Knitted Hooded Sleeveless Pullover Pattern

Knitted Hooded Sleeveless Pullover Pattern

This downloadable PDF pattern from Lion Brand provides comprehensive instructions for creating a hooded sleeveless pullover sweater using the Homespun yarn line. The garment is available in four sizes: 38, 42, 46, and 50 inches, making it suitable for a range of body measurements. The pattern combines classic knitting techniques with functional design elements including a structured hood, functional pockets, and reinforced armbands.

Materials and Tools Required

The pattern calls for Lion Brand Homespun yarn in 6-ounce skeins, with yardage requirements varying by size: 3 skeins for the smallest size (38"), 4 skeins for size 42", 5 skeins for size 46", and 6 skeins for the largest size (50"). The suggested colorway is Cascade, though knitters may substitute any color of their choice within the Homespun line. Two pairs of U.S. knitting needles are required: size 9 (5.50 mm) and size 10 (6.00 mm), with the size 10 needles being the primary working needles for the stockinette stitch sections.

Gauge and Sizing Information

The pattern specifies a gauge of 14 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches when working in stockinette stitch on size 10 needles. Achieving proper gauge is emphasized as essential for ensuring the garment fits correctly. Knitters are instructed to swatch and measure their gauge before beginning the project to avoid sizing issues.

Primary Knitting Techniques and Stitches

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch used throughout the body of the garment, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric with a flat appearance on the right side.
• Ribbing: Used for the initial foundation rows and finishing details, including the armbands and pocket edging. The rib pattern alternates between knit and purl stitches in a 1x2 configuration (K1, P2 repeat), providing stretch and structure.
• Binding Off: Used to finish edges and secure stitches, with strategic bind-offs at neck edges and shoulders to shape the garment.
• Decreasing: Single stitch decreases are worked at regular intervals to shape the neckline and armholes, creating a fitted silhouette.
• Picking Up Stitches: This technique is used multiple times throughout the pattern—for the pocket lining, pocket edges, armbands, and hood construction—allowing the knitter to add new sections to completed fabric.
• Invisible Seaming: Used to attach the pocket lining to the wrong side of the front piece while keeping the seams hidden from view.

Garment Construction Details

The pullover is constructed in separate pieces that are later seamed together. The back panel begins with casting on 67 to 85 stitches depending on size, with initial ribbing followed by stockinette stitch. Strategic bind-offs and decreases shape the armholes, reducing the stitch count to 9 to 15 stitches per side at the shoulders.

The front piece follows a similar construction method but includes additional shaping at the neckline, with decreases of 3 stitches once, 2 stitches three times, and 1 stitch twice to create a curved neck opening. The front is worked until it matches the back length at the shoulders.

Hood Construction

The hood is an integral design feature of this pullover. It begins with casting on 106 to 112 stitches on size 9 needles, worked in ribbing for 2.5 inches. After switching to size 10 needles, the hood is worked in stockinette stitch with strategic shaping: 2 stitches are bound off at the beginning of the next 2 rows, followed by single stitch decreases at each end every other row for 7 rows. This shaping creates a structured hood that fits properly over the head while maintaining the garment's aesthetic.

Pocket Details

The pattern includes functional patch pockets with invisible construction. The pocket lining is picked up and worked in stockinette stitch for 7 inches above the ribbed base, then sewn invisibly to the wrong side of the front to maintain a clean appearance. The pocket edges are finished with ribbed edging worked over 28 stitches for 4 rows, providing a refined border that prevents stretching and fraying.

Finishing and Assembly

The armbands are created by picking up approximately 77 to