Tahki Yarns Portico Hoodie and Crew Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Portico Hoodie and Crew

What Is Being Made

The Portico Hoodie and Crew is a versatile knitted sweater pattern designed by Vera Keller-Hum that offers two neckline options: a hoodie version with a drawstring hood or a classic crew neck. This garment is available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X, with finished bust measurements from 34½ inches (87.5 cm) to 55 inches (139.5 cm) and lengths from 20½ inches (52 cm) to 23 inches (58.5 cm). The pattern accommodates various body types and provides options for different style preferences.

Knitting Techniques

The Portico sweater employs a combination of construction methods to create a well-fitted garment. The pattern uses bottom-up construction, meaning the sweater is knitted starting from the lower edge and working upward toward the shoulders and neckline. The body is worked in the round using circular needles, which creates seamless fabric and allows for efficient stitch management. Additionally, sections are worked flat as needed for shaping and neckline finishing. This hybrid approach combines the advantages of seamless knitting with the flexibility of flat construction where necessary.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the Portico sweater is Stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a recognizable V-pattern texture. The pattern incorporates ribbed stitch details, specifically a combination of knit and purl stitches arranged as [p2, k1] repeats, which provide structure and elasticity at key areas such as the neckline and waistband. Decreases are worked using standard knitting techniques including K2tog (knit 2 together) and ssk or ssp (slip, slip, knit or purl), which are used to shape the armholes and create fitted shaping. The pattern also employs a Three-Needle Bind-Off technique for joining shoulders, which creates a strong, professional seam.

Materials and Gauge

The Portico Hoodie and Crew is designed to be knitted with Tahki Yarns Cotton Ball, a 100% organic cotton yarn. For the hoodie version, knitters will need 8 to 13 balls depending on size, while the crew neck version requires 6 to 10 balls. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and approximately 117 yards (107 meters) of yarn. The pattern calls for the yarn in color #05 powder blue, though the cotton fiber content suggests this pattern would work with any color of Cotton Ball yarn.

The pattern requires two circular needles: one size 6 (4mm) needle and one size 9 (5.5mm) needle, both 24 inches (60 cm) in length. The larger needle is used for the main body, while the smaller needle is typically used for ribbed edgings. The gauge is 19½ stitches and 26 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) when working Stockinette stitch on the larger needle. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements, and knitters are advised to knit a gauge swatch before beginning the project.

Additional supplies needed include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction points, stitch holders for temporarily holding stitches, waste yarn for placing stitches aside during construction, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming if necessary.

Construction Details

The sweater body is constructed by casting on stitches and working in the round from the bottom edge upward. The pattern establishes stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping sections. At approximately 13 inches (33 cm) from the cast-on edge, the knitter divides the work to separate the front and back pieces. The back is worked first, with shaping decreases worked at the armhole edges using the specified decrease techniques. The front follows similar shaping, with additional considerations for the neckline opening. This modular approach allows for precise fit and professional finishing.