Tahki Yarns Los Angeles Pullover Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Los Angeles Pullover

What Is Being Made

The Los Angeles Pullover is a knitted sweater designed by Rosemary Drysdale. This pullover features a classic crew neckline and is available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X, with finished bust measurements from 33 inches (84 cm) to 58 inches (147.5 cm) and lengths from 22½ inches (57 cm) to 25 inches (63.5 cm). The garment is constructed using a bottom-up construction method, making it an ideal project for knitters who prefer to work from the hem upward.

Techniques Used

This pullover employs several key knitting techniques to create its finished structure:

• Bottom-up construction: The back and front pieces are worked separately from the cast-on edge upward, then joined at the shoulder seams, allowing for easy customization of length during the knitting process.
• Worked flat: The main body pieces are worked flat on straight needles in rows, providing straightforward shaping and pattern control.
• Lace patterning: The garment incorporates a repeating lace stitch pattern that adds visual interest and texture throughout the piece.
• Seamed construction: Side seams and sleeve seams are sewn together after all pieces are completed, creating clean, professional-looking seams.
• Top-down sleeve cap: Stitches for the sleeves are picked up along the armhole edges and worked downward from the top, eliminating the need for complex cap shaping.
• In-the-round neckband: The neckband is worked in the round using a circular needle, providing a neat, finished neck edge.

Stitches Used

The Los Angeles Pullover utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined with decorative lace elements:

• Knit and purl stitches: Form the foundation of the garment structure.
• Yarn overs (yo): Create the openwork characteristic of the lace pattern, adding drape and breathability to the fabric.
• SK2P (slip, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over): A left-leaning double decrease that pairs with yarn overs to maintain stitch count and create the lace motif. The pattern notes emphasize keeping yarn overs and their corresponding decreases balanced throughout the piece.
• Pattern stitch: A repeating six-stitch multiple (plus 3 stitches) worked over two rows. Row 1 is worked entirely in knit on the right side, while Row 2 (wrong side) alternates knit three stitches with a yarn over, double decrease, yarn over sequence across the row.

Materials

The Los Angeles Pullover is designed to be worked with specific materials that contribute to its drape and wearability:

• Yarn: Tahki Yarns Cotton Classic Lite, a 100% mercerized cotton yarn. Yardage requirements range from 6 skeins for the smallest size to 11 skeins for the largest size. Each skein contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and provides 146 yards (135 meters) of yarn. The pattern specifies color #4302 pumpkin.
• Needles: One pair of size 6 (4mm) straight needles for working the flat pieces, plus one size 6 (4mm) circular needle measuring 16 inches (40 cm) long for the neckband.
• Gauge: 19½ stitches and 26 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm) in pattern stitch after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements.
• Additional supplies: Stitch holders and markers for managing stitches during construction, and a yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends.

Pattern Notes

The pattern emphasizes several important considerations for successful completion. Knitters should take time to check gauge before beginning, as this directly affects the final fit. When shaping the garment, maintaining the lace pattern is crucial—the designer notes that yarn overs must have corresponding decreases to keep the stitch count accurate, sometimes requiring single decreases rather than double decreases. All pieces should be blocked to measurements before seaming to ensure proper dimensions and an even fabric appearance.