West-Northwest Pullover

West-Northwest Pullover by Sharon Slarke

What is Being Made

The West-Northwest Pullover is a fitted, ribbed pullover sweater designed by Sharon Slarke. This advanced-level knitting project features a structured silhouette with a collar and is constructed using 4 ply yarn. The pullover is available in five size options, with finished chest measurements ranging from 74cm (29 inches) to 114cm (45 inches), and length measurements from 50cm to 53cm (approximately 19¾ to 20¾ inches).

Techniques Used

This pullover employs advanced knitting techniques suitable for experienced crafters. The primary construction methods include:

• Cable twisting – Creating dimensional texture through manipulated stitches
• Ribbed construction – Providing elasticity and fitted shaping throughout the garment
• Cable needle work – Essential for executing the cable twist stitch pattern that defines this design
• Circular needle knitting – Used for seamless or partially seamless construction, particularly for the collar

Stitches Used

The West-Northwest Pullover utilizes specialized stitch techniques that require careful attention:

• Twist and Cable Rib Stitch – The signature stitch pattern combining twisted stitches with cable crossings for visual interest and texture
• Tw2R (Twist 2 Right) – A special abbreviation indicating knitting into the front of the second stitch on the left-hand needle, then knitting the first stitch, dropping both stitches off the needle together
• Tw2L (Twist 2 Left) – Knitting into the back of the second stitch on the left-hand needle, then knitting the first stitch, dropping both stitches off the needle together
• Cr2R (Cross 2 Right) – Slipping the next stitch onto a cable needle and leaving it at the back of work, knitting one stitch, then purling one stitch from the cable needle
• Cr2L (Cross 2 Left) – A mirror variation of the right cross stitch

Materials and Gauge

The pattern is designed for 4 ply yarn (also known as fingering weight), with the recommended yarn being Debbie Bliss Rialto 4 ply in 50g balls, each containing approximately 181 meters (198 yards) of 100% wool fiber. However, any fingering or 4 ply yarn of similar yardage and fiber content may be substituted. Yarn requirements vary by size: 8 balls for the smallest sizes (74cm and 84cm chest), 9 balls for the 94cm size, 10 balls for the 104cm size, and 12 balls for the largest 114cm size.

The pattern requires 3.25mm needles (US size 3) or the size necessary to obtain the correct gauge. A 40cm (16 inch) 3.25mm circular needle is also needed, likely for the collar and potentially for seamless construction of body sections.

The specified gauge is 33 stitches and 37 rows to 10cm (4 inches) when working the Twist and Cable Rib Stitch in a slightly stretched state using 3.25mm needles. Achieving this gauge is critical for obtaining the correct finished measurements and fit of the garment.