Ella Rae Jumper Knitting Pattern

Ella Rae Dolabella Pullover

What is Being Made

The Ella Rae Dolabella Pullover is a knitted sweater designed by Jennifer Owens. This garment is a classic pullover style available in seven sizes ranging from X-Small to XXX-Large, with finished bust measurements from 32½ inches to 57 inches. The pullover features a modern striped design worked in three coordinating colorways of Ella Rae Eco Tweed yarn.

Construction and Techniques

The Dolabella Pullover is constructed using a bottom-up seamed method, meaning the front and back pieces are knitted first starting from the lower edge, then the sleeves are picked up from the armhole edges and worked downward to the cuffs. All pieces are worked flat on circular needles rather than in the round, which allows the knitter to work back and forth in rows. The circular needles are used to accommodate the large number of stitches required for the garment width, though they are not joined into a circle during construction.

The sweater features horizontal stripes that create visual interest and showcase the color variations available in the yarn. The stripe sequence is carefully planned throughout the body and sleeves, with the back and front worked in stockinette stitch with color changes at specific row intervals. The sleeves follow a dedicated stripe sequence that alternates between the three yarn colors in an eight-row repeat pattern.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch used for the body of the sweater, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric with a V-textured appearance on the right side.
• Knit 2, Purl 2 Ribbing (k2, p2 rib): Used at the lower edge of the back and front pieces, as well as at the sleeve cuffs. This ribbing provides elasticity and helps the garment maintain its shape. The ribbing is worked for 2 inches in length.

Materials and Tools

The Dolabella Pullover is knitted using Ella Rae Eco Tweed yarn, a sustainable fiber choice. Three coordinating shades are required: shade 03 Tumblewood (A), shade 02 Driftwood (B), and shade 01 Graphite (C). Yardage requirements vary by size, with the largest sizes requiring up to 5 hanks of the primary color and 3 hanks each of the secondary colors. Each hank weighs 100 grams.

The pattern requires two sizes of US circular needles: a smaller US 4/3.5mm needle (32 inches long) for the ribbed cuffs and waistband, and a larger US 5/3.75mm needle (32 inches long) for the main body stockinette stitch sections. A 16-inch US 4/3.5mm circular needle is also needed for finishing. Additional supplies include stitch markers and stitch holders to manage stitches during construction.

Pattern Details

The finished garment features specific measurements for bust, length, and upper arm circumference across all seven sizes. The length ranges from 24 inches in the smallest size to 26½ inches in the larger sizes. The upper arm circumference varies from 13 inches to 18 inches depending on the size selected. The pattern includes detailed instructions for the back piece, which begins with a cast-on appropriate to the chosen size and proceeds through the ribbed cuff, body stockinette sections with color changes, and armhole shaping. The front piece follows a similar construction method, and sleeves are added after the body pieces are completed and seamed together.