The Ember & Ash High Neck Pullover: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Asymmetrical Sweater

The Ember & Ash High Neck Pullover: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Asymmetrical Sweater

Wrap yourself in the cozy, sculptural warmth of the Ember & Ash Pullover, featuring a dramatic high neck and a unique asymmetrical hem. This free knitting pattern uses a combination of slipped stitches and broken ribbing to create a fabric that is both visually intriguing and incredibly comfortable. The interplay of two earthy, heathered tones—a deep dusty charcoal and a warm rusted terracotta—creates a modern, architectural look that is perfect for layering. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or looking for your next challenging project, this sweater offers a rewarding experience with stunning results.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (Category 4). Shown in Malabrigo Rios in 'Dusty' (Color A, 2 skeins) and 'Piedras' (Color B, 2 skeins). Approximately 1200-1400 yards total.
• Needles: US 8 (5.0 mm) 32-inch circular needle for body and sleeves, US 7 (4.5 mm) 16-inch circular needle for neckband.
• Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle.
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in Broken Rib pattern (knit 1, purl 1 ribbing, but working the knit stitches on every row) after blocking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sizes & Fit

Sizes: S (M, L, XL, 2XL). Finished chest circumference: 36 (40, 44, 48, 52) inches. Designed to be worn with 2-4 inches of positive ease.

Stitch Patterns

• Broken Rib (worked flat): Row 1 (RS): *K1, P1; repeat from * to end. Row 2 (WS): Knit all stitches. Repeat these 2 rows.
• Slipped Stitch Pattern (worked in the round): Round 1: *Slip 1 purlwise with yarn in back, K1; repeat from * to end. Round 2: Knit all stitches. Repeat these 2 rounds.

Back

With Color A and larger needle, cast on 81 (89, 97, 105, 113) stitches.
Work in Broken Rib pattern for 2 inches, ending after a WS row.
Switch to Color B. Continue in Broken Rib pattern until piece measures 15 (15.5, 16, 16.5, 17) inches from cast-on edge, ending after a WS row.
Shape Shoulders: Bind off 8 (9, 10, 11, 12) stitches at beginning of next 4 rows, then bind off 9 (10, 11, 12, 13) stitches at beginning of next 2 rows. Bind off remaining 23 (23, 23, 25, 25) stitches for back neck.

Front

Work as for back until piece measures 12 (12.5, 13, 13.5, 14) inches from cast-on edge, ending after a WS row.
Shape Neck: Work 34 (37, 40, 43, 46) stitches in pattern, join a second ball of yarn and bind off center 13 (15, 15, 17, 17) stitches, work to end. Working both sides simultaneously, decrease 1 stitch at each neck edge every RS row 4 times. Work even until piece matches back shoulder shaping. Shape shoulders as for back.

Sleeves (make 2)

With Color A and larger needle, cast on 37 (39, 41, 43, 45) stitches.
Work in Broken Rib pattern for 2 inches, ending after a WS row.
Switch to Color B. Continue in Broken Rib pattern, increasing 1 stitch at each end of every 6th row 12 (13, 14, 15, 16) times. Work even until sleeve measures 18 (18.5, 19, 19.5, 20) inches from cast-on edge. Bind off all stitches loosely.

Finishing

Sew shoulder seams. Set in sleeves, matching center of sleeve to shoulder seam. Sew side and sleeve seams.

Neckband

With smaller circular needle and Color A, pick up and knit 80 (84, 88, 92, 96) stitches around neck opening. Place marker and join for working in the round.
Work in Slipped Stitch pattern for 1 inch.
Switch to Color B. Continue in Slipped Stitch pattern for 1 inch.
Switch to Color A. Continue in Slipped Stitch pattern for 1 inch.
Bind off all stitches loosely in pattern.

Asymmetrical Hem (optional)

To create the asymmetrical hem, after seaming, fold the front left side of the sweater up by 2 inches and tack it in place with a few stitches. This creates a modern, draped look. Alternatively, you can leave the hem straight.

Weave in all ends. Block to measurements.