Arno Pullover in Adriafil Spillo - Downloadable PDF

Arno Pullover in Adriafil Spillo – Free Knitting Pattern Summary

The Arno Pullover is a beautifully textured chunky knit sweater designed for adults, available as a free downloadable PDF pattern from Adriafil. Worked in the brand's own Spillo yarn, this pullover combines elegant stitch patterning with a classic silhouette, making it a rewarding project for intermediate knitters who want to explore decorative knit techniques beyond basic stockinette.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a pullover sweater — commonly referred to as a jumper — sized for a 44 (42–46) chest measurement. The garment is constructed in separate pieces (back and front panels) and seamed together using a tapestry needle, following a traditional flat-knitting construction method. The finished piece features ribbed edges for a neat, fitted finish at the cuffs and hem, with a richly textured body panel that gives the sweater its distinctive character.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Adriafil Spillo in colour no. 74 — approximately 400 g required in total. Spillo is a chunky weight yarn, ideal for producing warm, substantial fabric with excellent stitch definition.
• Knitting Needles: No. 6 and No. 7 knitting needles (metric sizing). The smaller needles are used for the ribbed sections, while the larger needles may be used for shaping or specific sections as directed.
• Notions: A tapestry needle for seaming the finished pieces together.

Gauge

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for a well-fitting pullover. The pattern specifies a gauge of 14 stitches and 20 rows over 10 × 10 cm, measured in the fancy stitch pattern using no. 6 knitting needles. Always knit a swatch and block it before beginning the main pieces.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The Arno Pullover draws on a varied and interesting range of knitting stitches and techniques, giving the finished garment both visual interest and tactile texture. These include:

• Elastic Rib (K1/P1 Rib): Used at the start and end of sections — typically at the hem, cuffs, and neckline — this simple alternating knit-one, purl-one ribbing creates a stretchy, form-fitting edge that helps the garment retain its shape over time. It is worked over 6 rows to establish the border before transitioning to the main pattern.
• Fancy Stitch: The signature stitch of this pullover, worked over a multiple of 12 stitches plus 11. This is a 27-row repeating pattern that creates an intricate, lace-influenced texture. Key elements within the fancy stitch include:
  • Yarn overs (yo): Used to create decorative eyelets and increase stitches temporarily, contributing to the open, airy quality of the fabric.
  • K2tog (knit two together): A standard right-leaning decrease used in conjunction with yarn overs on Row 23 to create a lace-like chevron or decorative decrease row, maintaining the stitch count while adding visual detail.
  • Knit and purl combinations: The majority of the fancy stitch rows alternate between knit and purl stitches in a structured sequence, building up a subtle relief texture across the fabric.
• Bobble Stitch: A three-dimensional embellishment technique worked by increasing multiple stitches from a single base stitch — specifically, 5 stitches are worked from one stitch (k1, p1 twice, then k1 again), followed by short rows of knitting and purling, and finally a p5tog (purl five together) to close the bobble. This creates a raised, rounded bump on the fabric surface and adds sculptural interest to the design.

Construction and Technique Notes

The Arno Pullover is knitted