Clerestory Pullover Knitting Pattern

Clerestory Pullover in Berroco Merino 401

What is Being Made

The Clerestory Pullover is a women's knitted pullover sweater designed by Lorenette Haynes. This intermediate-level garment features a classic pullover construction with saddle shoulders, offering a refined silhouette suitable for everyday wear. The pattern provides nine size options, ranging from 36 inches to 72 inches in bust measurement, with finished lengths varying from 17½ inches to 20 inches when measured down the center back. The shown sample is knit in size 44 inches with positive ease of 2–4 inches recommended for comfortable fit.

Construction and Techniques

The Clerestory Pullover employs a distinctive saddle shoulder construction method. The saddle shoulders are worked first as separate pieces, then stitches are picked up along the sides of the shoulders with new stitches cast on at the center edge of the saddles. This technique creates a structured shoulder line while maintaining design interest. The back and front panels are each knit top-down from the shoulders, worked even in stockinette stitch until reaching the desired length. Stitches are marked at the beginning and end to join the right and left shoulders together at the armhole edges, creating a seamless integration between the shoulder saddles and body sections.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the Clerestory Pullover is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with characteristic knit stitches on the right side and purl stitches on the wrong side. This fundamental knitting stitch provides an elegant, versatile canvas that showcases the yarn's natural qualities while maintaining structural integrity across all garment sections.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This pattern calls for Berroco Merino 401, a premium merino wool yarn. The yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 10 balls (approximately 500 grams) for the smallest size to 22 balls (approximately 1,100 grams) for the largest size. The sample shown is knit in colorway #11210 Denim, a sophisticated blue-toned shade. Each ball contains 50 grams of yarn.

Needles and Notions

• 32-inch circular needles in sizes 6 (4 mm) and 7 (4.5 mm), or size as needed to obtain correct gauge
• 16-inch circular needle in size 6 (4 mm)
• Tapestry needle for finishing and weaving in ends
• Removeable markers or safety pins for marking pattern sections and stitch placement
• Stitch holder or waste yarn for holding stitches during construction

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 19 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch on the larger needle. Gauge is measured after blocking, making it essential to block your gauge swatch before beginning the project to ensure accurate finished measurements. Proper gauge checking is emphasized as critical for achieving the intended fit and drape of the finished garment.

Skill Level

Rated as Intermediate, the Clerestory Pullover is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex construction techniques. The saddle shoulder method and top-down construction require understanding of picking up stitches, managing multiple needle sizes, and following detailed shaping instructions, making this an excellent project for advancing knitting skills.