Port Townsend Pullover

Port Townsend Pullover by Chrissy Gardiner

What is Being Made

The Port Townsend Pullover is a women's pullover sweater designed by Chrissy Gardiner and available in extended sizes from XXL through 6X. This comfortable, everyday garment features relaxed shaping and is engineered for quick knitting using chunky-weight yarn. The sweater is sized for chest measurements ranging from 48 to 64 inches with finished lengths between 31.5 and 35.5 inches, making it an accessible option for various body types and personal fit preferences.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Port Townsend Pullover is constructed using seamless, top-down circular knitting methods. This approach eliminates the need for seaming after completion, resulting in a cleaner finish and reduced finishing work. The design features simple textural details that add visual interest without requiring advanced stitch manipulation. The sweater is worked in the round using circular needles, which allows for continuous knitting and easier gauge management throughout the project.

The garment is knit primarily in stockinette stitch, a fundamental knitting stitch that creates a smooth, classic fabric. The use of bulky-weight yarn accelerates the knitting process significantly, allowing crafters to complete this intermediate-level project in considerably less time than traditional weight sweaters. The sample shown was created using Schaefer Danya yarn in the Dian Fossey colorway.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (st st) — The primary stitch throughout the sweater, creating a smooth V-patterned fabric on the right side
• Ribbing — Used at the hem and other edges to create elasticity and a finished appearance

Materials and Tools Required

This pattern calls for bulky-weight yarn, with yardage requirements ranging from 1180 to 1700 yards depending on the size selected. The sample uses Schaefer Danya, demonstrating the pattern's compatibility with quality bulky-weight options.

Knitting needles required include:

• One 36-inch size 9 (5.5mm) circular needle for the main body
• A set of five size 9 (5.5mm) double-pointed needles for smaller circumferences, such as sleeves
• Two additional 16-24 inch size 9 (5.5mm) circular needles for working different sections

Additional notions and supplies include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and increases, stitch holders or waste yarn for securing live stitches, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and any necessary seaming.

Gauge and Difficulty Level

The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches and 20 rounds over 4 inches when worked in stockinette stitch on size 9 (5.5mm) needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements. The Port Townsend Pullover is rated as an intermediate-level project, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills in circular knitting and basic shaping techniques.