Classic Elite Yarns Kayleigh Jumper Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Kayleigh Knit Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Kayleigh is a seamed knit sweater featuring an elegant lace leaf panel design. Originally published in Homestead 1403, this garment is constructed using a bottom-up knitting method and worked flat on needles. The design showcases a prominent central leaf motif panel flanked by ribbed sections, creating a sophisticated silhouette suitable for various sizes.

Garment Construction and Sizing

This sweater is available in six sizes with cast-on stitch counts ranging from 58 to 90 stitches for the back piece. The finished bust measurements vary accordingly across the size range. The garment is worked in separate pieces and seamed together, with selvedge stitches lost during the seaming process. The schematic measurements provided account for all stitches before blocking.

Lace Technique and Stitch Pattern

The Kayleigh features a sophisticated Leaf Panel chart as its signature design element. This lace pattern operates on an 18-row repeat that demonstrates dynamic stitch manipulation:

• The center panel begins with 36 stitches
• Increases to a maximum of 52 stitches after completing Row 7 of the chart
• Decreases back to 36 stitches by Row 17
• Rows 19–36 are worked once at the end to complete the final pair of leaves, decreasing to 30 stitches by Row 35

The 18-row repeat is worked three complete times, followed by Rows 1–12 worked once more, creating a total of 66 chart rows plus the setup row for 67 rows overall. This repetition builds a striking vertical leaf motif that extends the length of the garment.

Knitting Stitches and Techniques

The Kayleigh employs several fundamental knitting stitches and techniques:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st) – Used for the side sections flanking the central leaf panel, creating smooth, flat fabric
• Ribbing – A [k2, p2] ribbed pattern appears on both sides of the central panel, providing structure and elasticity
• Lace increases and decreases – The Leaf Panel chart incorporates yarn overs and decreases to create the openwork leaf shapes
• Make one purl (m1p) – Used during the increase row to add stitches while maintaining pattern integrity
• Knit and purl stitches – Worked as they appear on subsequent rows to maintain pattern definition

Construction Method

The sweater is worked flat on straight needles or circular needles used in a flat knitting method, rather than in the round. The back piece is constructed from the cast-on edge upward, with the lace panel centered between ribbed sections. Stitch markers are used to clearly delineate the 36-stitch center panel from the surrounding stockinette sections, ensuring accurate pattern placement throughout the 67-row construction.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

While specific yardage and needle size recommendations are not detailed in the provided pattern excerpt, the Kayleigh is designed by Classic Elite Yarns and would utilize their premium yarn offerings. Knitters should consult the complete pattern for specific yarn weight recommendations, total yardage requirements for each size, and appropriate needle sizes to achieve proper gauge. Classic Elite Yarns is known for producing high-quality yarns suitable for intricate lace and textured knit designs.

Finishing and Seaming

The garment pieces are seamed together after knitting, with seam allowances factored into the schematic measurements. The finished bust measurement excludes the selvedge stitches that are lost during the seaming process, providing accurate sizing information for the completed garment.