Pilaster Pullover in Berroco Merino 401 - Downloadable PDF

Pilaster Pullover in Berroco Merino 401 – Knitting Pattern Summary

The Pilaster Pullover is an intermediate-level knitting pattern designed by Lorenette Haynes and published by Berroco. This downloadable PDF pattern delivers a sophisticated, long-line pullover with a structured silhouette, thoughtfully constructed from the bottom up with a combination of flat and in-the-round knitting techniques. The design is named "Pilaster," evoking the architectural column detail that likely inspires its clean, vertical lines and refined aesthetic.

Garment Overview

The Pilaster Pullover is a full-length, over-the-head sweater featuring a generous fit with a recommended 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) of positive ease. It is available in a wide range of sizes, with finished bust measurements spanning from 34½ inches to 72 inches (87.5–183 cm), making it an inclusive pattern suitable for a broad range of body types. The finished length ranges from approximately 42 to 45 inches (106.5–114.5 cm), giving this pullover a dramatic, elongated silhouette reminiscent of a tunic or dress-length sweater. The sample shown in the pattern is knitted in size 43 inches / 109 cm.

Construction Method

The Pilaster Pullover is constructed using a bottom-up method, beginning with the skirt section. A notable feature of this construction is that the skirt is initially worked flat in rows, then joined to be worked in the round at the high hip. This technique is a hallmark of more thoughtfully engineered knitwear, allowing for precise shaping in the lower body before transitioning to seamless circular knitting. At the armholes, the front and back sections are separated and worked independently. This combination of flat and circular knitting is a key reason the pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty.

• Bottom-up construction – begins at the hem and works upward toward the shoulders
• Flat knitting (rows) – used for the skirt section before joining
• Circular knitting (in the round) – used from the high hip upward for the body
• Armhole shaping – front and back worked separately at the armholes

Stitches and Techniques

The Pilaster Pullover incorporates a combination of classic and textural stitch patterns that contribute to its polished, architectural look. Knitters working this pattern will use the following stitches and techniques:

• Stockinette stitch (St st) – the primary body fabric, worked both flat and in the round, creating a smooth, clean surface
• k1tbl, p1 ribbing – a twisted-stitch ribbing pattern used for finishing and structure; knitting through the back loop (tbl) creates a denser, crisper rib than standard k1, p1 ribbing, adding a refined textural detail
• Decreases – the pattern references a specific two-stitch decrease technique involving passing a stitch over on the right-hand needle, indicating intentional, visible shaping throughout the garment
• Joining in the round – transitioning from flat to circular knitting at the high hip
• Stitch markers – used to track the beginning of round (BOR) and other key shaping points
• Holding stitches on waste yarn – a technique used at the armholes to set aside live stitches for later finishing

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is written specifically for Berroco Merino 401, a worsted weight yarn sold in 50-gram balls. The sample is knitted in colorway #11278 Flint, a sophisticated neutral tone. Depending on the size being made, the pattern calls for between 14 and 28 balls of Berroco Merino 401, reflecting the generous length of this pullover across the full size range. Berroco Merino 401 is a premium merino wool yarn known for its softness, stitch definition, and excellent drape — qualities that make it well suited to a long-line garment like the Pilaster Pullover.