Tahki Yarns Aster Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Aster Seamless Top-Down Knit Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Aster is a classic pullover sweater designed by Melissa LaBarre, available in five sizes ranging from X-Small to XL. This garment is knitted as a seamless, constructed piece worked from the top down in the round, eliminating the need for seaming. The finished sweater features a comfortable fit with circumference measurements ranging from 63 inches (X-Small) to 86¼ inches (XL) and a length between 19 and 21 inches depending on size.

Techniques Used

Seamless construction is the defining technique of this pattern. The sweater is worked from the top down, beginning at the neckline and progressing downward to the hem. Working in the round (also called circular knitting) is used throughout the body, which means you knit continuously in spiraling rounds rather than turning the work back and forth. This method creates a fabric without side seams, resulting in a cleaner, more professional finish.

The pattern incorporates strategic increases using both M1L (Make 1 Left) and M1R (Make 1 Right) techniques to shape the garment as it expands from the fitted neckline to the wider body. These increases are worked at specific marked positions to create a well-proportioned silhouette.

Stitches Used

Two primary stitch patterns are employed in the Aster design:

• Garter Rib – A textured pattern worked in the round using a multiple of 4 stitches. This stitch alternates between knit 2, purl 2 on one round, followed by knitting all stitches on the next round. The pattern repeats these two rounds throughout the ribbed sections. Garter Rib is used at both the neckline and hem, providing elastic, fitted edges that frame the garment.
• Stockinette Stitch – The main body fabric, created by knitting every round. This classic stitch produces a smooth, flat fabric with a refined appearance ideal for showcasing yarn color and texture.

Materials and Gauge

The Aster pattern calls for Tahki Yarns CLASSIC SUPERWASH, a 100% superwash wool yarn. Yardage requirements vary by size: X-Small requires 4 balls, Small requires 5 balls, Medium requires 5 balls, Large requires 6 balls, and XL requires 7 balls. Each ball contains 3.5 ounces (100 grams) and provides 218 yards (200 meters) of yarn. The sample shown is knitted in color #014 Lakeside.

The pattern is worked on size 8 (5 mm) needles, which include one 24-inch circular needle for the neckline, one 40-inch circular needle for the body, and four double-pointed needles for any necessary adjustments. A yarn needle is required for weaving in ends, and waste yarn is used as a temporary stitch holder.

The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Stockinette Stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements, and the pattern emphasizes checking gauge before beginning.

Pattern Structure and Finishing

The sweater begins at the neck with a cast-on of 108 to 140 stitches depending on size, worked in Garter Rib for 14 rounds to establish the neckline edge. A setup round then establishes marker positions for the body increases. The body is worked in Stockinette Stitch with increases worked at marked intervals to shape the garment. The pattern concludes with 28 rounds of Garter Rib at the hem, which is then bound off in the blocked Garter Rib pattern. Final finishing includes blocking to measurements and weaving in all yarn ends.

This intermediate-level pattern is suitable for knitters with experience in circular knitting and basic shaping techniques, offering a rewarding project that results in a versatile, well-fitted sweater.