Pilaster Pullover Knitting Pattern

Pilaster Pullover in Berroco Merino 401

What Is Being Made

The Pilaster Pullover is an intermediate-level knit garment designed by Lorenette Haynes. This pullover sweater is available in eight sizes, ranging from a finished bust measurement of 34½ inches (87.5 cm) to 72 inches (183 cm), with corresponding length measurements between 42 and 45 inches (106.5 to 114.5 cm). The design is shown in size 43 inches (109 cm) and is intended to be worn with approximately 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Construction Technique

The Pilaster Pullover is constructed using a bottom-up knitting method. The garment begins with the skirt, which is initially worked in rows before being joined to work in the round at the high hip. This construction approach allows for seamless integration between the lower body and upper sections. The pattern includes armhole shaping at the appropriate points in the construction sequence, with specific decreasing techniques employed to create proper garment shaping.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The pullover features multiple stitch techniques throughout its construction. The main fabric is worked in stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic knit appearance. Ribbing is incorporated using a knit-one-through-the-back-loop, purl-one (k1tbl, p1) technique, which provides elasticity and structure to fitted areas. Decreases are worked using the slip, slip, knit (ssk) method, where one stitch is slipped, a second stitch is slipped, and both are knitted together through the back loop to create a left-leaning decrease.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for Berroco Merino 401 yarn in colorway #11278 Flint. The yardage required varies by size, ranging from 14 to 28 balls, with each ball weighing 50 grams. Berroco Merino 401 is a merino wool yarn suitable for creating garments with excellent drape and breathability.

Needles required include:

• 32-inch (80 cm) circular needles in sizes 6 (4 mm) and 7 (4.5 mm)
• 16-inch (40 cm) circular needle in size 7 (4.5 mm)
• One set of double-pointed needles or preferred needles for small circumferences in sizes 6 (4 mm) and 7 (4.5 mm)

Additional notions include a tapestry needle for finishing, three stitch markers (with one in a different color to denote the beginning of round), and waste yarn for holding stitches.

Gauge and Blocking

Accurate gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 29 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch on the larger needle. For ribbed sections, the gauge is 25 stitches over 4 inches (10 cm) in k1tbl, p1 ribbing. All gauge measurements are taken after blocking, making blocking an important finishing step to ensure proper fit and drape of the completed pullover.