Counterpoint brings together a two-color slip-stitch yoke and a simple stockinette body in a pullover with texture and contrast. Inspired by the musical idea of counterpoint, the colors and stitch patterns complement one another, giving each element room to stand out.

The circular yoke is worked with just one color per round. Slipped stitches create the textured motif without requiring you to carry two working yarns around the sweater at once. The stockinette body and sleeves provide a quieter background for the patterned yoke.

Worked from the bottom up, the body and sleeves are knitted separately in the round, then joined to work the yoke. Decreases shape the yoke, and German short rows raise the back neckline. Knit-three, purl-two ribbing finishes the hem, cuffs, and neck, while a single purl stitch at each side of the body creates a subtle faux seam. The underarm stitches are grafted during finishing.

My sample uses Miss Babs Yowza in Sagrada and Mariposa. Choose two contrasting colors to make the slip-stitch texture stand out.

Want to try the stitch pattern before beginning the sweater? The coordinating Counterpoint Hat offers a smaller project for exploring your colors and checking your slip-stitch gauge.

The pattern includes ten sizes, XS through 6X, with finished chest circumferences from 31 to 63.5 inches.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

• How to create two-color slip-stitch texture while working with one color per round
• How to follow a charted stitch pattern
• How to work a sweater from the bottom up and join the body and sleeves for the yoke
• How to maintain the slip-stitch pattern while shaping a circular yoke
• How to raise the back neckline using German short rows
• How to create faux side seams with purl stitches
• How to graft underarm stitches using Kitchener stitch

Counterpoint Pullover was originally published in the Summer 2026 issue of Cast On, The Knitting Guild Association’s magazine. The pattern rights have since returned to designer Joy Friedman, and the pullover is now available directly from Top of the World Knits.

SIZES

XS (S, M, L) 1X, 2X, 3X {4X, 5X, 6X}

Finished chest circumference:
31 (34.5, 38.25, 42) 45.5, 49, 52.75 {56.25, 60, 63.5} inches

Finished length:
23 (23, 23.25, 23.75) 24.5, 25, 25.75 {26.25, 26.5, 26.75} inches

Measurements are for the finished garment. Choose a size by comparing the finished chest circumference with your own measurements and the amount of ease you prefer.

YARN

DK-weight yarn in two contrasting colors.

Sample yarn: Miss Babs Yowza, 100% Superwash Merino Wool, 560 yds / 512 m per 225 g hank.

Amounts listed for XS (S, M, L) 1X, 2X, 3X {4X, 5X, 6X}:

Main Color, Sagrada:
2 (2, 2, 2) 3, 3, 3 {3, 4, 4} hanks

Contrasting Color, Mariposa:
1 hank for all sizes

These are the yarn purchase quantities listed in the original pattern, rather than exact yardage used.

NEEDLES

US 6 / 4 mm needles for the body, sleeves, and yoke, and US 4 / 3.5 mm needles for ribbing, or sizes needed to obtain gauge.

Circular needles suitable for the body and yoke, plus your preferred needles for working smaller circumferences.

GAUGE

Counterpoint stitch pattern on larger needles:
20 sts and 35 rounds = 4 inches / 10 cm

Stockinette stitch on larger needles:
22 sts and 32 rounds = 4 inches / 10 cm

Check both gauges before beginning. Round gauge is especially important in the slip-stitch pattern because it affects the depth of the yoke.

SKILLS NEEDED

Knitting and purling in the round, following a stitch chart, slipping stitches, changing colors, increasing and decreasing, placing stitches on hold, joining the body and sleeves, German short rows, and Kitchener stitch.