Classic Elite Yarns Aliena Jumper Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Aliena Knit Sweater

What is Being Made

Aliena is an oversized casual pullover sweater designed by Lillian May, originally published in Fall 1610. This knit garment features bold colorwork as a focal point, with the design edged in corrugated ribbing for a polished finish. The sweater is available in sizes S/M, L, XL, and 2XL, with finished bust measurements ranging from 37¾ inches to 51¾ inches and length measurements from 24½ inches to 28 inches.

Construction Techniques

Aliena is constructed using a bottom-up building method, which allows knitters to try on the garment as it progresses. The lower body is worked in one continuous piece to the underarms using the worked-in-the-round technique on circular needles, then divided for working the back and front separately to the shoulders. The sleeves are worked separately in the round to the sleeve cap section, which transitions to back and forth in rows for shaping.

The sweater incorporates stranded colorwork techniques, where multiple colors are held and worked simultaneously to create intricate patterns. Striped sections are featured throughout the design, with garter ridges worked above and below striped rows for textural interest. When working the Floral Tiles chart in the round, all chart rows are read as right-side rows. When working back and forth in rows, odd-numbered chart rows are read as right-side rows and even-numbered chart rows as wrong-side rows.

Stitches Used

• Corrugated Rib: A stitch pattern worked over a multiple of 4 stitches. All rounds follow the sequence: knit 1 stitch with colors C/D, purl 2 stitches with color B, knit 2 stitches with colors C/D, repeating to the last 3 stitches, then purl 2 stitches with color B and knit 1 stitch with colors C/D. This rib creates a structured edge and is worked for 3 inches at the lower body.
• Floral Tiles: A charted colorwork pattern worked over a multiple of 20 stitches and 20 rounds (or 10 stitches and 10 rows when worked flat). This pattern creates the bold geometric design that defines the sweater's visual appeal.
• Garter Stitch: Worked in ridges above and below striped sections to add textural variation.
• Stockinette Stitch: Implied as the base stitch for colorwork sections and body construction.

Materials and Yarn

Aliena is designed to be worked with Big Liberty Wool by Classic Elite Yarns, a 100% washable wool yarn. Each 50-gram ball yields 82 yards of yarn. The pattern requires 7 to 10 balls of color A (1036 Sisal) depending on size, with additional yardage needed for colors B, C, and D for the colorwork sections.

The pattern specifies the use of circular needles in two sizes—a smaller size for the ribbed cuff and a larger size for the main body—allowing for proper gauge and fabric drape. A longer circular needle is recommended for accommodating the cast-on stitches and body circumference.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as Intermediate, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle stranded colorwork and garment construction techniques.