Caulkins

Caulkins Pullover Sweater by Kristen TenDyke

What is Being Made

Caulkins is a pullover sweater designed by Kristen TenDyke, available as a downloadable PDF knitting pattern. This intermediate-level garment features a classic pullover construction with raglan sleeves and is suitable for knitters with some experience. The sweater is offered in eight sizes, ranging from a finished bust measurement of 31 ¾ inches (80.5 cm) up to 61 ¾ inches (157 cm), making it versatile for various body types. The finished length ranges from 25 ¼ inches to 27 ½ inches (64–70 cm), providing a standard pullover fit.

Construction Techniques

The Caulkins sweater employs a bottom-up construction method that separates the body and sleeves during the initial stages. The sleeves and body are each worked independently from the cuff or hem upward to the underarm. At the underarm point, all pieces are joined together and worked in the round for the yoke section. The yoke features four raglan decrease lines that taper from the underarm toward the neckline, creating the characteristic raglan sleeve shaping. Once the yoke decreases are complete, stitches are picked up around the neck opening and finished with a neckband. The underarm stitches are secured using a three-needle bind-off technique, which creates a sturdy, finished seam.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern incorporates several key stitches and stitch patterns:

• Moss Stitch – A textured stitch that creates a subtle, bumpy fabric surface, worked by alternating knit and purl stitches in a specific sequence
• K2, P2 Rib – A classic ribbed pattern worked over a multiple of 4 stitches, alternating knit and purl stitches (K1, P2, K1) to create vertical columns of texture. This rib is used for cuffs and the neckband to provide elasticity and a fitted finish
• Cable Patterns – The design features cable motifs presented in chart form only, adding visual interest and dimension to the sweater
• Increases – The pattern uses make-one (m1 and m1p) increases to shape the garment, with increase rounds occurring at regular intervals (every 8th to 12th round, depending on the size)

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Caulkins is designed to be worked in worsted weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn that knits at a standard gauge and is widely available from most yarn suppliers. The pattern is intended to be worn with 0–2 inches (0–5 cm) of positive ease, meaning the finished measurements should be slightly larger than the wearer's actual measurements for comfortable wear. Knitters will need appropriate needles for worsted weight yarn, typically in the US 7–9 range, though the specific needle size should be determined by the individual yarn chosen and the desired gauge.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and simple garment construction but may still be building skills in more complex techniques. The combination of raglan shaping, cable charts, and seamless yoke construction requires attention to detail and familiarity with techniques such as picking up stitches, working decreases, and reading stitch charts.