Fakenham Jumper Knitting Pattern

Fakenham Knitted Sweater by Quail Studio

What is Being Made

The Fakenham is a knitted sweater designed by Quail Studio and published as a Mode at Rowan digital pattern. This garment is a classic pullover sweater available in nine sizes, ranging from 71-76 cm (28-30 inches) to 152-157 cm (60-62 inches) chest circumference. The sweater features a traditional construction with a ribbed lower edge, set-in armholes, and a shaped neckline, making it a versatile wardrobe staple suitable for various occasions and body types.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Fakenham employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for advanced beginners. The pattern utilizes ribbed edging at the lower edge to create elasticity and a finished appearance. Stockinette stitch forms the main fabric body, providing a smooth, classic knit surface. The sweater incorporates set-in armhole shaping, which involves casting off stitches at the beginning of rows to create the armhole depth, followed by decreasing at each end of rows to taper the armhole opening. Neck shaping is achieved through strategic decreases at the neck edge on multiple rows, creating a comfortable neckline opening. The pattern also includes shoulder shaping through graduated cast-offs, ensuring proper garment fit across the shoulders.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K): The primary stitch forming the main fabric
• Purl (P): Used in combination with knit stitches to create the ribbed edging pattern
• Stockinette Stitch (st st): Alternating rows of knit and purl stitches, creating the smooth, flat main fabric of the sweater
• Ribbed Pattern (K1, P1 rib): Alternating knit and purl stitches worked in the same row, creating the elastic ribbed trim
• Decreases: Single stitch decreases worked at armhole and neck edges to shape the garment
• Cast-off: Used to bind off stitches at armhole edges and shoulders

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Fakenham is designed to be knitted using Rowan Alpaca Haze yarn, a luxurious fiber blend. The pattern requires yarn held double throughout, meaning two strands of yarn are worked simultaneously, which creates a thicker fabric and faster gauge. Yarn quantities vary by size, ranging from 6 balls (25 grams each) for the smallest sizes to 11 balls for the largest size. The photographed sample was created in Shadow 010, a neutral colorway.

Two pairs of needles are required for this project. 6mm (US 10) needles are used for the ribbed edging sections, while 6½mm (US 10½) needles are used for the main stockinette stitch fabric. This needle size progression is a common technique that allows the ribbing to be worked on slightly smaller needles, creating a tighter, more elastic edge that contrasts with the slightly looser main fabric.

Gauge and Tension

The pattern specifies a tension of 14 stitches and 18 rows to 10 centimeters, measured over stockinette stitch using 6½mm (US 10½) needles with yarn held double. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, as the sweater's dimensions are calculated based on this tension. Knitters should always knit and measure a gauge swatch before beginning the main garment to ensure their tension matches the pattern requirements.

Additional Supplies

Beyond yarn and needles, the pattern requires stitch holders to temporarily hold stitches during construction, particularly for the front neckline and shoulder shaping sections. These allow the knitter to work different sections of the garment separately before joining or finishing them.