The Ashen Ridge Pullover: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Sculptural, Two-Tone Yoke Sweater

Introducing the Ashen Ridge Pullover

This unique pullover features a dramatic, sculptural yoke created with alternating bands of textured brioche and crisp stockinette, offering a modern, architectural silhouette. The two-tone color palette of charcoal and silver evokes a misty mountain landscape, making it a stunning and cozy statement piece. Whether you are a confident beginner or an experienced knitter looking for a new challenge, this free pattern will guide you through creating a wearable work of art.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth knitting experience.

Yarn

Worsted weight yarn (e.g., Cascade 220 Superwash) in two colors:

• Color A (Charcoal): 600 (700, 800) yards
• Color B (Silver): 400 (500, 600) yards

Needles & Notions

• US 7 (4.5 mm) 16-inch and 24-inch circular needles
• US 8 (5.0 mm) 16-inch and 24-inch circular needles
• Stitch markers
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Gauge

18 stitches x 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on larger needles (US 8). Always check your gauge for best fit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sizes: S (M, L, XL)

Abbreviations:

• CO: cast on
• k: knit
• p: purl
• k2tog: knit two together
• p2tog: purl two together
• yo: yarn over
• sl1: slip one stitch purlwise
• brk: brioche knit (knit the stitch together with its yarn over)
• brp: brioche purl (purl the stitch together with its yarn over)
• st(s): stitch(es)
• pm: place marker
• sm: slip marker
• m1: make one (increase by picking up the bar between stitches and knitting it through the back loop)

Yoke (worked top-down)

With smaller 16-inch needles (US 7) and Color A, CO 80 (88, 96, 104) sts. Join in the round, being careful not to twist. Place marker for beginning of round.

Ribbing:

• Round 1: *k1, p1* repeat around.
• Round 2: *p1, k1* repeat around.
• Repeat these two rounds for 1 inch of ribbing.

Switch to larger 16-inch needles (US 8).

Setup Round (Color A): k all sts, increasing 8 (8, 12, 12) sts evenly around. (88, 96, 108, 116 sts)

Begin Brioche Section (Color B)

• Round 1: *yo, sl1, k1* repeat around.
• Round 2: *brk, yo, sl1* repeat around.
• Round 3: *yo, sl1, brp* repeat around.
• Repeat Rounds 2-3 for 1.5 inches, ending with a Round 2.

Transition to Stockinette (Color A)

• Round 1: *k1, drop yo from previous round, k1* repeat around. (88, 96, 108, 116 sts)
• Round 2: k all sts.

Increase Round (Color A): *k11 (12, 13, 14), m1* repeat around. (96, 104, 116, 124 sts)

Repeat Brioche Section (Color B)

Work another 1.5 inches of brioche as before (Rounds 2-3).

Transition to Stockinette (Color A)

Work transition round as before.

Increase Round (Color A): *k12 (13, 14, 15), m1* repeat around. (104, 112, 124, 132 sts)

Repeat Brioche Section (Color B)

Work another 1.5 inches of brioche as before.

Transition to Stockinette (Color A)

Work transition round as before.

Increase Round (Color A): *k13 (14, 15, 16), m1* repeat around. (112, 120, 132, 140 sts)

Body Separation

Knit 16 (18, 20, 22) sts for half back, place next 24 (26, 28, 30) sts on holder for sleeve, CO 6 (6, 8, 8) sts for underarm, knit 32 (34, 38, 40) sts for front, place next 24 (26, 28, 30) sts on holder for sleeve, CO 6 (6, 8, 8) sts for underarm, knit remaining 16 (18, 20, 22) sts for half back. (76, 80, 92, 96 sts for body)

Body

Work in stockinette stitch (knit every round) with Color A until body measures 12 (13, 14, 15) inches from underarm. Switch to smaller 24-inch needles (US 7). Work 1 inch of k1, p1 ribbing. Bind off loosely in pattern.

Sleeves

Transfer held sleeve sts to larger 24-inch needles (US 8). Pick up and knit 6 (6, 8, 8) sts from underarm. (30, 32, 36, 38 sts). Place marker for beginning of round.

Work in stockinette stitch with Color A for 1 inch. Then, decrease round: k1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. Repeat decrease every 1.5 inches until 20 (22, 24, 26) sts remain. Continue until sleeve measures 16 (17, 18, 19) inches from underarm. Switch to smaller 16-inch needles (US 7). Work 1 inch of k1, p1 ribbing. Bind off loosely in pattern. Repeat for second sleeve.

Finishing

Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle. Block the sweater to the specified measurements to open up the brioche texture and even out the stitches. Enjoy your new Ashen Ridge Pullover!