Totem Pullover - Jumper Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Northfield

336 Totem Pullover - Women's Knitting Pattern

What is Being Made

The 336 Totem Pullover is a women's pullover jumper designed by Kirsten Hipsky. This garment is available in six finished bust measurements: 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, and 52 inches, making it suitable for a wide range of sizes. The pullover features a classic crew neck construction and is designed to be a versatile, everyday knit.

Knitting Techniques

This pattern employs multiple knitting techniques to create its finished fabric. The garment is worked flat on circular needles for the majority of the construction, allowing for easy shaping and stitch manipulation. Sections are also worked in the round using circular needles, which is a common approach for seamless or partially seamless garment construction. The pattern incorporates cable techniques, adding textural interest and visual depth to the design. Short rows are used strategically throughout the pattern, as evidenced by the wrap and turn (W&T) instructions, which allow for targeted shaping without increasing or decreasing stitch counts dramatically.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used in the 336 Totem Pullover is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic knit fabric. This foundational stitch provides an ideal canvas for the cable details that define the garment's design. The pattern instructions reference picking up stitches along cast-on edges and working sections with specific stitch counts, demonstrating the precision required for proper fit and shaping.

Materials and Yarn

The 336 Totem Pullover is designed to be worked in Valley Yarns Northfield, a DK weight yarn with a luxurious fiber blend of 70% merino wool, 20% baby alpaca, and 10% silk. Each skein contains 124 yards and weighs 50 grams. The pattern calls for 8 to 15 skeins depending on the finished size selected, with the yardage increasing proportionally for larger measurements. The recommended color is Deep Water (color 12).

Tools and Equipment

Knitters will need US size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles in both 32-inch and 16-inch lengths, as well as double-pointed needles in the same size for working smaller circumferences. Stitch markers are essential for tracking pattern repeats and construction sections. The pattern requires gauge swatching to ensure proper fit, as is standard practice for fitted garments.

Construction Method

The pullover is constructed in sections, with the upper back forming the foundation. The upper front sections are created by picking up stitches along the cast-on edge of the upper back, then working downward with short-row shaping to create targeted fit adjustments. This modular approach allows for precise shaping and ensures that the front and back pieces align properly during assembly.