Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Cornwall Split Front Pullover

Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Cornwall Split Front Pullover

What is Being Made

The Cornwall Split Front Pullover is a knitted pullover sweater designed by Irina Poludnenko. This garment features a distinctive split front design, making it a contemporary and stylish addition to any wardrobe. The pullover is available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X, with finished bust measurements from 37 inches (94 cm) to 55½ inches (141 cm) and lengths from 24¾ inches (63 cm) to 27¼ inches (69 cm), allowing for a customizable fit across a wide range of body types.

Techniques and Construction Method

This sweater is constructed using the bottom-up seamed method, meaning the knitter begins at the lower edge and works upward toward the shoulders. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, which requires careful attention to shaping and seaming for a polished final product. A key design feature involves working the right and left halves of the front separately until the side shaping is complete, at which point they are joined and worked together. This technique allows for the creation of the split front detail while maintaining structural integrity. The front halves are again worked separately during armhole and neck shaping to accommodate the pullover's tailored fit.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Cornwall Split Front Pullover employs several fundamental knitting stitches and techniques:

• Stockinette Stitch – The primary stitch pattern used throughout much of the garment, creating a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance on the right side and bumpy texture on the wrong side
• Lace Pattern – Incorporated into the design to add visual interest and texture variation
• Knit 2 Together (K2tog) – A right-leaning decrease used for shaping the armholes, shoulders, and neckline
• Make 1 Left (M1L) – An increase worked by lifting the strand between needles from front to back and working through the back loop, twisted to prevent holes
• Make 1 Right (M1R) – An increase worked by lifting the strand between needles from back to front and working through the front loop, twisted to prevent holes
• Purl 1 Front and Back (P1-f/b) – An increase technique that creates two stitches from one
• Stripe Pattern – Used as a decorative element, particularly visible along the front edges
• Slip Stitch – Used at the beginning of rows for edge definition and a professional finish

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The pattern calls for Stacy Charles Fine Yarns PATTI, a 100% cotton yarn that provides a lightweight, breathable fabric ideal for warm-weather wear. The yardage requirement varies by size, ranging from 7 to 11 balls, with each ball containing 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and 98 yards (90 meters). The recommended color is #06 garnet, a rich, deep tone that provides excellent contrast and visual appeal. The pattern specifies size 10 (6mm) needles or the appropriate size needed to obtain the correct gauge.

Gauge and Finishing Details

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project's success. The pattern specifies two different gauges depending on the stitch pattern being worked: 13 stitches and 20 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch, and 13 stitches and 18 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm) in Lace Pattern. The pattern emphasizes the importance of checking gauge before beginning, as variations will significantly affect the finished garment's fit and measurements.

Additional materials required include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, a stitch holder for temporarily holding stitches during construction, and a yarn needle for seaming the garment pieces together and weaving in ends. The finished pullover features shaped armholes measuring 8 to 10½ inches depending on size, and carefully constructed shoulders and neckline that are bound off in stages to create a professional, fitted appearance.