First Frost Pullover in Cascade 220® - W814 - Downloadable PDF

First Frost Pullover in Cascade 220® – Pattern W814 by Kelly Forster

The First Frost Pullover is a beautifully crafted knitted pullover sweater designed by Kelly Forster and published by Cascade Yarns® as pattern W814. This intermediate-level knitting pattern is available as a free downloadable PDF and produces a stylish, cozy pullover worked in two complementary colorways of the beloved Cascade 220® yarn. The finished garment features a classic silhouette with thoughtful colorwork detailing, making it an excellent project for knitters who are ready to move beyond the basics and explore more structured construction techniques.

Garment Overview

The First Frost Pullover is a top-down or seamlessly constructed pullover sweater sized to fit a range of bodies. It is offered in five sizes — S, M, L, XL, and XXL — with finished bust circumferences of 35.5, 39.5, 41, 42, and 45.5 inches respectively. The body length measures 13 to 15 inches depending on the size chosen. The pattern is designed with 2–4 inches of positive or negative ease, giving knitters flexibility to choose a more fitted or relaxed fit depending on personal preference.

The two-color design uses Color A as the primary color — Cascade 220® in shade #1037 (Denim Heather) — and Color B as an accent color in shade #8393 (Navy). The interplay between these two cool-toned, complementary shades gives the pullover its wintry, frost-inspired aesthetic that lives up to its name.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Cascade Yarns® Cascade 220® — 100% Peruvian Highland Wool, 100 g (3.5 oz) per skein, approximately 220 yards (200 m) per skein
• Color A – #1037 Denim Heather: 4(4, 5, 5, 6) skeins
• Color B – #8393 Navy: 1(2, 2, 2, 3) skeins
• Primary needles: US 7 (4.50 mm) knitting needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
• Secondary needles: US 6 (4.00 mm) knitting needles (used for ribbing or finishing sections)
• Notions: Yarn needle, 8 unique stitch markers (including MA, MB, MC, a beginning-of-round marker, and M1–M4 for sleeve shaping), and 2 stitch holders or waste yarn

Yarn Details

Cascade 220® is one of the most widely used and trusted yarns in the knitting community, and for good reason. Spun from 100% Peruvian Highland Wool, it is a workhorse aran-weight yarn known for its durability, stitch definition, and broad color palette. Its smooth, consistent plied construction makes it ideal for colorwork and textured stitch patterns, as each stitch is clearly defined after blocking. The yarn's natural wool content also gives it excellent memory and elasticity, which helps ribbing and fitted sections retain their shape over time.

Gauge

The pattern calls for a gauge of 22 stitches × 26 rows = 4 inches (10 cm), measured in stockinette stitch on the larger US 7 needles, after blocking. Achieving accurate gauge is especially important for a fitted garment like this pullover, as even small deviations can significantly affect the finished bust measurement across multiple sizes. Knitters are encouraged to swatch and block before beginning.

Techniques and Construction

The First Frost Pullover is rated intermediate in difficulty, making it well-suited for knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping, working in the round, and managing multiple stitch markers simultaneously. The construction involves several techniques that build on foundational knitting skills:

• Working in the round: The pullover is constructed using circular knitting techniques, which eliminate the need for seaming the main body panels
• Two-color