Hale Jumper Knitting Pattern

Hale Sweater by Quail Studio for Mode at Rowan Softest Alpaca

What is Being Made

The Hale is a knitted pullover sweater designed by Quail Studio and available in multiple sizes ranging from 28-30 inches to 60-62 inches chest measurement. The finished garment features actual chest measurements from 39¼ inches to 70¾ inches, providing options for a close-fitting to generously oversized silhouette. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a sophisticated everyday sweater suitable for various occasions.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques to construct the garment. The sweater is built using a traditional set-in sleeve construction with separate front, back, and sleeve pieces that are later seamed together. Ribbed edging is used throughout the design, including at the cuffs, hem, and neckline, providing elasticity and a finished appearance. The pattern incorporates picked-up stitches along the side edges to create the neckband, demonstrating intermediate shaping skills. Blocking is required to achieve the specified tension measurements, ensuring proper garment dimensions and drape.

Stitches Used

The Hale sweater primarily features two stitch patterns that work together to create visual and textural interest. Ribbed pattern (alternating knit and purl stitches in a 2x3 repeat) forms the structural elements including the cuffs, hem band, and neckline ribbing. Garter stitch (knit on every row) is used for the main body of the sweater, creating a classic, textured fabric with excellent drape and durability. The combination of these two stitch patterns provides both stretch and structure to the finished garment.

Materials and Needles

This pattern is designed specifically for Mode at Rowan Softest Alpaca yarn, a luxurious fiber available in 50-gram balls. The yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 8 balls for the smallest size to 14 balls for the largest sizes. The pattern was photographed in the colorway Willow 018, though the design works beautifully in any color option available in this yarn range.

The pattern requires two needle sizes to achieve proper fabric characteristics. 4.5mm (US 7) needles are used for the ribbed edgings, which are worked at a tighter gauge to create elastic cuffs and hems. 5mm (US 8) needles are used for the main body sections worked in garter stitch and ribbed pattern. A 4.5mm circular needle no longer than 40 centimeters is needed for picking up and working the neckband stitches. Additional notions include stitch holders for securing stitches during construction and stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points.

Gauge and Fit

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this pattern to fit properly. The specified gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rows to 10 centimeters measured over the ribbed pattern, and 20 stitches and 36 rows to 10 centimeters measured over garter stitch, both using 5mm needles after blocking. The garter stitch section requires more rows per 10 centimeters due to the nature of the stitch, which produces taller rows than ribbing. Careful gauge swatching and blocking before beginning the project ensures the finished sweater will meet the intended measurements.