Clara Sweater Jumper Knitting Pattern

Clara Sweater in MODE at Rowan Cotton DK

What Is Being Made

The Clara Sweater is a knitted pullover sweater designed by Quail Studio and crafted using MODE at Rowan Cotton DK yarn. This intermediate-level garment features an elegant construction with decorative cable and textured panels, making it a sophisticated layering piece suitable for various occasions. The sweater is available in nine sizes, ranging from 71–76 cm (28–30 inches) to 152–157 cm (60–62 inches) chest measurements, with actual finished chest measurements spanning from 118 cm (46½ inches) to 200 cm (78¾ inches).

Techniques Used

The Clara Sweater employs several intermediate knitting techniques that add visual interest and texture to the finished garment. Cable work is a primary feature, utilizing both C4B (cable 4 back) and C8B (cable 8 back) abbreviations to create twisted rope-like textures. Twisted stitches are incorporated through Cr3L (cross 3 left) and Cr3R (cross 3 right) techniques, which involve slipping stitches onto cable needles and crossing them over or under working stitches to form decorative crossed elements. The sweater also features reverse stockinette stitch (rev st st) as a base fabric, which creates a subtle purl texture that contrasts beautifully with the cable panels. The construction includes panel-based patterning, with distinct diamond panels and oval panels integrated throughout the body of the sweater, requiring careful stitch management and pattern repeat awareness.

Stitches Used

The Clara Sweater construction relies on fundamental knitting stitches combined with advanced cable techniques. Stockinette stitch and reverse stockinette stitch form the foundation of the fabric, with reverse stockinette stitch being the primary base texture. Knit and purl stitches are used in combination to create the textured panels and define pattern sections. Cable stitches (C4B and C8B) twist groups of stitches to create the signature rope-like textures that characterize cable knit sweaters. Crossed stitches (Cr3L and Cr3R) add additional dimensional detail by crossing knit stitches over purl stitches and vice versa. The pattern incorporates a 70-row diamond panel repeat, which measures 38 stitches wide and approximately 14.5 cm across, along with oval panels measuring 8 stitches (approximately 3 cm wide). The neckband is worked using a circular needle technique to create a seamless, finished edge.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Clara Sweater is designed specifically for MODE at Rowan Cotton DK yarn, a lightweight worsted-weight cotton yarn sold in 50-gram balls. The yardage requirement varies by size, ranging from 13 balls for the smallest size (71–76 cm chest) to 18 balls for the largest size (152–157 cm chest). The pattern photograph showcases the sweater knitted in Macaroon 011, a soft neutral colorway that highlights the textured cable and panel work. Knitting needles required include one pair of 3.25mm (UK size 10 / US size 3) needles for the ribbed cast-on and initial rows, and one pair of 3.75mm (UK size 9 / US size 5) needles for the main body fabric. A 3.25mm (UK size 10 / US size 3) circular needle measuring 60 cm long is needed for the neckband, allowing for seamless finishing around the neck opening.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this garment to fit properly. The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm when measured over reverse stockinette stitch using 3.75mm (US 5) needles. The diamond panel, which is a key design element, should measure 14.5 cm wide across 38 stitches, while the oval panels should measure 3 cm wide across 8 stitches. Knitters are advised to knit a gauge swatch in reverse stockinette stitch before beginning the sweater to ensure accurate sizing and proper fabric drape.