Tahki Yarns Sombra Pullover Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Sombra Pullover

What is Being Made

The Sombra Pullover is a knitted sweater designed by Rosemary Drysdale, available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X. This pullover features a classic crew neckline and is constructed with striking cable panel details. The finished bust measurements range from 39 inches (99 cm) for the Small size to 58¼ inches (148 cm) for the 3X size, with lengths varying from 19 inches (48.5 cm) to 22 inches (56 cm) depending on the selected size.

Techniques Used

The Sombra Pullover employs several intermediate-level knitting techniques that create visual interest and texture throughout the garment. The sweater is worked flat on straight needles, meaning the front and back pieces are knitted separately in flat rows rather than in the round. The construction method is bottom-up, beginning with the ribbed lower edge and progressing upward toward the shoulders and neckline. Individual pieces are then seamed together using a yarn needle to create the finished garment. The neckband is worked separately on a circular needle and joined using the three-needle bind-off technique, which simultaneously binds off and joins two pieces of knitting together.

Stitches Used

The pattern incorporates multiple stitch types to achieve its distinctive appearance. Stockinette stitch forms the primary fabric base, creating a smooth, classic knit surface. Moss stitch is used in specific areas, providing a textured, bumpy appearance that contrasts with the stockinette sections. The pattern features three distinct cable panels:

• Left Cable (6-stitch panel): A 6-stitch cable that measures 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, created using Cable 4 Front (C4F) crossings to produce the characteristic twisted rope effect
• Right Cable (6-stitch panel): A mirror image of the Left Cable, using Cable 4 Back (C4B) crossings to twist in the opposite direction
• Diamond Cable (25-stitch panel): A more complex cable panel measuring 4 inches (10 cm) wide, combining multiple cable crossings with reverse stockinette stitch to create a diamond-shaped motif

Cable stitches are created by slipping stitches temporarily onto a cable needle, holding them to the front or back of the work, and then knitting subsequent stitches before working the held stitches. This technique creates the twisted, rope-like appearance characteristic of cable knit sweaters.

Materials

The Sombra Pullover is knitted using Tahki Yarns Malibu, a 100% mercerized cotton yarn. Mercerized cotton provides a lustrous finish and excellent drape, making it ideal for warm-weather garments. The yardage per ball is 169 yards (155 meters), with each ball weighing 1.75 ounces (50 grams). The pattern calls for 8 to 14 balls depending on the size selected, with larger sizes requiring proportionally more yarn. The recommended color is #04 grey, though the pattern may be worked in other Malibu colorways.

Knitting needles required include one pair of size 8 (5mm) needles for the main body, which are used to achieve the specified gauge of 21 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. A size 7 (4.5mm) circular needle measuring 16 inches (40 cm) is used for the neckband ribbing. Additional tools include a cable needle for manipulating cable stitches, stitch markers to denote pattern repeats and shaping points, stitch holders to temporarily hold stitches during construction, and a yarn needle for seaming the finished pieces together and weaving in yarn ends.

Gauge and Finishing

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit. The pattern specifies 21 stitches and 28 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch when worked on size 8 (5mm) needles. The Left Cable panel measures 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, while the Diamond Cable panel measures 4 inches (10 cm) wide. Knitters are advised to take time to check gauges before beginning the project to ensure the finished sweater matches the intended measurements.