Design note: A top-down, raglan yoke pullover with repeating cable panels that read beautifully in a lightweight sport/fingering-sport blend. The construction is seamless in the round after the yoke is worked flat in rows, with gentle shaping and optional waist shaping. The fabric is open enough to be lightweight yet structured so cables remain defined.
Sizes (bust, finished): XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X) = 34(38,42,46,50,54,58) in / 86(97,107,117,127,137,147) cm. Suggested ease: 0–4 in / 0–10 cm depending on desired fit.
Sport/light DK weight yarn recommended — a wool/silk or wool/nylon blend with good stitch definition works best for cables.
Notes on conversions: The UK "old" sizes are approximate equivalents; always swatch to determine correct metric needle for your tension.
22 sts and 28 rows = 10 cm / 4 in in cable pattern on 4.5 mm (US 7) after blocking. Accurate gauge is important for fit; work a 15 x 15 cm swatch with cable pattern and block the swatch before measuring.
Repeat the 16-st cable motif across each cable panel. Work over an even number of rows; twist cables every 8 rows.
Row 1 (RS): *k2, p2, k8, p2* repeat to end Row 2 (WS) and all WS rows: knit the knits, purl the purls (i.e., k2, p2, k8, p2 becomes p2, k2, p8, k2 on WS) Row 3: *k2, p2, k8, p2* Row 4: WS pattern as Row 2 Row 5: *k2, p2, C4B, C4F, p2* (this creates a 8-st central cable: C4B then C4F) Row 6: WS pattern Row 7: *k2, p2, k8, p2* Row 8: WS pattern Repeat Rows 1–8 for pattern; on every 8th row (i.e., Row 5) perform cable crosses C4B then C4F across the center 8 sts.
Overview: The yoke has symmetrical cable panels arranged around the raglan lines. The raglan increases are worked on RS rows only to create smooth shaping.
Yoke schematic (counts are example; adjust to size): 8-row cable repeat in panels separated by plain stockinette between raglan markers.
Using smaller needles (3.75 mm / US 5): Cast on 160 (176, 192, 208, 224, 240, 256) sts using a stretchy cast-on. Do not join; work flat for yoke rows. Place markers as follows:
These numbers are a guide; you will place cable panels within the sleeve and body sections as follows: Each sleeve contains one cable panel (16 sts), each front and back contains multiple cable panels spaced with reverse-st/stockinette sections.
Work k2, p2 rib for 6 rows on 3.75 mm needles to form neck rib. Continue in pattern and begin raglan increase rows as follows (these increases shape the yoke and are worked on RS rows only):
Repeat Increase Rows every 4th row (i.e., every RS row of a 4-row repeat) until you reach the stitch counts for the underarm separation: increase until there are approx the following total stitches: XS 220 (S 244, M 268, L 292, XL 316, 2X 340, 3X 364) — this is approximate; work until yoke depth measures 8.5(9,9.5,10,10.5,11,11.5) in / 22(23,24,25,26,28,29) cm from cast-on, or until you reach desired yoke depth.
When yoke depth is reached, place sleeve stitches on waste yarn or stitch holders: slip sleeve sections to holders (each sleeve contains the sleeve marker plus the stitches between markers that were designated as sleeve sts earlier). Join body stitches in the round, being careful to align cable panels. Switch to larger needles (4.5 mm / US 7) and join to work in the round. Place a marker at the beginning of the round.
Work the cable pattern across the body panels, maintaining the established chart. Work until desired body length from underarm to hem: 16(17,18,19,20,21,22) in / 41(43,46,48,51,53,56) cm for a standard length, or adjust for sweater crop or tunic length. Optional waist shaping: decrease 1 st either side of each side seam every 6–8 in (15–20 cm) twice for a subtle taper.
Place sleeve stitches on needles: using 4.5 mm, pick up held stitches and join in the round. Re-establish cable pattern so the sleeve cable sits centered on the front of the arm. For a fitted sleeve, decrease 0(0,2,2,4,6,6) sts evenly in the first 2 in / 5 cm, then work even until sleeve measures 16(16.5,17,17.5,18,18.5,19) in / 41(42,43,44,46,47,48) from underarm; for a looser sleeve add 2–4 in / 5–10 cm. Finish with 6 rows 1x1 rib in 3.75 mm needles and bind off loosely in pattern.
If you prefer a turned neckband: pick up stitches around the neckline with 3.75 mm needles (pick up approx 80% of cast-on edge to prevent collar flaring). Work 1x1 rib for 1 in / 2.5 cm and bind off loosely. Alternatively, work a short rolled neck by knitting in 3.75 mm for 6 rows and binding off.
Cast on 192 sts (size M), follow marker setup as shown above. Work rib, then raglan increases every RS row until yoke 9.5 in. Separate sleeves (approx 56 sts each), join body (remaining sts), switch to 4.5 mm. Body to 18 in from underarm. Sleeves: pick up 56 sts, work to 17 in, 6 rows 1x1 rib on 3.75 mm, bind off loosely.
If you have pattern questions or need a chart PDF, contact support at team@verde.uk. Pattern hosted at https://purljam.verde.uk. Share your makes with the community on socials: #purljam.
Happy knitting — take your time with the cable crossings, enjoy the rhythm, and block each piece gently for best definition.