Tahki Yarns Brook Pullover & Unisex Pompom Hat Knitting

Tahki Yarns Brook Pullover & Unisex Pompom Hat

Pullover Overview

The Brook Pullover is a bottom-up knitted sweater designed by Rosemary Drysdale, featuring an intricate cable pattern worked flat on straight needles. This unisex pullover is available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X, with finished bust measurements from 35 inches (89 cm) to 58½ inches (148.5 cm) and lengths from 22¾ inches (58 cm) to 28½ inches (72.5 cm). The garment uses a seamed construction, making it an excellent project for knitters seeking to develop shaping and finishing skills.

Pullover Materials & Yarn Specifications

The pullover is crafted using Tahki Yarns TARA TWEED, a durable blend of 80% wool and 20% nylon that provides both warmth and resilience. The main color (MC) requires 6 to 11 balls depending on size, while the contrasting color (CC) requires 2 to 3 balls. Each ball weighs 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and yields 122 yards (113 meters). The pattern calls for two pairs of straight needles—size 8 (5mm) needles for the main fabric and size 7 (4.5mm) needles for ribbed sections—plus a 16-inch (40 cm) circular needle in size 7 (4.5mm) for the neckband. A cable needle is essential for executing the cable stitches throughout the design.

Pullover Techniques & Stitches

The Brook Pullover employs several key knitting techniques to create visual interest and structure:

• Cable Stitches: The pattern features cable crosses including C4B (cable 4 back) and Tw4B/Tw4F (twisted cable 4 back and twisted cable 4 front), which create the signature textured appearance of the sweater
• Ribbing: K1, p1 ribbing provides elasticity at cuffs and the neckline, worked on smaller needles to create a snug fit
• Stockinette Stitch: Used in combination with cables to create a balanced fabric with smooth purl and knit sections
• Seamed Construction: Pieces are knitted flat and then sewn together, allowing for precise shaping and professional finishing
• Bottom-Up Assembly: The sweater is constructed beginning at the lower edge and working upward, a method that allows for easy length adjustments

The cable pattern repeat creates a complex, textured fabric that requires careful attention to stitch placement and cable crossings. Gauge is critical: the cable pattern should measure 17 stitches and 22 rows to 4 inches (10 cm) on larger needles, while ribbing should measure 17 stitches and 24 rows to 4 inches (10 cm) on smaller needles.

Unisex Pompom Hat Overview

The companion Unisex Pompom Hat is a coordinating project that works up in one size with a finished circumference of 21 inches (53.5 cm) and a height of 11 inches (28 cm) before the brim is turned up. This hat is designed to complement the pullover while remaining a standalone project suitable for knitters of varying skill levels.

Hat Materials & Yarn Specifications

The pompom hat uses the same Tahki Yarns TARA TWEED yarn in two colorway options. The first option combines 2 balls of color #21 mushroom (MC) with 1 ball of color #24 dark mushroom (CC), matching the pullover's color scheme. Alternatively, knitters may choose 2 balls of color #28 pine tweed (MC) with 1 ball of color #21 mushroom (CC) for a different aesthetic. The hat requires a 16-inch (40 cm) circular needle in size 7 (4.5mm) and a set of size 7 (4.5mm) double-pointed needles (dpns) for working the crown decreases. A pompom maker is needed to create the finished embellishment.

Hat Techniques & Stitches

The hat is worked in the round using circular and double-pointed needles, a technique that eliminates the need for seaming. The primary stitch is stockinette stitch in the round, which creates a smooth, classic fabric. Gauge