The Mary Pullover

The Mary Pullover by Born & Raised Knits

What Is Being Made

The Mary Pullover is a top-down knitted sweater designed as a downloadable PDF pattern. This pullover features a sophisticated color-blending construction that combines multiple yarn weights and colors to create visual depth and texture. The garment is worked in the round from the top down, making it an accessible project for knitters building their skills.

Sizing and Fit

The Mary Pullover is available in nine sizes, ranging from size 1 through size 9, accommodating a wide range of body measurements. This extensive sizing range ensures that knitters of various dimensions can find an appropriate fit for their project.

Yarn Requirements and Color Specifications

This design showcases a three-color construction using yarn from respected independent producers:

• Color A: 'Sugar Floss' in Sensible Sock weight from Peepaloo Fields, requiring 480 (460, 510, 540) (540, 560, 560, 580) yards depending on size
• Color B: 'Razmatazz' in Chunky/Bulky weight from Dyed in the Wool Yarn Co, requiring 80 (60, 100, 120) (120, 140, 140, 160) yards
• Color C: 'Frank Ocre' in Chunky weight from Malabrigo Yarns, requiring 480 (460, 510, 540) (540, 560, 560, 580) yards

The pattern employs a unique yarn-holding technique where one strand of Sock weight and one strand of Chunky weight are held together throughout construction, creating a blended texture and allowing the designer to achieve the intended gauge with super-chunky visual impact.

Needles and Notions

The Mary Pullover requires US 9-10 circular needles in multiple lengths to accommodate different construction stages:

• 16-inch circular needles for working the neckline and upper body
• 24-32 inch circular needles for the main body sections
• 12-inch circular needles or double-pointed needles (DPNs) for sleeve work

Additional notions include a darning needle for finishing and stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction points.

Knitting Techniques and Special Methods

Construction Method: The Mary Pullover is worked top-down in the round, a technique that allows knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and easily adjust length to personal preference.

Stitch Techniques: The pattern incorporates several fundamental knitting stitches and increases/decreases:

• Knit (k) and purl (p) stitches form the base fabric
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) and slip, slip, knit (ssk) for decreasing stitches
• Make one (m1) for increasing stitches
• Yarn over (yo) for creating eyelet details
• Yarn round needle (yrn) for additional lace construction

Lace and Texture: Eyelet lace elements add visual interest and breathability to the pullover, created through strategic yarn overs and decreases that form small openings in the fabric.

Gauge and Blocking

Proper gauge is essential for this project's success. The pattern specifies gauge measured in stockinette stitch using the blended yarn technique (one strand of Sock weight held with one strand of Chunky weight) after blocking. Blocking sets the stitches and allows the blended yarns to settle into their final appearance and drape.

Skill Level

Designated as a beginner-friendly pattern, The Mary Pullover makes an excellent introduction to top-down sweater construction and color work. While it incorporates eyelet lace and multiple yarn weights, the straightforward stitch vocabulary and logical construction sequence make it accessible to knitters new to garment shaping.