Gabey Drawstring Pullover

Gabey Drawstring Pullover by Patty Lyons

What is Being Made

The Gabey Drawstring Pullover is a knitted pullover sweater designed by Patty Lyons with a nautical-inspired aesthetic. This garment features a fitted silhouette with waist shaping, a split hem detail, and three-quarter bell sleeves. A functional drawstring at the neckline adds both style and adjustability to this figure-flattering top. The design is offered in eight sizes, ranging from 34 inches to 54 inches bust measurement, making it accessible for a wide range of body types.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This pullover is constructed using top-down seamless knitting on circular needles, a popular technique that allows for easy fitting adjustments and minimal finishing work. The garment features waist shaping to create a contoured, flattering fit. The split hem adds visual interest and movement to the lower edge, while the three-quarter bell sleeves provide a classic, elegant silhouette. The drawstring detail at the neckline requires basic cord-making or threading techniques. The pattern accommodates both negative and positive ease options, allowing knitters to customize the fit based on their preferred wearing style.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat front and textured back. This fundamental knitting stitch is ideal for beginners and provides an excellent canvas for the garment's shaping details and color work.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: Willow Yarns™ Meadow (worsted weight; 100% cotton; 115 yards per 50g ball) in three colors:

• Color A, Ocean (#0012): 4 to 7 balls depending on size
• Color B, White (#0001): 4 to 7 balls depending on size
• Color C, Poppy (#0012): 1 ball for all sizes

The cotton yarn provides breathability and a crisp drape, perfect for a summer pullover with nautical styling.

Needles: US 6 (4 mm) needles for the main fabric, including a 24-inch circular needle for body knitting, and US 4 (3.5 mm) needles for ribbed edgings. The gauge is 20.5 stitches and 29 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch on US 6 needles.

Notions: Stitch markers are required to track pattern repeats and shaping points throughout construction.

Skill Level

Rated as a beginner-level project, the Gabey Drawstring Pullover is accessible to knitters new to garment construction while offering enough design interest to engage more experienced crafters. The straightforward stockinette stitch base and top-down construction method make this an excellent introduction to fitted sweater knitting.