Spike

Spike Pullover Sweater by ChrisdL

What Is Being Made

Spike is a mock turtleneck pullover sweater designed by Chris de Longpré and published through Knitting at Noon. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a sophisticated pullover that showcases a harmony of textures through strategic stitch placement. The sweater is available in five sizes ranging from extra-small to extra-large, with finished chest measurements of 40", 44", 48", 52", and 56" respectively, each offering 4 inches of ease for comfortable wear.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

Spike employs a combination of knitting techniques to achieve its textured aesthetic. The garment is constructed using circular needles, which allows for seamless knitting in the round—a hallmark of modern sweater construction that eliminates the need for seaming and creates a more refined finished product. The pattern utilizes two different needle sizes to manage gauge and stitch definition: a larger U.S. size 7 (4.5mm) circular needle for the main body and a smaller U.S. size 6 (4.0mm) circular needle for ribbed sections, which helps create neat, elastic edges at the neckline and cuffs.

The construction method involves working the body and sleeves in the round using 24" to 36" circular needles, with a 16" circular needle reserved for the neckband. This approach minimizes seaming and allows knitters to try on the garment as it progresses. The pattern requires careful attention to both row and stitch gauge, as the designer emphasizes that both measurements are equally important to the success of the finished sweater.

Stitches Used

The Spike sweater incorporates multiple stitch patterns to create visual interest and texture contrast:

• Stockinette stitch – The primary stitch used for smooth fabric sections, worked as knit stitches on the front and purl stitches on the back when working flat, or simply knit stitches when working in the round
• Pattern stitch – A textured stitch pattern that creates the visual harmony referenced in the design description, worked throughout specific sections of the sweater
• Ribbing – Elastic knit and purl combinations used at the neckline and cuffs to provide structure and ensure the garment holds its shape

The gauge specifications indicate that the pattern stitch requires 20 stitches and 28 rows to measure 4 inches over 10 centimeters, while stockinette stitch in this pattern measures 20 stitches and 24 rows over the same 4-inch span. This difference in row gauge between stitch patterns is typical and reflects how textured stitches compress vertically compared to smooth stockinette.

Materials Required

Yarn: The pattern calls for worsted weight yarn in quantities dependent on size: 1475 yards for extra-small, 1675 yards for small, 1875 yards for medium, 2075 yards for large, and 2250 yards for extra-large. The sample garment shown in the pattern was knitted using Tatamy Tweed Worsted from Kraemer Yarns, a choice that demonstrates how a textured yarn can enhance the visual impact of the stitch patterns.

Needles and Notions: Knitters will need circular needles in both U.S. size 7 (4.5mm) and U.S. size 6 (4.0mm), with the larger needle available in 24" to 36" lengths for body knitting and the smaller needle in a 16" length for the neckband. Additional supplies include a stitch marker to track pattern repeats and round beginnings, long stitch holders or waste yarn for holding stitches temporarily during construction, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and any necessary seaming.

Size and Fit Information

The Spike pullover is offered in five sizes with the following finished chest measurements: XS (40"), S (44"), M (48"), L (52"), and XL (56"). Center back length varies from 26" in the extra-small size to 30.5" in the extra-large size, providing proportional length adjustments across the size range. The 4-inch positive ease built into each size ensures the sweater will fit comfortably over a base layer or regular clothing without clinging to the body.