Arcata Pullover Top Knitting Pattern

Arcata Pullover in Berroco Ultra Wool DK

What is Being Made

The Arcata Pullover is a top-down knit pullover sweater designed by Allison Jane. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a classic pullover available in eight sizes, ranging from 37" to 64" bust measurements, with finished lengths between 22" and 29". The garment is shown in the smallest size (37" bust) with approximately 1" of positive ease for a comfortable fit.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pullover employs several key knitting techniques that contribute to its construction and shaping:

• Top-down construction: The sweater is worked from the neckline downward in the round, allowing for easy fitting adjustments and seamless construction
• Short-row shaping: Used to shape the neckband for a custom fit around the neck opening
• Circular knitting: The garment is worked in continuous rounds using circular needles, eliminating the need for seaming
• Colorwork: The pattern incorporates a charted design using two colors—a main color (MC) and contrast color (CC)—worked across specified rounds
• Yarn-over increases: Decorative increases are created by bringing yarn over the needle from back to front, then twisting the stitch closed on the following round

Stitches Used

The Arcata Pullover utilizes fundamental knit stitches appropriate for an intermediate skill level:

• Stockinette stitch (St st): The primary stitch throughout the body and sleeves, creating a smooth, classic fabric
• Ribbing: Used for the neckband in a 1x1 rib pattern (alternating knit and purl stitches) to create elasticity and a finished edge
• Yarn-over increases (yo): Decorative increase stitches that create subtle texture and shaping details
• Wrap and turn (w&t): A short-row technique used in neckband shaping to create gradual transitions without visible gaps

Materials and Tools Required

Yarn: The Arcata Pullover is designed specifically for Berroco Ultra Wool DK, a worsted-weight yarn. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 4 to 9 balls of the main color (MC) in shade #8301 Cream, plus 1 ball of the contrast color (CC) in shade #8329 Butternut. Each ball weighs 100 grams.

Needles and Notions: Construction requires both circular and double-pointed needles in size 7 (4.50 mm). Specifically, you will need 16" and 32" circular needles for working the body and neckband, plus one set of four double-pointed needles (size 7) for working the sleeves. Additional supplies include stitch markers to track pattern repeats, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and waste yarn to temporarily hold sleeve stitches during construction.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 21 stitches and 31 rounds over 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for accurate finished measurements and proper fit. The pattern emphasizes taking time to check gauge before beginning to avoid potential sizing issues. Eight size options accommodate a wide range of body measurements, with bust sizes from 37" through 64" and corresponding length adjustments.

Pattern Structure

The neckband begins with a 1x1 ribbed setup worked flat, then transitions to short-row shaping for a contoured neckline. The pattern incorporates a charted colorwork section using the main and contrast colors, followed by continuation in stockinette stitch with decorative yarn-over increases. The top-down construction method allows the body and sleeves to be worked simultaneously from the neckline downward, with sleeve stitches held temporarily on waste yarn before being completed separately.