Ashwin Pullover Knitting Pattern

Ashwin Pullover in Berroco Modern Cotton

What Is Being Made

The Ashwin Pullover is a baby pullover sweater designed by Åsa Buchta, available in six sizes ranging from 3 months to 24 months. This knitted garment features finished chest circumferences from 19¼ inches (49 cm) for the smallest size up to 23¼ inches (59 cm) for the largest size, with corresponding lengths from 9¼ inches (23.5 cm) to 12¼ inches (31 cm). The pullover includes a button closure detail on one shoulder and decorative surface crochet embellishment on the front.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Ashwin Pullover employs a practical one-piece construction method, meaning the sweater is worked continuously from the bottom up rather than as separate pieces that are later sewn together. This approach streamlines the finishing process and creates a seamless garment. Once the body reaches the appropriate length, the piece is divided to allow the upper back and front sections to be worked separately, providing shaping control for a better fit. The shoulders are then joined using a button closure on one side, adding both functional and decorative elements to the design. Sleeve stitches are picked up at the armholes after the body is complete and worked downward to the cuffs, a technique that eliminates the need for additional seaming at the armpit area.

Surface crochet is applied to the front of the pullover during the finishing stage, adding textural interest and visual detail to the completed sweater. This technique involves using a crochet hook to create decorative chains or stitches on top of the knitted fabric surface.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure throughout the Ashwin Pullover is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic knit fabric with a recognizable V-pattern texture on the right side. The pattern is worked at an intermediate skill level, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic techniques.

Yarn and Needles

The Ashwin Pullover is designed to be worked with Berroco Modern Cotton, a yarn that offers the breathability and drape of cotton with modern construction. The main color (MC) is #1603 Piper, with two 100-gram hanks required for all sizes. A small amount of #1695 Wharf is used as a contrasting color (CC) exclusively for the surface crochet embellishment on the front.

The pattern requires two sets of needles in different sizes to achieve proper gauge and fabric characteristics. Size 4 / 3.5 mm circular needles measuring 16 inches (40 cm) are used for ribbed sections and initial stitches, while size 6 / 4 mm circular needles of the same length are used for the main body worked in stockinette stitch. Additionally, double-pointed needles in both sizes 4 / 3.5 mm and 6 / 4 mm are required for working the sleeves in the round. A size G-6 / 4 mm crochet hook is needed for the surface crochet finishing detail.

Gauge and Blocking

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rounds or rows equals 4 inches (10 cm) when working stockinette stitch on the larger size 6 / 4 mm needles. This gauge measurement is taken after blocking, which is an important step for achieving accurate finished measurements. Knitters are strongly encouraged to knit and block a gauge swatch before beginning the project to ensure their tension matches the pattern specifications and that the finished garment will be the correct size.

Additional Notions and Materials

Beyond yarn and needles, the Ashwin Pullover requires several finishing notions: stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction points, removable stitch markers for temporary placement, waste yarn to hold stitches during construction, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming, and two 5/8-inch (16 mm) buttons for the shoulder closure. Optional tools include tailor's chalk or a disappearing marker for marking surface crochet placement on the front of the sweater.