Tahki Yarns Penrose Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Penrose Sweater

What is Being Made

The Penrose is a knitted sweater designed by Joan Forgione, available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X. This intermediate-level pattern produces a finished garment with a bust measurement of 35½ inches (Small) up to 51 inches (3X), with a length varying from 21 inches to 23½ inches depending on size. The sweater is constructed as a classic pullover style suitable for warm-weather wear.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Penrose sweater is worked flat on straight needles and assembled using the seamed construction method. The garment is built bottom-up, meaning knitting begins at the lower edge and progresses toward the neckline. This traditional approach allows for straightforward shaping and fitting adjustments as the piece develops. The pattern includes strategic increases and decreases to shape the body and neckline, with increases incorporated into the established stitch pattern as the knitter progresses.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The primary stitch pattern used throughout the Penrose is Garter Rib, a textured stitch that combines knit and purl elements. Garter Rib is worked over a multiple of 2 stitches plus 1, alternating between knit rows and rows of alternating knit and purl stitches (K1, P1 ribbing). This creates a fabric with visual interest and elasticity, making it ideal for a fitted sweater.

The pattern incorporates yarn overs for decorative shaping, which are worked through the back loop to properly close each stitch. Decreases are worked using the K2tog (knit two together) technique to shape the neckline and armholes. Stitch markers are used strategically throughout to help track pattern repeats and shaping points, particularly around the neck edge where multiple decreases occur in sequence.

Materials and Gauge

The Penrose is designed to be worked in Tahki Yarns Cotton Classic Lite, a 100% mercerized cotton yarn. Depending on size, the pattern requires 6 to 8 skeins of yarn, with each skein containing 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and yielding 146 yards (133 meters). The mercerized cotton fiber provides a smooth, lustrous finish with excellent drape, making it particularly suitable for warm-weather garments.

The pattern is worked on size 4 (3.5mm) needles, or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge. The required gauge is 25 stitches and 36 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Garter Rib. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements. Additional materials needed include stitch markers for tracking pattern placement and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming the finished pieces together.