Classic Elite Yarns B Cables With A Twist Knitting Pattern

Bancroft Pullover Sweater

What is Being Made

Bancroft is a warm, textured pullover sweater designed by Susan Mills, featuring prominent rope cables as the focal design element. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a cozy garment with modified drop shoulder sleeves and is available in six sizes ranging from XS to 2XL, with finished bust measurements from 35 inches to 54½ inches.

Design and Construction Techniques

The sweater showcases rope cables that cover the body, worked against a smooth stockinette stitch background to create visual contrast. The modified drop shoulder construction provides a relaxed, contemporary fit. The sleeves are worked in a wide rib pattern, which adds elasticity and helps the garment conform to the arm. The pattern includes a 20-row cable repeat that creates the signature twisted cable motif throughout the body.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): Forms the smooth background fabric against which the cables stand out
• 4 x 4 Rib: A multiple of 8 stitches alternating 4 purls and 4 knits, used for the sleeve ribbing and cuff details
• Bancroft Cable Pattern: A 24-stitch plus 12 repeat worked over 20 rows, creating the distinctive rope cable design that defines the sweater
• Cable Stitches: Worked using a cable needle to create the twisted, dimensional rope effect

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Bancroft is designed to be knitted with La Gran yarn by Classic Elite Yarns, a luxurious blend composed of 78.4% mohair, 17.3% wool, and 4.3% nylon. Each 50-gram ball yields 106 yards, and the project requires 8 to 11 balls depending on size (8 balls for XS, 9 balls for S and M, 10 balls for L, and 11 balls for XL and 2XL). The yarn shown in the pattern is shade 6516 Natural, a neutral colorway that highlights the cable texture.

Needles and Tools

Construction requires US 8 and US 9 (5 and 5.5 mm) straight or circular knitting needles or the size needed to achieve proper gauge. A 16-inch circular needle in US 8 (5 mm) is used for ribbed sections. Additional tools include a cable needle for manipulating stitches to form the cables and stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping.

Gauge and Finished Measurements

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. The cable pattern should measure 17 stitches and 19 rows over 4 inches when blocked, while stockinette stitch and 4 x 4 rib should measure 15 stitches and 19 rows over 4 inches when blocked. The finished garment length ranges from 22 inches (XS) to 25½ inches (XL and 2XL), with bust measurements accommodating a range of body sizes.

Skill Level

Bancroft is rated as an Intermediate knitting project, appropriate for knitters with experience in basic stitches and cable techniques. The cable pattern requires familiarity with using a cable needle and reading stitch charts, making it an ideal project for advancing beyond beginner-level skills.