The varied cables of the Alder Pullover are reminiscent of the catkins of this sweater’s namesake, the alder tree. Worked in pieces from the bottom up, the asymmetrical body pattern looks complex but consists of just four cables, making the knitting surprisingly easy and enjoyable.

Difficulty Intermediate

Yarn Weight 4

Finished Size 33 (36½, 39½, 44, 47½, 50½, 55, 58½)“ circumference at underarm. Pullover shown measures 36½”.

Yarn Ancient Arts Fibre Crafts Lascaux Worsted (75% Punta Arenas wool, 25% Manx Loaghtan wool; 220 yd 201 m/3½ oz 100 g): Douglas Fir, 7 (7, 8, 8, 9, 9, 10, 11) skeins.

Needles Size 7 (4.5 mm): 16” and 32” circular (cir). Size 8 (5 mm): 32” cir. Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Notions Markers (m); removable m; cable needle (cn); stitch holder; waste yarn for tubular CO; tapestry needle.

Gauge 20 sts and 27 rows = 4” in rev St st on larger needle; 36-st cable panel = 5½“ wide.

NOTES

• This pullover is worked back and forth in pieces from the bottom up, then seamed. Lower edges begin with a tubular cast-on. The neckband is finished with a tubular bind-off to match.

• A circular needle is used to accommodate the large number of stitches.