Trendsetter Yarns F Holika - Openwork Diamond Cable Pullover

Trendsetter Yarns F Holika - Openwork Diamond Cable Pullover

Project Overview

The Trendsetter Yarns F Holika Openwork Diamond Cable Pullover is a sophisticated knitted sweater designed by Barry Klein, featuring an intricate openwork diamond cable pattern. This pullover combines classic stockinette stitch with decorative eyelet and cable work, creating a striking visual design suitable for intermediate to advanced knitters. The garment is worked flat from the bottom up and seamed together, available in four sizes ranging from small (34") to extra-large (46"), with finished dimensions approximately 3 inches larger than the stated size.

What Is Being Made

This is a crew-neck pullover sweater constructed using a bottom-up seamed construction method. The design features a diamond eyelet cable pattern as the primary decorative element, worked across the back and front panels. The pullover includes ribbed edging at the lower hem and armholes, providing structure and a classic finished appearance. The pattern accommodates four finished bust sizes: small (34"), medium (38"), large (42"), and extra-large (46").

Techniques Used

• Bottom-up construction: The sweater is built starting from the cast-on edge at the hem, working upward toward the shoulders and neckline
• Flat knitting: All pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for easier pattern work and shaping
• Seaming: Individual pieces (back, front, sleeves) are knitted separately and then seamed together to create the finished garment
• Lace and eyelet work: The diamond eyelet cable pattern incorporates yarn overs and decreases to create openwork sections that form decorative diamond shapes
• Cable techniques: Cable stitches are worked using a cable needle, with stitches slipped to the cable needle and held while other stitches are knitted, then the held stitches are worked to create twisted rope-like textures
• Armhole shaping: Square armholes are created by binding off stitches at the beginning of rows, providing a structured fit at the shoulders

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (Stock St.): The foundation stitch used throughout the garment. Stockinette is created by knitting all stitches on right-side rows and purling all stitches on wrong-side rows, producing a smooth, V-textured fabric
• Ribbed Stitch (Rib St.): An alternating knit and purl pattern (K1, P1) worked over 2 inches at the lower edge. Ribbing provides elasticity and helps the garment cling to the body at the hem
• Diamond Eyelet Cable Stitch: A complex 16-row repeat pattern combining multiple techniques. This stitch features:
  • Yarn overs (Yo) that create decorative holes and openwork sections
  • Single decreases (SSK and K2-tog) that balance yarn overs and shape the diamond pattern
  • Double decreases (DMD) for more pronounced shaping within the diamond motifs
  • Cable crosses worked with a cable needle, creating twisted stitch elements that add textural interest
  • The pattern repeats across the width of the garment, creating an allover diamond cable design

Materials and Tools

Yarn: Trendsetter Yarns Holika, color #1413, used in quantities of 5, 6, 7, or 8 skeins (50 grams each) depending on size. This yarn weight and fiber content support the gauge and drape required for the openwork pattern.

Needles: US size #7 and #8 needles. Size #7 needles are used for the ribbed edging to create a tighter, more elastic cuff, while size #8 needles are used for the main body to achieve the correct gauge and allow the openwork pattern to display properly.

Additional tools: A cable needle is required for working the cable crosses within the diamond eyelet cable pattern.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 18 stitches and 4 inches using US size #8 needles and Trendsetter Yarns Holika in stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for the garment to fit as intended. The pullover is available in