Product Description
Vineland is worked from the top down, beginning at each back shoulder, then stitches are cast on for the center back neck, and the back sides are joined and worked to the armholes. Stitches for the front are picked up from the back shoulders and the front is worked in a similar manner down to the armholes. The back and front are joined and the body is worked in the round to the bottom edge, with waist and hip shaping. The sleeves are picked up from the armholes and worked to the cuffs, with short-row sleeve cap shaping. To minimize pooling when working with a semi-solid yarn, you might want to work with 2 balls of yarn, changing balls every few rounds by loosely twisting the yarns once around each other once at the color change.
Vineland Top-Down Pullover by Sue McCain
What Is Being Made
The Vineland Top-Down Pullover is a women's knitted sweater designed by Sue McCain, featuring a top-down construction method. This pullover is available in an extensive range of sizes from XXS through 6X, making it accessible to a broad spectrum of body types. The finished bust measurements range from 26 inches for the smallest size up to 66 inches for the largest size, with the garment intended to be worn with approximately 2 inches of ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.
Construction Method and Techniques
This intermediate-level pattern employs a top-down construction approach, which means knitters begin at the neckline and work downward toward the hem. This method offers several practical advantages, including the ability to try on the garment as it progresses and to easily adjust length before binding off.
A key specialized technique featured in this pattern is German Short Rows, also known as short-row shaping. This advanced shaping method creates subtle contouring without leaving visible holes in the fabric. The technique involves slipping stitches at turning points and creating double stitches by pulling yarn tightly over the needle to show the two legs of the stitch below. This creates strategic shaping that enhances the fit of the pullover, particularly in areas requiring subtle three-dimensional shaping.
Stitches and Stitch Work
The pattern incorporates fundamental knitting stitches combined with the specialized short-row shaping technique. Knitters will work both knit and purl stitches throughout the construction, managing yarn positioning carefully when executing the German Short Rows technique. The pattern requires attention to stitch orientation and yarn placement, as the instructions specify whether to keep yarn in front or back depending on whether the next stitch to be worked is a purl or knit stitch.
Yarn and Materials
The Vineland Top-Down Pullover is worked in sport weight wool yarn. Yardage requirements vary significantly across the size range to accommodate the extensive range of finished measurements. The smallest size (XXS) requires 1070 yards, while the largest size (6X) requires 2610 yards of yarn. Intermediate sizes fall between these yardages, with careful progression: for example, the Small size needs 1335 yards, the Medium requires 1580 yards, and the 1X size calls for 1745 yards. This yardage variation reflects the substantial differences in garment dimensions across the full size range.
Skill Level
Rated as an intermediate difficulty pattern, the Vineland Top-Down Pullover is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more advanced shaping techniques. The German Short Rows technique represents the primary challenge and requires careful attention to instruction-following and stitch manipulation, making this pattern ideal for knitters seeking to expand their technical repertoire beyond basic garment construction.
Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | Sport |
| Pages: | 0 |
| Designer: | Sue McCain |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Notes: | Stitch markers in 2 colors |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your experience.