Portland Top-Down Pullover #111

Portland Top-Down Pullover #111 by Sue McCain

What is Being Made

The Portland Top-Down Pullover #111 is a women's knitted pullover sweater designed by Sue McCain. This pattern offers an extensive size range spanning from XX-Small through 6X-Large, with finished bust measurements ranging from 28 inches to 68 inches. The design accommodates 11 different sizes, making it accessible for a wide variety of body types and fit preferences. The pattern is constructed using a top-down method, which allows knitters to try on the garment as they work and easily adjust the length of the body and sleeves to their desired measurements.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Portland Top-Down Pullover employs the top-down construction method, a popular technique in modern knitting that begins at the neckline and progresses downward toward the hem. This approach offers several practical advantages: knitters can try on the sweater during the knitting process to ensure proper fit, and they can easily customize the length of both the body and sleeves without complex calculations. The pattern utilizes circular needles for the body sections and transitions to double-pointed needles for the sleeve caps, a standard approach for seamless garment construction.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the Portland Top-Down Pullover is Stockinette Stitch (St st), the fundamental knit fabric that creates a smooth, classic appearance. Stockinette stitch consists of alternating knit and purl rows when working flat, or continuous knit rounds when working in the round. This stitch pattern is ideal for showcasing yarn color and texture, particularly with variegated or kettle-dyed yarns. The pattern includes the use of stitch markers in two different colors to help track pattern repeats and shaping increases, as well as removable markers for holding stitches.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn Requirements: The Portland Top-Down Pullover calls for worsted weight superwash wool yarn. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 870 yards for the smallest size (XX-Small) to 2010 yards for the largest size (6X-Large). The pattern was designed and tested using Plymouth Yarn Worsted Merino Superwash Kettle Dyed, which is 100% superwash fine merino wool available in 200-gram skeins with 436 yards per skein. The model shown was knit in color #1004 Loden. The superwash treatment makes this yarn machine-washable, adding practical durability to the finished garment. Knitters should note that if they plan to increase the length of either the body or sleeves beyond the pattern specifications, additional yarn yardage will be required.

Needle Requirements: The pattern specifies Size 6 (4 mm) circular needles for construction. A 24-inch circular needle or longer is needed for working the body of the sweater. For the sleeves, knitters will need either a 12-inch circular needle or a set of five double-pointed needles, also in Size 6 (4 mm). The pattern notes that needle size may be adjusted as needed to obtain the correct gauge.

Gauge and Fit Considerations

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 27 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) when working in Stockinette Stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the finished measurements and proper fit of the sweater. The pattern emphasizes checking gauge before beginning the project, as variations in gauge will directly affect the final size of the completed garment.

Difficulty Level

The Portland Top-Down Pullover is rated as an Intermediate level pattern, making it suitable for knitters with some prior experience. Knitters should be comfortable with circular needle techniques, working in the round, increasing stitches for shaping, and transitioning between different needle types. The top-down construction method and the use of stitch markers help manage the complexity of the project.