Aurore Sweater Jumper Knitting Pattern

Aurore Sweater in MODE at Rowan Cotton DK

What is Being Made

The Aurore Sweater is a classic knitted pullover designed by Quail Studio. This garment is available in nine sizes ranging from 71-76cm (28-30 inches) to 152-157cm (60-62 inches) chest measurements, making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The finished garment features actual chest measurements from 96cm (37¾ inches) to 176cm (69¼ inches), offering a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Craft and Technique Overview

The Aurore Sweater is a knitting project classified as beginner-friendly, making it an excellent choice for those new to garment construction. The pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques combined with decorative stitch work to create visual interest while remaining accessible to developing knitters.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques Used

The Aurore Sweater incorporates several key stitching techniques:

• Ribbed Cuffs and Waistband: The pattern begins with a 2x2 rib pattern (alternating knit 2, purl 2) worked on smaller needles. This elastic stitch is used at the lower edge and continues for approximately 4cm, creating a fitted, stretchy edge that helps the garment maintain its shape.
• Yarn Forward Lace Pattern: The main body features a repeating lace motif using yarn forward (yfwd) increases. The pattern alternates between rows with increases spaced at regular intervals (every 4 stitches on right-side rows) and corresponding decrease rows that use purl 2 together (P2tog) to balance the increases and maintain stitch count.
• Decrease Shaping: The front neck shaping employs single stitch decreases at the neck edge, worked on alternate rows to create a gradual, sloped neckline.
• Finishing Techniques: The pattern uses stitch holders to manage stitches during construction and includes a knitwise cast-off for a neat, finished edge.

Pattern Structure and Construction

The Aurore Sweater is constructed in separate pieces: a back panel and front panel. Both sections are worked from the lower edge upward. The back is completed first, establishing the length and shoulder shaping. The front is then worked to match the back length before shaping the neckline. The pattern note specifies that stitches should only be counted after rows 2 and 4, which is important for accurate stitch management when working the yarn forward lace pattern.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The Aurore Sweater is knitted using MODE at Rowan Cotton DK, a lightweight cotton yarn in a double knitting weight. The yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 12 balls (50gm each) for the smallest size to 17 balls for the largest size. The pattern is photographed in Pearl 010, a neutral shade that showcases the lace pattern detail.

Needles: Two needle sizes are required. Smaller 3.5mm (UK size 9 / US size 4) needles are used for the ribbed sections at the garment edges, while larger 4mm (UK size 8 / US size 6) needles are used for the main lace pattern body. This needle size variation is a standard technique that creates tighter, more elastic ribbing compared to the main fabric.

Tension and Gauge

The pattern specifies a tension of 20 stitches and 16 rows to 10cm, measured over the lace pattern using the larger 4mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential for the garment to fit properly and for the lace motif to display correctly. Knitters should work a tension swatch before beginning the project to ensure their personal knitting tension matches the pattern requirements.

Suitable for Knitters

Classified as a beginner project, the Aurore Sweater is ideal for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to tackle simple garment construction. The straightforward shaping, use of fundamental techniques, and clear pattern instructions make this an excellent stepping stone toward more complex sweater designs.