Camlet Plain Jumper Knitting Pattern

Camlet Plain Knitted Sweater in Rowan Fine Tweed Haze

What is Being Made

The Camlet is a knitted sweater designed by Lisa Richardson, available in multiple sizes to fit chest measurements ranging from 71-76 cm up to 152-157 cm. This intermediate-level knitting project produces a garment with an actual chest measurement of 114.5 cm to 196 cm depending on the chosen size. The sweater features a structured back neck shaping, front bodice construction with hem shaping, and front slope details that create a fitted silhouette.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Camlet employs several key knitting techniques throughout its construction. Stocking stitch (knit and purl rows alternating) forms the primary fabric structure. Cast-on shaping is used extensively on the left front bodice, where stitches are gradually increased at the beginning of alternating rows to build the garment width progressively. Neck shaping involves casting off stitches at the back neck edge while simultaneously decreasing one stitch at the neck edge over multiple rows to create a smooth, fitted neckline. The pattern includes marker placement to denote important construction points such as the base of the armhole opening and the beginning of the front slope. Two-sided construction is used for the neck shaping, with each side worked separately after the center stitches are placed on a holder for the front band.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (st st): The primary stitch throughout the sweater, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side
• Cast-on stitches: Used to increase width during front bodice construction, with varying numbers of stitches cast on at different intervals depending on size
• Cast-off stitches: Used to shape the back neck and finish edges
• Decreases: Single stitch decreases worked at the neck edge to create shaping

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Camlet is knitted using Rowan Fine Tweed Haze, a yarn that comes in 50-gram balls. The pattern offers two color options: the 2 colour version combines Ash (color 008) with Mist (color 007), while the plain version is photographed in Lawn (color 005). Yarn quantities vary by size, ranging from 5 to 9 balls depending on the garment dimensions.

The pattern requires multiple needle sizes to achieve proper gauge and construction. 3¼mm (US 3) needles are used for ribbed sections and initial cast-on work, while 4mm (US 6) needles are used for the main stocking stitch body. Circular needles in both sizes—at least 120 cm long—are necessary for working larger sections and neckband construction. The 2 colour version requires 7 buttons for closure.

Pattern Structure and Construction Details

The sweater is constructed in pieces, beginning with the left front bodice. The pattern uses a systematic approach to shaping, with initial cast-on rows creating the hem shaping phase, followed by marker placement to denote the armhole opening and front slope beginning. The back neck shaping involves casting off multiple stitches at once while working decreases at the neck edge simultaneously, creating a neat, structured neckline. Center front stitches are held for a front band, which is worked separately and joined to the main garment pieces.