Denes Jumper Knitting Pattern

Denes in Mode at Rowan Softest Alpaca

What Is Being Made

Denes is a knitted sweater designed by Quail Studio, available in nine sizes ranging from 71-76cm (28-30 inches) to 152-157cm (60-62 inches) chest fit. The garment features an integrated lace panel detail running vertically through the center front and back, creating a sophisticated textured design element. This is an advanced beginner level knitting project worked in the luxuriously soft Rowan Softest Alpaca yarn.

Techniques Used

The Denes sweater employs several key knitting techniques to create its distinctive appearance. Ribbed edging forms the foundation, with a 1x1 knit and purl rib pattern worked over 4cm at the lower edge to create structure and elasticity. The main body transitions to a combination of garter stitch (knit on every row) and lace work, with the central lace panel measuring 23 stitches wide and approximately 14cm in finished width. The lace pattern incorporates yarn forwards (yf) and yarn round needle (yrn) increases paired with strategic decreases to create openwork motifs. Decreases are worked using K2tog (knit two together) and Sl 1, K1, psso (slip one, knit one, pass slipped stitch over) techniques to shape the garment and balance the lace increases.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch (g st): The primary stitch throughout most of the garment, created by knitting every row for a textured, reversible fabric
• 1x1 Ribbing: Alternating knit and purl stitches used for the cuff edging to provide stretch and structure
• Yarn Forwards (yf): Lace increases that create openwork holes in the fabric
• Yarn Round Needle (yrn): Alternative lace increase method used within the purl sections of the lace panel
• Knit Two Together (K2tog): Right-leaning decrease used throughout the lace pattern
• Slip One, Knit One, Pass Slipped Stitch Over (Sl 1, K1, psso): Left-leaning decrease that balances the K2tog decreases in the lace motifs
• Purl Two Together Through Back Loop (P2tog tbl): Decrease used within the purl sections of the lace panel

Materials

This pattern is worked in Rowan Softest Alpaca, a premium yarn supplied in 50-gram balls. Yardage requirements range from 8 balls for the smallest size to 16 balls for the largest size, with the photographed sample shown in the colorway Eucalyptus 016. The pattern requires two pairs of needles: 5mm (UK size 6, US size 8) needles for the ribbed edging and 6mm (UK size 4, US size 10) needles for the main body. Tension is critical for proper fit, measured at 17 stitches and 23 rows to 10cm over garter stitch using 6mm needles. Additional notions include stitch holders for managing stitches during construction.