Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Isla Pullover Knitting Pattern

Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Isla Pullover

What is Being Made

The Isla Pullover is a knitted sweater designed by Rosemary Drysdale, available in five sizes ranging from Small to 2X. This pullover features a classic crewneck construction with finished bust measurements of 36 to 51½ inches and a length ranging from 19½ to 23½ inches, making it a versatile everyday garment suitable for various body types.

Construction Techniques

This pullover is constructed using a bottom-up seamed method, meaning the front and back pieces are knitted separately from the bottom edge upward and then joined together. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, with the exception of the neckband which is worked circularly. This construction approach allows for precise shaping of the armholes, neck opening, and shoulders through strategic bind-offs and decreases.

The design incorporates shoulder shaping achieved through graduated bind-offs at the beginning of rows, creating a tailored fit. The neck shaping is worked by placing the center stitches on a holder and working both shoulder sections simultaneously with separate balls of yarn, allowing for symmetrical decreases on each side of the neckline. The neckband is picked up and worked in the round using a circular needle, providing a finished, professional edge.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Isla Pullover features two primary stitch patterns that create visual interest and texture:

• Garter Rib: This is the main stitch pattern used throughout the body of the sweater. Worked over a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2, Garter Rib alternates between a right-side row of K2, P2 ribbing and a wrong-side row of purling. This creates a subtle textured fabric that combines the vertical lines of ribbing with the bumpy texture of garter stitch, offering both elasticity and visual appeal.
• K2, P2 Rib in the Round: This stitch pattern is used specifically for the neckband. Worked continuously in the round over a multiple of 4 stitches, this classic ribbing provides stretch and recovery, ensuring the neckline maintains its shape through wear and washing.

The pattern also incorporates increase techniques including M1L (Make 1 Left) and M1R (Make 1 Right), which are worked by lifting the strand between stitches onto the left needle and knitting or purling through the back loop. These increases are used for shaping and are twisted to prevent holes in the fabric. Additionally, standard decreases are used strategically for neck and shoulder shaping.

Materials and Tools

The Isla Pullover is knitted with Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Janelle, a premium blend yarn composed of 68% cotton, 22% baby alpaca, and 10% merino wool. This fiber combination creates a yarn that is breathable and soft while maintaining excellent stitch definition. The pattern requires 8 to 13 balls depending on size, with each ball weighing 50 grams and containing 121 yards of yardage.

The recommended needles are US size 7 (4.5mm) straight needles for the main body of the sweater, with a US size 7 (4.5mm) circular needle measuring 16 inches long for working the neckband. Additional tools required include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, stitch holders for placing stitches on hold during neck shaping, and a yarn needle for seaming the pieces together and weaving in ends.

Gauge and Fit

The pattern specifies a gauge of 19 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches when worked in the Garter Rib stitch pattern. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements and proper fit. The pattern emphasizes the importance of checking gauge before beginning the project to ensure accurate sizing.

Skill Level

Rated as Advanced Beginner, the Isla Pullover is suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to tackle more complex projects. The pattern requires competency with seaming techniques, working with stitch holders, managing multiple sections simultaneously, and executing increases and decreases for shaping. The bottom-up construction and flat-knit method make it an excellent project for developing intermediate shaping skills.