The Elizabeth Cole Pullover

The Elizabeth Cole Pullover by Robin Hunter

What is Being Made

The Elizabeth Cole Pullover is a classic, elegant women's pullover sweater designed by Robin Hunter. This knitted garment features a simple yet sophisticated construction with a mock cable stitch pattern throughout. The pullover offers a slightly formal aesthetic while maintaining wearability for everyday occasions. Available in seven sizes ranging from 36 to 47.5 inches at the bust, this design accommodates a wide range of body measurements. The open scoop neckline provides a flattering, modest yet slightly revealing neckline that visually elongates the neck. The stretchy nature of the stitch pattern creates subtle waistline definition, enhancing the garment's silhouette.

Construction and Techniques

All sections of The Elizabeth Cole Pullover are worked from the bottom up, a method that allows for easy adjustments and fitting as you progress through the project. The pattern requires intermediate to advanced knitting skills and incorporates several fundamental and intermediate techniques essential for successful completion.

The required knitting skills include cable cast on for a secure foundation, fundamental knit and purl stitches that form the basis of the mock cable pattern, strategic decreases and increases for shaping the garment, yarn overs for texture and stitch manipulation, slipped stitches for seamless transitions, picking up stitches along finished edges for neckline and other details, and casting off for secure finishing edges. These techniques work together to create the integrated edges that contribute to the pullover's formal sensibility.

Stitches Used

• Mock Cable Stitch Pattern: The primary stitch pattern throughout the pullover, creating visual interest and texture while providing stretch and waistline definition
• Knit and Purl Stitches: Foundation stitches that form the base of the mock cable pattern
• Cable Cast On: Used for establishing a secure, elastic foundation edge
• Yarn Overs: Incorporated within the pattern for texture and stitch manipulation
• Slipped Stitches: Used for seamless transitions and refined finishing
• Decreases and Increases: Applied for shaping the body, armholes, and neckline

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: The pattern calls for Knitca Delight in colorway 7664 Eggplant, a 100% Superwash Merino wool in DK weight. Yardage requirements vary by size, with approximately 9 to 13 balls needed depending on the finished bust measurement selected. Each ball contains approximately 164 yards (150 meters), providing ample yardage for this substantial garment.

Needles: US size #6 (4 mm) needles are required to achieve the correct gauge of 25 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in the mock cable pattern after blocking.

Finished Measurements: The pullover is available in seven sizes with bust measurements of 36, 38, 40, 45, 46, 47.5 inches (91.5, 96.5, 101.5, 114.5, 117, 120.5 centimeters), accommodating various body types and fit preferences.

Difficulty Level

While the pattern is described as simple and classic in design, it is rated as intermediate to advanced in experience level. This rating reflects the combination of techniques required, including cable cast on, multiple stitch manipulations, and the precision needed to maintain the mock cable pattern consistency throughout the garment. Knitters should be comfortable with foundational skills before beginning this project.