The Ember & Ash Fox Pullover: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Color-Blocked Unisex Sweater

Introduction: The Ember & Ash Fox Pullover

This unisex sweater is the perfect blend of cozy comfort and modern design. Featuring a striking color-blocked pattern with a subtle fox motif, the Ember & Ash Fox Pullover uses textured stitches to create a warm, rustic look that's perfect for fall and winter. Written for multiple sizes (S, M, L, XL), this intermediate-level pattern will guide you through creating a relaxed-fit sweater with a ribbed crew neck, cuffs, and hem. The finished chest measures 38 (42, 46, 50) inches, making it a versatile addition to any wardrobe.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials based on the technical specifications:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in three colors:
  • Color A (Ash): 600 (700, 800, 900) yards
  • Color B (Ember): 400 (450, 500, 550) yards
  • Color C (Fox): 100 (120, 140, 160) yards
• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) and US 8 (5.0 mm) circular needles (24-32 inch length)
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on larger needles (US 8)
• Other: Stitch markers, tapestry needle for weaving ends, scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on
• BO: bind off
• k: knit
• p: purl
• st(s): stitch(es)
• inc: increase (kfb - knit front and back)
• dec: decrease (k2tog - knit two together)
• RS: right side
• WS: wrong side

Notes

• The sweater is worked in pieces from the bottom up and seamed together.
• Color blocks are worked in stockinette stitch with a textured panel on the front.
• The fox motif is created using intarsia or duplicate stitch (instructions provided).

Back

1. With smaller needles (US 7) and Color A, CO 86 (94, 102, 110) sts.
2. Work in 2x2 ribbing (k2, p2) for 2 inches.
3. Switch to larger needles (US 8) and work in stockinette stitch (k on RS, p on WS) until piece measures 12 (13, 14, 15) inches from cast-on edge.
4. Armhole shaping: BO 4 (5, 6, 7) sts at beginning of next 2 rows. Then dec 1 st each side every RS row 4 (5, 6, 7) times. You will have 70 (74, 78, 82) sts remaining.
5. Work even until armhole measures 8 (9, 10, 11) inches.
6. Shoulder shaping: BO 6 (7, 8, 9) sts at beginning of next 4 rows. BO remaining 46 (46, 46, 46) sts.

Front

1. With smaller needles (US 7) and Color A, CO 86 (94, 102, 110) sts.
2. Work in 2x2 ribbing for 2 inches.
3. Switch to larger needles (US 8). Work in stockinette for 2 inches.
4. Begin color block: Work 20 (22, 24, 26) sts in Color A, 46 (50, 54, 58) sts in Color B, 20 (22, 24, 26) sts in Color A. Continue for 6 inches.
5. Textured panel: On the center 30 (34, 38, 42) sts of the Color B section, work a textured pattern as follows:
   • Row 1 (RS): k
   • Row 2: p
   • Row 3: *k1, p1* repeat across
   • Row 4: *p1, k1* repeat across
   • Repeat these 4 rows for 4 inches.
6. Fox motif: Using Color C, work a small fox face in the center of the textured panel using intarsia or duplicate stitch. The fox face can be a simple triangle for the nose and two small triangles for ears, or a more detailed chart (available on designer's website).
7. Continue with color blocks until piece measures same as back to armhole.
8. Armhole shaping: Same as back. You will have 70 (74, 78, 82) sts remaining.
9. Work even until armhole measures 6 (7, 8, 9) inches.
10. Neck shaping: Work 25 (27, 29, 31) sts, BO center 20 (20, 20, 20) sts, work remaining 25 (27, 29, 31) sts. Work each side separately, dec 1 st at neck edge every RS row 3 times. You will have 22 (24, 26, 28) sts remaining for each shoulder.
11. Work even until armhole measures same as back.
12. Shoulder shaping: BO 6 (7, 8, 9) sts at armhole edge 2 times, then BO remaining 10 (10, 10, 10) sts.

Sleeves (make 2)

1. With smaller needles (US 7) and Color A, CO 38 (42, 46, 50) sts.
2. Work in 2x2 ribbing for 2 inches.
3. Switch to larger needles (US 8) and stockinette stitch.
4. Increase 1 st each side every 6 rows 10 (12, 14, 16) times. You will have 58 (66, 74, 82) sts.
5. Work even until sleeve measures 18 (19, 20, 21) inches from cast-on edge.
6. Cap shaping: BO 4 (5, 6, 7) sts at beginning of next 2 rows. Then dec 1 st each side every RS row 10 (12, 14, 16) times. BO remaining 30 (32, 34, 36) sts.

Finishing

1. Sew shoulder seams using a tapestry needle and matching yarn.
2. Set in sleeves by sewing the sleeve cap into the armhole, matching the center of the sleeve cap to the shoulder seam.
3. Sew side and sleeve seams using a mattress stitch for a neat finish.
4. Neckband: With smaller needles (US 7) and Color A, pick up and knit 80 (84, 88, 92) sts around neckline. Work in 2x2 ribbing for 1 inch. BO loosely in pattern to maintain stretch.
5. Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle.
6. Block the sweater to measurements by wetting or steaming and laying flat to dry.

Your Ember & Ash Fox Pullover is now complete! Enjoy the cozy, modern look and the subtle fox motif that makes this sweater truly unique.