Tahki Yarns Westerly Pullover Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Westerly Pullover

Project Overview

The Westerly Pullover is an intermediate-level knitted sweater designed by Susan Baron. This pullover is constructed using the seamed, worked-flat technique, making it an accessible project for knitters with some experience who are ready to tackle garment shaping and assembly. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and includes six size options ranging from Small through 3X to accommodate various body measurements.

What Is Being Made

The Westerly Pullover is a classic pullover sweater with raglan shaping. The garment features set-in sleeves and a crew neckline finished with a ribbed neckband. The pullover is designed to fit with 1–3 inches of positive ease, providing a comfortable, slightly relaxed fit. Available in six sizes, the bust measurements range from 34½ inches (Small) to 55 inches (3X), with corresponding lengths from 23 inches to 27¾ inches, allowing for customization across multiple body types.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs seamed construction, meaning the front, back, and sleeves are knitted as separate flat pieces and then sewn together. The worked-flat approach uses straight needles rather than circular needles for the main body sections, making this an excellent project for knitters who prefer traditional flat knitting methods. The garment features raglan shaping, which involves strategic decreases that create diagonal lines from the underarm to the neckline, resulting in a flattering, modern silhouette. The neckband is worked on a circular needle after the body is complete, allowing for a professional, finished edge.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern used throughout the Westerly Pullover is the Mesh stitch, which creates an open, textured fabric with visual interest. The pattern also incorporates Garter stitch for the sleeve cuffs, providing a stable, elastic edge that helps the sleeves maintain their shape. Additional fundamental stitches include knit and purl stitches, along with shaping techniques such as ssk (slip, slip, knit) and k2tog (knit two together) for decreases, and M1L (Make 1 Left) for increases. These stitch combinations create both structural integrity and decorative texture.

Materials and Gauge

The Westerly Pullover is designed to be worked in Tahki Yarns Cotton Classic, a 100% mercerized cotton yarn. Depending on size, the pattern requires between 9 and 16 skeins, with each skein containing 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and yielding 108 yards (100 meters). This natural fiber choice makes the pullover ideal for warm-weather wear or layering.

The pattern calls for US size 4 (3.5mm) needles for the main body and US size 6 (4mm) needles for the ribbing and neckband. The gauge is 14 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Mesh stitch using the smaller needles, after blocking. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, and the pattern emphasizes taking time to check gauge before beginning.

Additional Notions

Beyond yarn and needles, the pattern requires a US size 6 (4mm) circular needle measuring 16 inches (40 centimeters) for working the neckband, a stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a yarn needle for seaming the pieces together and weaving in ends.