Finding Clyde

The Finding-Clyde Pullover is a fun and satisfying knit designed with the beginner or emerging knitter in mind. It’s intended as a project for building confidence while creating a wearable, modern garment.

The pullover is knitted holding two yarns together: a classic DK (8-ply) merino paired with a lace-weight (2-ply) yarn. This combination creates a soft fabric while offering plenty of room for creativity. Play with colour, texture, or fibre to make each version uniquely yours — and it’s a wonderful opportunity to feature a special hand-dyed lace-weight yarn from a local indie dyer.

Designed with a mock neck (a turtleneck without a fold-down collar) and decorative panels running the length of each arm, the Finding-Clyde Pullover has visual interest without added complexity. The panels use knit, purl, and simple slip stitches to create a faux-cable effect — all beginner-friendly techniques, with no cable needle required.

The Finding-Clyde Pullover is named after my first visit to the historic town of Clyde in Otago, New Zealand, where I discovered charming streets, boutique shops, and a delightful local yarn store. The yarn for the very first test knit was purchased there - the name is a tribute to the joy of finding beautiful yarn in beautiful places.

Difficulty Level:

Advanced Beginner

Sizing:

Further sizing info:

Size XS

To fit bust: 71-76 cm (28-30 inches), Finished bust: 87 cm (34 ¼ inches)

Size S

To fit bust: 82-87 cm (32-34 inches), Finished bust: 97 cm (38 inches)

Size M

To fit bust: 92-97 cm (36-38 inches), Finished bust: 106 cm (42 inches)

Size L

To fit bust: 102-107 cm (40-42 inches), Finished bust: 120 cm (47 ¼ inches)

Size XL

To fit bust: 112-117 cm (44-46 inches), Finished bust: 129 cm (50 ½ inches)

Size XXL

122-127 cm (48-50 inches), Finished bust: 139 cm (54 ½ inches)

Yarn:

Two strands are held and knitted together, one of a DK (8 ply) yarn and a second of a lace-weight.

For the DK (8 ply) choose a yarn recommended for 4mm (US 6) needles and a gauge of about 22 sts and 30 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) in stockinette using 4 mm (US 6) needles. Some suggestions:

• Touch Yarns Pure Merino 8ply, 100% wool, approximately 100 m per 50 g,
• Ashford Merino DK, 100% Merino, 105 m/ 115 yrds per 50 g.
• Debbie Bliss Rialto DK Extrafine Merino Wool Superwash, 100% wool, approximately 105m per 50g.

For the 2ply the following options are suggested:

• Touch Yarns Hand Dyed Possum Silk Merino 2ply, 60% Organic Merino Wool, 10% Silk, 30% Brushtail Possum Fur, approximately 465m per 50 g.
• Malabrigo Silkpaca Lace, 70% Baby Alpaca, 30% Silk, approximately 384 m /420 yrds per 50 g.

The example in the images is worked in Touch Yarns Pure Merino 8ply shade 855 ‘oatmeal’ and Touch Yarns Hand Dyed Possum Silk Merino 2ply shade C6 ‘kingfisher’.

Approximate Yardage:

Size XS

770 m (840 yards)

Size S

860 m (940 yards)

Size M

960 m (1,050 yards)

Size L

1,110 m (1,210 yards)

Size XL

1,230 m (1,340 yards)

Size XXL

1,340 m (1,470 yards)

Needles:

• 4.5 mm (US 7) round needles or 4.5 mm double-pointed needles for working the neck. A circular needle with a long cable of, say, 80-100 cm is recommended using the magic-loop method.
• 4.5 mm (US 7) straight needles for working the rib on the sleeves and body.
• 5 mm (US 8) straight needles for working the body and sleeves.

Gauge:

17 stitches and 26 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) in stockinette with the two yarns held together and on 5 mm (US 8) needles.