Tahki Yarns Ashland Pullover Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Ashland Pullover

What is Being Made

The Ashland Pullover is an intermediate-level knitted sweater designed by Lidia Karabinech. This pullover is available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X, with finished bust measurements from 34½ inches (87.5 cm) to 53 inches (134.5 cm) and lengths from 19¼ inches (49 cm) to 22¾ inches (58 cm). The garment features a classic pullover construction with a crew neckline and is worked in a striped pattern using three coordinating colors.

Techniques Used

The Ashland Pullover is constructed using a bottom-up approach, meaning the body and sleeves are knitted starting from the lower edges and working upward toward the shoulders. The sweater is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, requiring seaming to join the pieces together at the side seams and sleeve seams. The design incorporates a striped pattern throughout the body and sleeves, adding visual interest and demonstrating color work technique in a straightforward manner suitable for intermediate knitters.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st) – The primary stitch used for the main fabric, creating a smooth, classic knit appearance with the characteristic V-pattern on the right side
• K1, P1 Rib – Used for the neckband and likely for the cuffs and hem ribbing, providing elasticity and a finished edge
• Decrease stitches – Techniques such as ssk (slip, slip, knit) and k2tog (knit two together) are used for shaping the neckline and armholes
• Bind-off – Used to shape the shoulders through strategic bind-offs at the beginning of rows

Body Stripe Pattern

The body features a 36-row repeating stripe pattern that creates visual interest across the sweater. The pattern alternates between the three yarn colors in a specific sequence: four rows of stone gray (B), two rows of ebony (A), followed by a 12-row repeat of the same color sequence. This is followed by four rows of natural (C), two rows of ebony (A), and a 12-row repeat of that sequence. The stripe pattern is repeated throughout the body length, creating a balanced and cohesive design.

Sleeve Stripe Pattern

The sleeves feature their own simplified stripe pattern using a 4-row repeat that alternates between stone gray (B) and ebony (A), allowing the sleeve stripes to coordinate with the body while maintaining a distinct rhythm.

Materials

The Ashland Pullover is knitted using Tahki Yarns ARCTIC, a premium blend consisting of 70% organic virgin wool and 30% alpaca. This fiber composition provides warmth, softness, and a luxurious feel. The yarn is available in three colors for this pattern: ebony (A), stone gray (B), and natural (C). Yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 4 to 6 balls of the main color, 3 to 4 balls of the secondary color, and 2 to 4 balls of the accent color. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and yields 82 yards (75 meters).

Needles and Notions

The pattern calls for size 9 (5.5mm) needles for the main fabric, worked as a pair of straight needles. A size 9 (5.5mm) circular needle measuring 16 inches (40 cm) is used for working the neckband in the round. Additional notions include stitch markers to denote pattern sections and shaping points, stitch holders to temporarily hold stitches during neckline shaping, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming pieces together. The pattern emphasizes checking gauge before beginning, with the target gauge being 13 stitches and 22½ rows equaling 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch on the right side.

Construction Details

The sweater is constructed in separate pieces that are later seamed together. The back and front are worked flat from the lower edge upward, with increases for sleeve caps and decreases for neckline shaping. The front features a crew neckline with center stitches placed on a holder and both sides worked simultaneously to create even shaping. The shoulders are shaped through a series of bind-offs at the beginning