Sweetgrass Pullover

Sweetgrass Pullover by Goose Creek Knits

What is Being Made

The Sweetgrass Pullover is a top-down knitted sweater inspired by the traditional sweetgrass baskets of the South Carolina coast. This pullover is designed as a versatile summer garment, ideal for warm weather wear and coastal activities. The sweater is available in 10 sizes, ranging from 30 inches to 60 inches bust measurement, making it suitable for a wide range of body types.

Design Features and Construction

This pullover employs a top-down raglan construction, a popular knitting method that begins at the neckline and works downward to the hem. The yoke—the upper portion of the sweater that spans the shoulders and upper chest—features raglan increases that create the characteristic diagonal shaping from the neckline to the underarms. The most distinctive design element is a mock cable pattern that runs down the sides of the pullover, adding visual texture and interest while maintaining the simplicity of the overall design.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The primary stitch used throughout most of the Sweetgrass Pullover is stockinette stitch, a fundamental knitting technique that creates a smooth, classic fabric with a recognizable V-pattern texture. Stockinette stitch is achieved by alternating knit stitches on right-side rows with purl stitches on wrong-side rows, resulting in a refined appearance suitable for summer wear.

The mock cable design incorporated into the yoke and side panels adds dimensional detail without the complexity of traditional cable stitching. This technique creates the visual impression of twisted or braided yarn while using simpler stitch manipulations, making it accessible for intermediate-level knitters.

Construction techniques include raglan shaping through strategic increases that are worked at regular intervals to expand the garment from the neckline outward. The top-down method allows knitters to try on the sweater as it progresses and easily adjust the length before binding off.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Sweetgrass Pullover is designed specifically for worsted weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn category that knits at a standard gauge. The pattern recommends worsted weight cotton blend yarns, which provide breathability and comfort ideal for summer wear. The sample shown in the pattern was created using Knit Picks Comfy Color in Mist Tidewater, a worsted weight yarn composed of 75% cotton and 25% acrylic, offering a blend that combines the natural breathability of cotton with the durability and elasticity of acrylic.

Yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 800 yards for the smallest size to 1,575 yards for the largest size, with corresponding skein counts from 4 to 8 skeins depending on the finished bust measurement selected.

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires two sizes of needles—larger needles for the main fabric and smaller needles for ribbing or edging (specific needle sizes are referenced on the pattern's final page). The gauge is established at 18 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch using the larger needles, lightly blocked. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements.

Additional notions required for completing the Sweetgrass Pullover include:

• Stitch markers to denote raglan increase points and pattern repeats
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming if necessary
• Waste yarn for holding stitches temporarily during construction

Skill Level

The Sweetgrass Pullover is rated as an intermediate difficulty project. While the stockinette stitch foundation is beginner-friendly, the top-down raglan construction and mock cable patterning require familiarity with shaping techniques, stitch markers, and pattern reading. Knitters should be comfortable with increasing stitches, managing multiple sections simultaneously, and following written instructions for stitch placement.