Tahki Yarns Boston Pullover Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Boston Pullover: Knitted Striped Cotton Sweater

What is Being Made

The Boston Pullover is a classic crew-neck pullover sweater designed by Rosemary Drysdale. This garment is knitted as a seamed, bottom-up construction and features a sophisticated two-color striped pattern created through strategic color blocking. The pullover is available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X, with finished bust measurements from 35 inches to 55½ inches and lengths from 23½ inches to 26 inches, making it suitable for a wide range of body types.

Techniques Used

The Boston Pullover employs a bottom-up construction method, meaning the sweater is knitted starting from the lower edge and working upward toward the shoulders and neckline. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, which allows for easier color changes and pattern management. The pieces are then seamed together using a yarn needle, creating clean, professional-looking seams at the shoulders, sides, and sleeves. The striped technique is achieved by changing yarn colors strategically throughout the pattern, with particular attention paid to twisting yarns at the wrong side when changing colors to avoid creating holes in the fabric.

Stitches Used

The Boston Pullover utilizes several fundamental knitting stitches to create its structure and visual interest:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch used throughout the body of the sweater, created by knitting on the right side rows and purling on the wrong side rows. This stitch produces the classic smooth, V-textured fabric that forms the main body of the pullover.
• K1, P1 Rib: Used for the initial ribbed cuff at the lower edge of the back piece, worked over 8 rows. Ribbing provides elasticity and helps the sweater maintain its shape.
• K2, P2 Rib: A more substantial ribbed pattern incorporated as the color-contrast element. The pattern specifies that the center 10 stitches are kept in k2, p2 rib using the contrasting color (CC) while the remaining 18 stitches are worked in stockinette stitch with the main color (MC). This creates a vertical striped detail down the center of the sweater.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Boston Pullover is designed to be knitted with Tahki Yarns RIPPLE, a 100% mercerized cotton yarn. Mercerized cotton is treated to enhance its luster, strength, and ability to accept dyes, making it ideal for vibrant, long-lasting garments. The yarn comes in 1.75-ounce balls with 142 yards of yardage per 50-gram ball.

The pattern calls for the following yarn quantities and colors:

• Main Color (MC): 5 to 10 balls in color #36 denim, depending on size (Small requires 5 balls; 3X requires 10 balls)
• Contrast Color (CC): 1 ball in color #35 dark denim, used for the ribbed center stripe and neckband

The denim and dark denim color combination creates a sophisticated, tonal striped effect that is both versatile and visually interesting.

Needles and Notions

The Boston Pullover requires size 7 (4.5mm) needles in two configurations. Straight needles or double-pointed needles of this size are used for the flat knitting of the body and sleeves. Additionally, a size 7 (4.5mm) circular needle measuring 16 inches long is needed for the neckband, which is worked in the round. The pattern also requires standard knitting notions including a stitch marker for marking the beginning of the neckband round, stitch holders for holding stitches during construction, and a yarn needle for seaming and finishing.

Gauge and Fit

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit. The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch. The center 10 stitches in k2, p2 rib using the contrasting color are worked as specified in the pattern. Knitters are advised to take time to check gauge before beginning the project to ensure the finished garment matches the intended measurements.

Construction Overview