Blue Sky Fibers Preston Pullover Jumper Knitting Pattern

Blue Sky Fibers Preston Pullover: Knitted Sweater Pattern Summary

What is Being Made

The Preston Pullover is a women's crewneck pullover sweater designed by Sylvia Hager for Blue Sky Fibers. This garment is available in six sizes ranging from XS to XXL, with finished chest measurements from 40 inches to 60 inches. The pullover features positive ease for comfortable wear and longer sleeves, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Design Features and Construction

The Preston Pullover is constructed using a straightforward all-over ribbed texture that creates a flattering, form-fitting silhouette while remaining surprisingly lightweight. The design emphasizes comfort without sacrificing style, with sleeve lengths ranging from 13½ inches to 14½ inches depending on size. The sweater is worked in the round using circular needles, a common technique for seamless construction that reduces finishing work and creates a polished final garment.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for an advanced beginner skill level. The primary stitch used throughout the sweater is 1 x 1 rib, a classic textured stitch worked by alternating knit and purl stitches across every row. This rib pattern is worked over an even number of stitches using the repeating sequence of knit one stitch, purl one stitch. The ribbed construction provides natural elasticity and helps the garment maintain its shape through wear and washing.

The pattern includes essential shaping techniques such as bind-off sequences for creating neck and shoulder shaping, and stitch holders or waste yarn are used to preserve stitches during construction. The garment is worked in sections—beginning with the back piece—before progressing to other components. Gauge is established at 16 stitches and 19 rows over 4 inches in 1 x 1 rib using the largest needle size, which is critical for achieving proper fit across all size options.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Preston Pullover is designed to be knitted with Blue Sky Fibers Techno, a light bulky weight yarn composed of 68% baby alpaca, 22% silk, and 10% extra fine merino wool. This premium fiber blend creates a garment that is beautifully cozy while maintaining a lightweight quality. Each hank yields 120 yards and weighs 50 grams; the pattern requires 7 to 12 hanks depending on the finished size selected, with larger sizes requiring more yardage.

The color shown on the pattern cover is No. 1974 Smoke, though the pattern also references No. 1973 Rogue as an alternative color option. The pattern calls for two circular needle sizes: a Size 9 (5.5mm) 24-inch circular needle for the ribbed cuff sections and a Size 11 (8mm) 32-inch circular needle for the main body, or needles sized as needed to obtain the specified gauge. Additional tools required include stitch holders or waste yarn and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and finishing seams.

Pattern Information

This pattern is part of Blue Sky Fibers' Classic Series and is specifically designed for use with their Techno light bulky yarn weight. The Preston Pullover pattern is identified as pattern number 20177 and is classified as an advanced beginner project, making it accessible to knitters with some foundational experience who are ready to tackle garment construction with shaping details.