Therese Pullover

Therese Pullover by Sharon Slarke

What is Being Made

The Therese Pullover is a fitted women's pullover sweater designed by Sharon Slarke. This intermediate-level knitting project features a sophisticated two-color design combining mosaic stitch patterning with classic stockinette stitch elements. The pullover is available in five sizes, with finished chest measurements ranging from 74cm (29 inches) to 114cm (45 inches), and lengths from 50cm to 53cm (19¾ to 20¾ inches). The design includes a distinctive large collar and fitted construction, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs mosaic stitch as the primary decorative technique, creating a multi-colored effect through strategic yarn placement and slip stitches rather than traditional color changes. The mosaic stitch is used for the main body and cuffs, allowing for intricate patterning while maintaining a relatively simple stitch sequence. The sleeves are worked in stockinette stitch, providing a smooth contrast to the textured mosaic sections. The large collar is also constructed using mosaic stitch, creating visual continuity throughout the garment. This combination of techniques demonstrates intermediate knitting skills, as mosaic work requires understanding slip stitch mechanics and color placement.

Stitches Used

• Mosaic Stitch: The signature stitch used throughout the body, cuffs, and collar, creating a two-color patterned fabric through the strategic use of yarn forward and yarn to back movements combined with slip stitches
• Stockinette Stitch: Used for the sleeves, providing a smooth, classic knit fabric that contrasts with the mosaic patterned sections
• Slip Stitches: Slip 1 purlwise (sl1 pw) and slip 1 knitwise (sl1 kw) are essential to the mosaic stitch technique
• Yarn Forward (yf): Used to create new stitches and manage yarn placement in mosaic sections
• Yarn to Back (ytb): Controls yarn positioning between stitches in mosaic patterning
• Decreases: Knit 2 together (k2 tog) and pass slip stitch over (psso) for shaping
• Through the Back Loop: Knit 1 through the back of the loop (k1 tbl) for twisted stitches where needed

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Therese Pullover is designed to be worked in DK weight yarn (also known as 8ply), specifically recommended with Cleckheaton Country 8ply and Shepherd Colour 4 Me Prints, both 100% wool yarns. The pattern requires 4mm knitting needles or the size necessary to achieve the specified gauge. Yarn quantities vary by size: the main color requires 8 to 12 balls of 50g (approximately 97 meters per ball), while the contrast color requires 3 to 5 balls of the same weight. The recommended gauge is 28 stitches and 42 rows to 10cm (4 inches) in mosaic stitch using 4mm needles, making accurate gauge swatching essential for proper fit. The wool fiber content provides warmth, elasticity, and excellent stitch definition for both the mosaic and stockinette sections.

Design Features

The Therese Pullover showcases a fitted silhouette with a two-color mosaic stitch pattern that creates visual interest without requiring complex color-work techniques. The large collar adds a contemporary design element and provides extra warmth. The contrast between the textured mosaic stitch body and cuffs and the smooth stockinette sleeves creates balanced visual appeal. The five-size range accommodates various body measurements, and the relatively modest length makes it suitable for wearing over other garments or as a standalone piece.