Cromwell Pullover in Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok - 201615 - Downloadable PDF

Cromwell Pullover by Bobbi Intveld – Knitting Pattern Summary

The Cromwell Pullover is a modern, relaxed-fit raglan-sleeve pullover designed by Bobbi Intveld as part of Blue Sky Fibers' Classic Series. Worked in the brand's own Woolstok Worsted yarn, this sweater brings a fresh, contemporary sensibility to a timeless silhouette. It features a roomy neckline, longer sleeves, and 3x1 ribbing details that give it a polished yet casual everyday appeal. The pattern is rated advanced beginner, making it an ideal next-step project for knitters who have mastered the basics and are ready to tackle seamless construction and simple shaping techniques.

What Is Being Made

The finished object is a women's pullover sweater with a classic raglan sleeve construction and a relaxed, modern fit. It is available in six sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, and XXL, with finished chest measurements ranging from 35½ inches up to 54 inches. The body length finishes at approximately 21½ to 24 inches depending on size, and the sleeve length to the underarm ranges from 19¾ to 22¼ inches, giving the garment those signature longer sleeves mentioned in the design description. The sweater is intended to fit bust sizes ranging from 32–34 inches up to 48–50 inches, offering a generous range of sizing options.

Construction Technique

One of the most appealing aspects of the Cromwell Pullover is its seamless, top-down construction. The entire sweater is knitted in one piece beginning at the neckline and working downward, which eliminates the need for seaming at the end. This approach is particularly friendly for advanced beginners because progress is easy to see, fit can be tried on as you go, and the finishing work is minimal.

The yoke is shaped using raglan increases, a hallmark of classic raglan sweater design. Increases are worked on every right-side row, adding stitches symmetrically at four raglan lines to simultaneously grow the front, back, and two sleeves. The pattern uses both right-leaning lifted increases (RLI) and left-leaning lifted increases (LLI) to create neat, nearly invisible increase lines — a technique that produces a cleaner result than yarn-over increases and is well worth learning for any knitter's toolkit.

Stitch markers are placed at the beginning of the project to delineate the raglan sections and are slipped throughout the yoke shaping, helping knitters keep track of the four increase points with ease. Once the yoke is complete, sleeve stitches are separated onto stitch holders or waste yarn, and the body and sleeves are worked independently in the round.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Stockinette stitch – the primary stitch used throughout the body, sleeves, and yoke, creating a smooth, classic fabric
• 3x1 ribbing – used as a decorative and functional edging detail, adding elasticity and a modern textural contrast to the smooth stockinette
• Right lifted increase (RLI) and left lifted increase (LLI) – paired increase techniques used along the four raglan lines to shape the yoke cleanly and evenly
• Working in the round – the sweater is knitted circularly on circular needles, with double-pointed needles used for the sleeves where the circumference becomes too small for a circular needle
• Top-down seamless construction – the entire garment is worked from the cast-on at the neck edge downward, avoiding any sewn seams
• Stitch marker placement and slipping – markers are used throughout to track raglan increase positions

Gauge

The pattern calls for a gauge of 18 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Achieving accurate gauge is especially important in a fitted garment like this one, as it directly affects the finished chest and length measurements. Knitters are encouraged to swatch and adjust needle size as needed before casting on.

Materials – Yarn

The Cromwell Pullover