Tahki Yarns Oakley Pullover Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Oakley Pullover

What is Being Made

The Oakley Pullover is a classic crewneck sweater designed by Rosemary Drysdale, offered in six sizes ranging from XS to 2XL. The garment features a relaxed fit with 4–6 inches of positive ease and finished lengths varying from 21¾ inches (XS) to 25¼ inches (2XL). The sample shown is knitted in size Medium with a finished bust measurement of 38½ inches. This pullover is an excellent beginner-friendly project, making it accessible to knitters new to garment construction.

Techniques Used

The Oakley Pullover is constructed using seamed construction, with pieces worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round. The design incorporates horizontal stripes as a primary design element, adding visual interest and color variation to the finished garment. The sweater is built in distinct sections—back, front, and sleeves—which are then seamed together. This modular approach is typical of beginner patterns and allows knitters to manage their work more easily. The neckband is worked separately using a circular needle, providing a finished, professional edge.

Stitches Used

The Oakley Pullover employs fundamental knitting stitches suitable for beginners. The ribbing at the lower edge is worked in K1, P1 Rib for 6 rows, creating an elastic, fitted edge that helps the sweater maintain its shape. The main body is constructed in Stockinette stitch, which produces a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance on the right side and a bumpy texture on the wrong side. Stockinette stitch is the most commonly used stitch in sweater knitting and is worked by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side. The stripe pattern is created by changing yarn colors while continuing to work in Stockinette stitch, allowing the color blocks to create horizontal bands across the garment.

Materials and Specifications

The Oakley Pullover is designed to be knitted with Tahki Yarns Superwash Merino Bulky, a 100% superwash merino wool yarn. Each hank weighs 3.5 ounces (100 grams) and yields 109 yards (100 meters). Yarn quantities vary by size: XS, Small, and Medium require 2 hanks of the main color (dark grey, color #47), while larger sizes require 3–4 hanks. The secondary stripe colors—deep teal (color #11) and turquoise (color #10)—are used in smaller quantities, with 2 hanks of deep teal needed for most sizes and 2 hanks of turquoise for all sizes.

The pattern calls for size 11 (8mm) needles for the main body pieces. A size 11 (8mm) circular needle measuring 24 inches (60 centimeters) is used for the neckband. The recommended gauge is 11½ stitches and 16 rows per 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Stockinette stitch. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished garment matches the intended measurements. Additional supplies include stitch markers, a safety pin or locking stitch marker, a stitch holder for holding stitches temporarily, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming pieces together.

Construction Details

The back piece is cast on with the specified number of stitches depending on size, then worked in K1, P1 Rib for 6 rows. After the ribbed cuff, the piece transitions to Stockinette stitch and is worked for 10 rows before the first color change. The stripe pattern continues until the piece reaches the armhole shaping point at approximately 15–15½ inches from the cast-on edge. Armholes are shaped by casting on 3 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows, creating a structured armhole opening. Shoulder shaping is then worked by binding off stitches in stages across multiple rows, with the exact number of bind-off stitches varying by size. The remaining stitches are placed on a holder for the back neck, which will later be joined to the neckband.