Catchword Pullover

Catchword Pullover by Sharon Slarke

What is Being Made

The Catchword Pullover is a men's Fair Isle pullover designed by Sharon Slarke. This knitted sweater features a bold, undeniable message knitted across the chest in contrasting colors, making it a statement piece that combines traditional Fair Isle patterning with contemporary design. The pullover is available in five size options, ranging from 98cm to 136cm chest circumference, accommodating a wide range of body types.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques. Fair Isle knitting is the primary method, a traditional colorwork technique that involves carrying multiple yarn colors across the row to create intricate patterned designs. The sweater is constructed using flat knitting on straight needles for the body pieces, with circular needles used for seamless construction in certain sections. The pattern utilizes stocking stitch (also called stockinette stitch) as the foundation fabric, with Fair Isle colorwork integrated throughout. Edge stitches are worked as knit stitches in the main row color to create clean, finished edges, while color charts guide the placement of contrasting colors between these edge stitches.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K): The primary stitch used throughout the body and for edge definition
• Purl stitch (P): Used in ribbing sections for texture and elasticity
• Ribbing (K2, P2): Applied at the cuffs, hem, and neckline to create stretchy, fitted edges that hold the garment snugly against the body
• Fair Isle colorwork: A multi-color stranded technique that creates the distinctive patterned message across the chest
• Stocking stitch: The smooth, flat fabric base created by alternating knit and purl rows

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Catchword Pullover is designed to be worked in DK weight yarn (also called 8 ply), specifically using Heirloom Easy Care 8 ply, which is 100% wool. Each 50g ball provides approximately 98 meters (107 yards) of yardage. The total yarn requirements vary by size: the smallest size requires 7 balls of Main Colour (A), 6 balls of Main Contrast (B), 4 balls of Colour C, and 2 balls of Colour D, with larger sizes requiring proportionally more yardage. Any DK or 8 ply weight yarn can be substituted, provided the knitter achieves the correct gauge.

The project is worked on 4mm needles, with both straight needles and a 40cm circular needle required for different sections of construction. The recommended gauge is 23 stitches and 28 rows to 10cm (4 inches) in Fair Isle stocking stitch, which is essential to achieve the correct finished measurements.

Finished Measurements

The pullover is available in five sizes with the following finished chest and length measurements:

• Size 1: 98cm (39 inches) chest, 58cm (23 inches) length
• Size 2: 106cm (42 inches) chest, 62cm (24½ inches) length
• Size 3: 116cm (46 inches) chest, 63cm (25 inches) length
• Size 4: 128cm (51 inches) chest, 64cm (25¼ inches) length
• Size 5: 136cm (54 inches) chest, 66cm (26 inches) length

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to tackle the additional complexity of Fair Isle colorwork and multi-color stranded knitting techniques.