Tahki Yarns Dunton Pullover Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Dunton Pullover

Product Overview

The Dunton Pullover is an intermediate-level knitted sweater designed by Rosemary Drysdale. This classic pullover is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed approach worked flat on straight needles, making it an excellent project for knitters developing their shaping and finishing skills. The pattern is available in seven sizes ranging from X-Small to 3XL, with finished bust measurements from 35½ inches to 58½ inches.

What Is Being Made

This is a fitted pullover sweater with a crew neckline. The garment features a structured silhouette with shaped armholes and a refined neckband finish. Finished length ranges from 22½ inches to 25½ inches depending on size, creating a standard pullover proportion suitable for layering or wearing as a standalone piece.

Construction Techniques

The Dunton Pullover employs a bottom-up seamed construction, meaning the body is knitted from the lower edge upward, with separate pieces that are later joined together. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing knitters to work back and forth in rows. This traditional approach provides excellent control over shaping and is ideal for achieving clean, professional results.

The pattern utilizes the three-needle bind-off technique as a special finishing method. This advanced seaming technique joins two pieces together simultaneously as you bind off, creating a strong, neat seam that is often used for shoulder joins. The pattern notes that this technique can be worked with right sides facing each other for a hidden seam, or with wrong sides facing for a decorative seam visible on the right side of the garment.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Dunton Pullover features two primary stitch patterns. The lower edge begins with K3, P3 Rib, worked for 10 rows to create an elastic, fitted cuff that helps the sweater maintain its shape. This ribbed section provides both functional stretch and visual definition at the hem.

The main body of the pullover is worked in Sand stitch, a textured stitch pattern that creates visual interest and subtle dimension throughout the garment. Sand stitch is a versatile pattern that works well with the yarn's characteristics and provides a professional, refined appearance suitable for everyday wear.

Shaping throughout the garment employs standard decreasing techniques. The pattern uses ssk (slip, slip, knit) decreases paired with knit two together (k2tog) decreases to shape the armholes symmetrically. These decreases are worked at the beginning of rows in a structured sequence, gradually reducing stitch counts to create properly proportioned armholes.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Dunton Pullover is designed to be knitted with Tahki Yarns Donegal Tweed Fine, a premium yarn blend consisting of 70% wool and 30% mohair. This fiber combination creates a yarn with excellent warmth, subtle sheen, and beautiful drape. Each skein contains 1.75 ounces and measures 218 yards, with yardage requirements ranging from 6 skeins for the smallest size to 9 skeins for the largest sizes. The pattern specifies color #2730 faded denim, a sophisticated blue-gray tone.

The recommended needle size is US 4 (3.5mm) straight needles for the main body, with a gauge of 25 stitches and 36 rows equaling 4 inches in Sand stitch. A US 4 (3.5mm) circular needle measuring 16 inches is used for the neckband. Additional supplies include stitch holders or waste yarn for holding stitches, a stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats, a safety pin for securing stitches during construction, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming.

Skill Level and Suitability

Rated as intermediate difficulty, the Dunton Pullover is appropriate for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle garment construction with shaping and seaming. The pattern requires competency with basic stitches, row counting, decreasing techniques, and seam finishing. The three-needle bind-off technique adds a professional touch and represents a valuable skill for advanced garment construction.