The Ember & Ash Split Pullover: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Modern, Textured Men's Sweater

Introduction: The Modern Man's Knit

Step away from the ordinary with The Ember & Ash Split Pullover. This isn't your basic sweater; it's a statement piece designed for the style-conscious man who appreciates architectural detail. Featuring a dramatic side split, a deep V-neck, and a rich, woven-like textured stitch, this pullover combines modern aesthetics with cozy comfort. The pattern uses worsted-weight yarn, making it a satisfying project that works up quickly. Whether you're knitting for a gift or for your own wardrobe, this pattern delivers a sophisticated, relaxed silhouette that looks equally good over a button-down or a t-shirt.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Using the correct materials ensures your gauge matches and your sweater has the perfect drape.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (e.g., Lion Brand Wool-Ease in 'Charcoal' and 'Fisherman'). Approx 1200 (1350, 1500, 1650) yards. The sample uses a solid charcoal for the body and a contrasting cream for the cuffs, hem, and neckband.
• Needles:
  • US 8 (5 mm) 32-inch circular needles (for working the body flat).
  • US 8 (5 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a long circular for Magic Loop (for sleeves).
• Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch holders or waste yarn.
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in textured stitch pattern (blocked). Always check your gauge!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sizes: S (M, L, XL). Finished chest: 40 (44, 48, 52) inches. Instructions are written for smallest size, with larger sizes in parentheses.

Stitch Pattern (Multiple of 4 + 2)

This creates the woven texture. Repeat rows 1-4 throughout.

• Row 1 (RS): K2, *p2, k2; rep from * to end.
• Row 2 (WS): P2, *k2, p2; rep from * to end.
• Row 3: K2, *k2, p2; rep from * to end.
• Row 4: P2, *p2, k2; rep from * to end.

Back Panel

1. Hem: Cast on 90 (98, 106, 114) sts. Work in 2x2 rib (k2, p2) for 2 inches, ending with a WS row.
2. Body: Switch to textured stitch pattern. Work even until piece measures 15 (15.5, 16, 16.5) inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
3. Armhole Shaping:
   • Bind off 4 (5, 6, 7) sts at beginning of next 2 rows.
   • Decrease 1 st at each edge every RS row 4 (5, 6, 7) times. To decrease: On RS rows, k1, ssk, work to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
   • 74 (78, 82, 86) sts remain.
4. Armhole Depth: Work even until armhole measures 8.5 (9, 9.5, 10) inches from the bind-off edge, ending with a WS row.
5. Shoulder & Neck Shaping:
   • Bind off 6 (7, 7, 8) sts at beginning of next 4 rows, then 7 (7, 8, 8) sts at beginning of next 2 rows.
   • At the same time, on the first RS row of shoulder shaping, bind off center 20 (22, 24, 26) sts for neck. Work each side separately. On the next RS row at neck edge, bind off 3 sts once.

Front Panel

1. Work exactly as for Back until armhole measures 6 (6.5, 7, 7.5) inches, ending with a WS row.
2. V-Neck Shaping:
   • On the next RS row, work across 37 (39, 41, 43) sts. Join a second ball of yarn and work the remaining 37 (39, 41, 43) sts. You will now work both sides simultaneously with separate balls.
   • Decrease 1 st at each neck edge every RS row 10 (11, 12, 13) times. To decrease at neck edge: On right side, work to last 3 sts before neck, k2tog, k1. On left side, k1, ssk, work to end.
3. Shoulder Shaping: When armhole measures same as Back (8.5/9/9.5/10 inches), shape shoulders exactly as for Back.

Sleeves (Make 2)

1. Cuff: Cast on 42 (46, 50, 54) sts. Work in 2x2 rib for 2 inches, ending with a WS row.
2. Sleeve Body: Switch to textured stitch pattern. Increase 1 st at each edge every 6th row 12 (13, 14, 15) times. To increase: On RS rows, k1, M1L, work to last st, M1R, k1. 66 (72, 78, 84) sts.
3. Length: Work even until sleeve measures 18 (18.5, 19, 19.5) inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
4. Sleeve Cap:
   • Bind off 4 (5, 6, 7) sts at beginning of next 2 rows.
   • Decrease 1 st at each edge every RS row 10 (11, 12, 13) times (same method as armhole).
   • Bind off remaining 38 (40, 42, 44) sts.

Finishing & Assembly

1. Seams: Sew shoulder seams using mattress stitch. Set in sleeves, matching the center of the sleeve cap to the shoulder seam. Sew side and sleeve seams, but leave a 6-inch split at the bottom of the side seams for the modern split hem.
2. Neckband: With circular needle, pick up and knit 90 (94, 98, 102) sts evenly around the entire neck edge (including the V). Work in 2x2 rib for 1 inch. Bind off loosely in pattern to maintain stretch.
3. Finishing Touches: Weave in all ends with a tapestry needle. Block the sweater to the specified measurements (this is crucial for the texture to open up and the fabric to relax).

Your Ember & Ash Split Pullover is complete! Enjoy the compliments on your modern, hand-knit masterpiece.