Derby Pull in Adriafil New Zealand Solids - Downloadable PDF

Derby Pull in Adriafil New Zealand Solids – Free Crochet Sweater Pattern (Downloadable PDF)

The Derby Pull is a classic crocheted pullover sweater designed for use with Adriafil New Zealand yarn in an aran weight. This free downloadable PDF pattern produces a structured, textured jumper featuring a distinctive nut motif stitch that gives the fabric a richly dimensional, bobble-like surface. The design is sized for a range of fits, making it a versatile project for intermediate crochet enthusiasts who want to build a wardrobe staple with beautiful tactile detail.

What Is Being Made

This pattern instructs you to crochet a pullover sweater (also called a pull or jumper) worked in separate panels that are seamed together. The finished garment has shaped sides, armhole shaping, and a refined edging worked in reverse stitch, giving it a polished, ready-to-wear appearance. It is designed in a single colorway — aviation no. 94 — which is a cool, sophisticated tone from the Adriafil New Zealand Solids range.

Sizing

• Italian sizing: IT 44, with a range of IT 42–46
• US sizing: US 10 (range: US 8–12)
• UK sizing: UK L (range: UK M–XL)

The pattern provides stitch counts in parentheses for the smaller and larger sizes throughout the instructions, making it straightforward to adapt the project to your preferred fit.

Materials Required

• Yarn: 500 g of Adriafil New Zealand in colour aviation no. 94 — an aran weight yarn spun from New Zealand wool, known for its softness, stitch definition, and natural resilience
• Hook: Crochet hook no. 3.50 mm
• Notions: Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends

Stitches and Techniques Used

The Derby Pull draws on a small but carefully combined set of crochet stitches to achieve its textured look. Even beginner-to-intermediate crocheters familiar with basic stitches will find the stitch pattern approachable once the repeat is established.

• Chain stitch – used for casting on and as part of the nut motif structure
• Double crochet (dc) – used for the first two foundation rows of each panel, creating a firm, even base before the textured pattern begins
• Nut motif stitch – the primary pattern stitch, worked over an odd number of stitches. Each nut motif is formed by working 3 treble crochets together into the same chain stitch, creating a gathered, bobble-like cluster. Nut motifs and chain spaces alternate across each row, with subsequent rows nesting new nut motifs into the chain spaces of the previous row. From row 3 onward, the row 2 repeat is continued throughout, making the pattern easy to memorize.
• Treble crochet (tr) – used both within the nut motif clusters and as turning/edge stitches between motif repeats
• Reverse stitch – described in the pattern as double crochet worked from left to right rather than the usual right to left. This technique, sometimes called crab stitch, creates a neat, corded edging that is commonly used to finish necklines, cuffs, and hems in crochet garments without the need for a separate border yarn

Construction and Shaping

The sweater is constructed in the traditional flat panel method, with the back worked first. The back begins with 62 (60–64) chain stitches cast on using the 3.50 mm hook. After two rows of double crochet, the nut motif pattern begins. Side shaping is achieved by decreasing one nut motif on each side every 4 rows, three times, creating a subtle waist or side taper. Armhole shaping begins when the work reaches approximately 36 (35–37) cm in length.

This construction approach — working flat and seaming — allows for precise sh