Blue Sky Fibers Cromwell Pullover Jumper Knitting Pattern

Blue Sky Fibers Cromwell Pullover: Knitted Raglan Sweater

What is Being Made

The Cromwell Pullover is a women's knitted sweater featuring a modern take on the classic raglan-sleeve design. This pullover is characterized by a relaxed, roomy fit with longer sleeves and a generous neckline, making it an ideal everyday garment. The sweater is available in six sizes ranging from extra-small to double-extra-large, with finished chest measurements from 35½ inches to 54 inches and sleeve lengths to the underarm ranging from 19¾ inches to 22¼ inches.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Cromwell Pullover is constructed using the top-down method, meaning knitting begins at the neckline and progresses downward to the hem. This approach allows for easy fitting adjustments and eliminates the need for seaming. The sweater features a yoke section with strategic raglan increases that create the characteristic diagonal shaping from the neckline to the underarms. The design incorporates raglan sleeve construction, where increases are worked at marked intervals to shape the yoke evenly across the front, back, and sleeves.

The pattern uses circular needles for the majority of the construction, beginning with a 16-inch circular needle for the tight neckline ribbing and transitioning to either a 24-inch or 32-inch circular needle as stitches increase. Double-pointed needles are available as an alternative for working in the round. The knitter works increases using lifted line increases (LLI and RLI), which are nearly invisible shaping techniques that maintain the integrity of the fabric while creating clean raglan lines.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Cromwell Pullover features 3x1 ribbing at the neckline, which provides elasticity and a refined finish. The main body of the sweater is worked in stockinette stitch, the fundamental knit stitch pattern that creates a smooth, classic fabric with a distinctive V-pattern texture on the right side and horizontal bumps on the wrong side. Stockinette stitch is achieved by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side when working flat, or by knitting every round when working in the round.

The gauge for this pattern is 18 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, which is essential information for achieving the correct finished measurements. Maintaining proper gauge ensures that the sweater will fit as designed and that the yoke shaping will align correctly.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Cromwell Pullover is designed specifically for use with Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok Worsted, a premium yarn composed of 100% fine Highland wool. Woolstok Worsted is a springy, resilient yarn that provides excellent stitch definition and durability. The yardage per 50-gram hank is 123 yards, and the pattern requires 7 to 13 hanks depending on the finished size, with smaller sizes requiring 7 hanks and the largest size requiring 13 hanks.

The pattern is worked on size 9 (5.5mm) circular needles, available in 16-inch, 24-inch, and 32-inch lengths depending on the construction stage and personal preference. The 16-inch needle accommodates the initial neckline stitches, while the longer needles accommodate the increased stitch count as the yoke expands. Double-pointed needles in size 9 (5.5mm) are offered as an alternative for knitters who prefer that method. The pattern also calls for standard knitting notions including stitch holders or waste yarn for holding stitches, stitch markers for tracking raglan increase points, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends.

Pattern Overview and Difficulty Level

Designed by Bobbi Intveld, the Cromwell Pullover is classified as an advanced beginner project, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to tackle shaping and garment construction. The top-down raglan construction method simplifies fitting and eliminates seaming, while the straightforward stockinette stitch and ribbing require only fundamental knitting skills. The pattern provides detailed instructions for the smallest size with larger sizes given in parentheses, allowing knitters to select their desired finished measurements and customize the fit.