Top-Down Circular Yoke Pullover

Top-Down Circular Yoke Pullover by KNITLOOK

What is Being Made

This is an advanced-level pullover sweater designed with a distinctive top-down circular yoke construction. The garment is sized to fit bust measurements of 88 (96) 104 (112) cm with corresponding lengths of 68 (72) 76 (80) cm, accommodating sizes S (M) L (XL). The pullover is shown in size XL and features a sophisticated colorwork design utilizing multiple yarn colors throughout the yoke and body.

Techniques Used

The pullover employs the top-down construction method, which begins knitting from the neckline and progresses downward toward the hem. This approach offers several advantages including the ability to try on the garment during construction and flexibility in adjusting length before binding off. The design incorporates a circular yoke, a shaped section that extends from the neckline across the shoulders and upper body, creating a fitted silhouette through strategic increases.

The pattern utilizes circular knitting in the round, which eliminates the need for seaming and creates seamless fabric. The design includes garter stitch sections, which are created by alternating knit and purl rows when working in the round, producing horizontal ridges. The pattern also incorporates colorwork techniques, as evidenced by the use of seven different yarn colors (light grey, dark grey, moss green, khaki, beige, night blue, and dark orange) that are worked into the design.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch employed in this pattern is garter stitch, which creates a textured, reversible fabric with distinctive horizontal ridges. When working garter stitch in the round, the pattern specifies alternating knit and purl rows, with one ridge consisting of one knit row followed by one purl row. The pattern also references increase techniques, specifically the Make One (M1) increase method, which is used during the knit rows to shape the yoke and create the fitted silhouette characteristic of this design.

Materials and Tools

This pullover is crafted using MOHAIRNUEVO from Lana Grossa, a luxurious blend yarn composed of 44% Mohair, 44% Alpaca, and 12% Polyamide. Each ball contains approximately 65 meters (71 yards) of yarn per 25 grams. The pattern requires a total of 17 balls across seven colors: 3 balls each in light grey (A) and dark grey (B), 2 balls each in moss green (C) and khaki (D), and 1 ball each in beige (E), night blue (F), and dark orange (G).

The knitting tools required include circular needles in size 6.5 mm, with both 60 cm and 80 cm lengths needed to accommodate the increasing stitch counts as the yoke widens. Double-pointed needles in size 6.5 mm measuring 15-20 cm in length are used for working smaller circumferences, typically at the neckline and cuff areas. Additional notions include 4 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends.

Gauge and Construction Details

The pattern specifies a gauge of 14 stitches by 24 rows over a 10 x 10 cm square, which must be achieved using the specified yarn and needle size. Obtaining the correct gauge is essential for achieving the intended finished measurements. The pattern notes that needles may be adjusted up or down in size to obtain the proper gauge, as individual knitting tension varies.

The garter stitch gauge differs depending on the construction method: when working in the round, one ridge equals one knit row followed by one purl row, while when working back and forth on straight needles, one ridge equals two knit rows. This distinction is important for maintaining consistent fabric appearance throughout the garment.