Tahki Yarns Oak Harbor Pullover Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Oak Harbor Pullover

What is Being Made

The Oak Harbor Pullover is an intermediate-level knitted sweater designed by Mary Beth Kelso. This pullover is available in five sizes ranging from Small to 2XL, with finished bust measurements from 41 inches (104cm) to 57½ inches (146cm) and lengths from 22½ inches (57cm) to 24½ inches (62cm). The garment is constructed using a bottom-up seamed method worked flat on circular needles, making it an accessible project for knitters with some experience.

Techniques Used

The Oak Harbor Pullover employs several key knitting techniques that contribute to its intermediate difficulty level. The sweater is worked flat on circular needles rather than in the round, which allows knitters to work back and forth in rows. The construction follows a bottom-up approach, meaning the body is knitted starting from the cast-on edge at the hem and progressing upward toward the armholes and shoulders. The finished pieces are then seamed together, creating clean, professional-looking joins.

The pattern incorporates cable stitches as a primary design element, adding textural interest and visual depth to the pullover. The pattern utilizes stitch charts to guide the cable placement and patterning throughout the garment. Gauge adjustments are made throughout the knitting process by changing needle sizes to accommodate different stitch patterns, a technique that requires attention to pattern instructions and gauge swatching.

Stitches Used

The Oak Harbor Pullover uses a variety of fundamental and intermediate stitches. The pattern begins with Garter stitch, which is worked for 16 rows at the lower edge to create a stable, textured hem. The main body incorporates cable stitches as indicated by the Body Chart, which provides visual guidance for cable placement and crossing.

Shaping techniques include several decrease methods: K2tog (knit 2 together), ssk (slip, slip, knit), and P3tog (purl 3 together) for various shaping requirements. The pattern also uses M1L (Make 1 Left) increases to add stitches where needed. Yarn overs (yo) may be incorporated as part of the stitch pattern details. A neckband is worked separately, likely using ribbing or another elastic stitch to finish the neck opening neatly.

Materials and Tools

The Oak Harbor Pullover is knitted using Tahki Yarns Coronado, a luxurious blend of 90% cotton and 10% silk. This fiber content creates a breathable, elegant fabric with a subtle sheen. The yardage requirements range from 9 balls for the smallest size to 13 balls for the largest size. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and yields 121 yards (110 meters), providing approximately 1,089 to 1,573 total yards depending on size selection. The pattern is worked in color #16 silver, a neutral shade suitable for versatile styling.

The project requires multiple circular needles in different sizes to manage gauge changes throughout the pattern. Knitters will need size 6 (4mm) circular needles in both 24-inch (60cm) and 32-inch (80cm) lengths for the main body sections, as well as a 16-inch (40cm) size 6 circular needle specifically for the neckband. A size 8 (5mm) circular needle in 24-inch (60cm) or 32-inch (89cm) length is also required for sections where a larger gauge is needed. Additional supplies include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a yarn needle for seaming the finished pieces and weaving in ends.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 19 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches (10cm) in the combined stitch patterns on the larger needles. An important note for knitters: the gauge before blocking will be tighter than the target gauge. For best results, the pattern recommends wet blocking the swatch to allow the stitch patterns, particularly the cables, to fully open up and relax to their intended dimensions. This blocking step is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements and ensuring the sweater fits as designed.