Garnet Star Pullover Top Knitting Pattern

Garnet Star Pullover in Berroco Catena

What is Being Made

The Garnet Star Pullover is an intermediate-level knitted sweater designed by Amy Palmer. This pullover is a classic crewneck top available in six sizes, with finished bust measurements ranging from 36 inches to 56 inches and length options from 19 inches to 22 inches. The garment is shown in the size 40-inch bust with approximately 8 inches of ease, making it a comfortable, relaxed-fit pullover suitable for everyday wear.

Techniques Used

The primary advanced technique featured in this pattern is the intarsia method, which is used to break up and add visual interest to the tonal stripe patterning inherent in Berroco Catena yarn. Rather than working with a single ball of yarn throughout, the pattern strategically employs multiple balls of the same color yarn, each labeled as ball 1, ball 2, and ball 3. Because different balls of Berroco Catena begin and end at different points in the tonal pattern sequence, using them in rotation creates a deliberately varied striping effect across the finished garment.

When changing balls mid-row during intarsia work, the pattern instructs knitters to hold the current yarn to the left and pick up the new ball from underneath. This specific technique twists the yarn at the color change point, preventing holes from forming in the fabric—a critical detail for maintaining fabric integrity when working with multiple yarn sources.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure throughout the Garnet Star Pullover is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a distinctive V-pattern on the right side. Stockinette stitch is formed by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, and it is the foundation stitch for this intermediate project.

The pattern also incorporates stitch markers to help track pattern repeats and shaping points during construction. Two stitch markers are required, and the pattern references a stitch holder for managing stitches during garment assembly.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

Yarn: The Garnet Star Pullover is designed specifically for Berroco Catena, a yarn that features tonal striping as an inherent characteristic. Berroco Catena is worked at a weight of 50 grams per ball. Depending on the finished size selected, the pattern requires between 6 and 10 balls of yarn in colorway #5496 Matisse. The pattern includes an important note: knitters concerned about maintaining color continuity in the striping pattern when joining new balls should consider purchasing extra yarn, as different balls will begin and end at different points in the tonal sequence.

Needles: The pattern calls for US size 10½ (6.50 mm) knitting needles, or the size needed to obtain the correct gauge. Proper gauge is essential for achieving the finished measurements specified in the pattern.

Notions and Gauge: In addition to needles, the pattern requires 2 stitch markers and 1 stitch holder. The recommended gauge is 16 stitches and 20 rows equal 4 inches in stockinette stitch. The pattern emphasizes that taking time to check gauge before beginning is essential to ensure an accurate fit, as variance in individual knitter tension can significantly affect the final garment dimensions.