Tahki Yarns Poplar Pullover Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Poplar Pullover

What is Being Made

The Poplar Pullover is a classic knitted sweater designed by Andi Javori. This pullover is available in five sizes ranging from Small to 2X, with finished bust measurements from 41 inches (104 cm) to 57 inches (145 cm) and lengths from 25 inches (63.5 cm) to 29 inches (73.5 cm). The sweater features a contemporary striped design that combines two coordinating cotton yarns for visual interest and texture.

Techniques Used

The Poplar Pullover employs several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginner-level knitters. The garment is worked flat on straight needles, meaning the front and back pieces are knitted separately in rows rather than in the round. The finished pieces are then seamed together using a yarn needle to create the completed pullover. The design features horizontal stripes created by alternating between two yarn colors throughout the knitting process, adding visual depth and design complexity to the finished piece.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure is Stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with characteristic V-shaped rows on the front and bumpy texture on the back. The pattern incorporates several fundamental shaping techniques including K2tog (knit 2 together) for right-leaning decreases, SKP (slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over) for left-leaning decreases, and ssk (slip, slip, knit) as an alternative left-leaning decrease method. Increases are worked using M1L (Make 1 left) and M1R (Make 1 right) techniques, which create nearly invisible increases by lifting the strand between stitches and working through the back loop. These shaping techniques are used strategically to create the pullover's fitted silhouette and neckline shaping.

Materials and Gauge

The Poplar Pullover is knitted using Tahki Yarns COTTON CLASSIC, a 100% mercerized cotton yarn available in two distinct colorways for this design. The main color (A) is COTTON CLASSIC in color #3001 white, with yardage requirements of 7 to 11 skeins depending on size. The contrasting stripe color (B) is COTTON CLASSIC TWIST in color #5737 sherbet, requiring 4 to 6 skeins. Each skein contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and provides 108 yards (100 meters) of yarn.

The pattern is worked on US size 8 (5mm) straight needles for the main body pieces. A US size 8 (5mm) circular needle measuring 24 inches (60 cm) is used for working the neckband. The required gauge is 18 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch. Knitters are strongly advised to knit a gauge swatch and measure it carefully before beginning the project to ensure proper fit. Additional supplies include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a yarn needle for seaming the finished pieces together.

Design Details

The pullover features a classic crew neckline that is shaped through strategic decreases at the neck edge. The armholes are created by binding off stitches and then working decreases to create a fitted sleeve cap. The pattern uses both sides of the fabric simultaneously during shoulder shaping, a technique that allows for symmetrical decreases on both shoulders. The finished pullover provides a comfortable, classic fit suitable for everyday wear, with the cotton yarn providing breathability and a soft hand feel ideal for warm-weather knitting projects.