Unison Pullover

Unison Pullover by Sharon Slarke

What is Being Made

The Unison Pullover is a fitted, ribbed chevron stitch pullover designed by Sharon Slarke. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a pullover sweater featuring self-striping yarn that produces automatic color variation throughout the garment. The design is available in five size options, ranging from chest measurements of 74cm (29 inches) to 114cm (45 inches), making it suitable for a wide range of body types.

Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level knitting project uses fundamental sweater construction techniques combined with a decorative stitch pattern. The pullover is constructed using the ribbed chevron stitch, which creates a visually striking textured surface. The use of self-striping yarn means that color changes occur naturally as you knit, eliminating the need for manual color changes while still achieving a multi-colored effect. The fitted silhouette is achieved through strategic increases and decreases that shape the garment to the body.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is the Ribbed Chevron Stitch, which is worked over a multiple of 12 stitches plus 13 stitches. This stitch combines knit and purl stitches with yarn forward movements and decreases to create the characteristic chevron texture. The pattern employs several standard knitting abbreviations and techniques:

• M1 (Make 1) – an increase stitch that adds new stitches to widen sections of the garment
• K2tog (Knit 2 Together) – a right-leaning decrease used to shape the garment
• P3tog (Purl 3 Together) – a decrease worked on purl stitches
• Sl1, k2tog, psso (Slip 1, Knit 2 Together, Pass Slipped Stitch Over) – a centered double decrease that creates the peak of the chevron pattern
• Yf (Yarn Forward) and ytb (Yarn to Back) – yarn positioning techniques that create eyelet details within the ribbed pattern

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Unison Pullover is designed to be worked in sport weight yarn (also called 5 ply yarn). The pattern recommends Noro Silk Garden Sock as the primary yarn choice, which features a luxurious fiber blend of 40% Wool, 25% Silk, 25% Nylon/Polyamide, and 10% Mohair. Each 100g ball provides approximately 300 meters (328 yards) of yarn. Depending on the size selected, you will need between 4 and 5 balls of yarn, though additional yardage may be required if you wish to match specific color striping sequences.

Any other sport weight or 5 ply yarn can be substituted for the recommended Noro yarn, provided it matches the gauge requirements. The pattern calls for 3.75mm needles (US size 5), though you should select the needle size that allows you to achieve the required gauge for proper fit.

Gauge and Finished Measurements

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this project. The pattern requires 26 stitches and 32 rows to 10cm (4 inches) when working the Ribbed Chevron Stitch on 3.75mm needles. The finished pullover measurements are as follows:

• Chest: 74cm (29 inches), 84cm (33 inches), 94cm (37 inches), 104cm (41 inches), or 114cm (45 inches)
• Length: 50cm (19¾ inches), 51cm (20 inches), 52cm (20½ inches), 52.5cm (20¾ inches), or 53cm (20¾ inches)

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic knitting techniques and are ready to work with more complex stitch patterns. The ribbed chevron stitch requires attention to detail and familiarity with various decrease techniques, but the repetitive nature of the pattern makes it manageable for experienced beginners advancing their skills.