Brandied Cherry

Brandied Cherry Drop Shoulder Pullover by BabyCocktails

What is Being Made

Brandied Cherry is an advanced knitting pattern for a drop shoulder pullover sweater designed by Thea Colman of BabyCocktails. This is a sophisticated take on the classic drop shoulder silhouette, featuring a thoughtfully constructed garment that combines structural shaping with decorative stitch work. Unlike traditional drop shoulder pullovers that often present a loose, boxy shape, this design incorporates strategic vertical patterning to create a flattering fit that gently skims the curves rather than hanging as a simple square. The sweater is available in multiple sizes, with yardage ranging from 1250 to 2050 yards depending on size selection.

Techniques and Construction

The Brandied Cherry sweater employs several advanced knitting techniques to achieve its distinctive appearance and flattering silhouette. The front of the sweater features a complex, rounded motif that serves as the focal point, surrounded by a detailed mix of vertical patterns. These vertical elements work together to create visual interest while providing the subtle shaping that distinguishes this design from standard drop shoulder construction. The back and sleeves both showcase simple, elegant central cables that provide balance to the more intricate front design. Deep ribbings throughout the garment—including at the cuffs, hem, and neckline—add structure and help define the sweater's edges while contributing to its cozy aesthetic.

Stitches Used

• Twisted cables: Featured prominently on the front, these cables add texture and visual complexity to the design
• Narrow cables: Used in combination with twisted cables to create the detailed vertical pattern work on the front
• Single ribs: Incorporated into the front patterning and used for the deep ribbings throughout the garment
• Central cables: Simple, elegant cable stitches run down the center of both the back and sleeves, providing visual continuity
• Rounded motif: A complex stitch pattern on the front that creates a distinctive focal point for the design

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Brandied Cherry is knit using The Plucky Knitter Cozy, a premium yarn blend composed of baby camel and merino wool. This luxurious fiber combination provides exceptional softness and creates a garment with beautiful lightness and drape—qualities that enhance the sweater's wearability and comfort. The yarn is available in 260-yard skeins, and the pattern shown features the colorway Contessa, a rich color that complements the cozy aesthetic of the design. Total yardage requirements range from 1250 yards for the smallest size up to 2050 yards for the largest size, allowing knitters to select the appropriate amount for their desired finished size.

Needles and Notions

Construction of Brandied Cherry requires US#8/5mm needles for the main body of the sweater. For wide pieces such as the front and back panels, the designer recommends using long circular needles to accommodate the increased stitch count comfortably. A US#7/4.5mm circular needle measuring 24 inches or smaller is specified for working the collar ribbing. Additional notions required include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, a cable needle for executing the cable stitches, and a darning needle for weaving in ends and any necessary seaming during finishing.