Holt Jumper Knitting Pattern

Holt Knitted Sweater by Quail Studio

What is Being Made

Holt is a knitted sweater designed by Quail Studio for Mode at Rowan. This garment is crafted using Rowan Alpaca Wool yarn and is suitable for advanced beginner knitters. The sweater is available in eight sizes, ranging from 81-86 cm (32-34 inches) to 152-157 cm (60-62 inches) chest measurements, with corresponding actual garment chest measurements from 103.5 cm to 175 cm.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Holt sweater employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for advanced beginner level crafters. The pattern incorporates ribbed edging at the lower body, which provides elasticity and a neat finished edge. Stockinette stitch forms the main body fabric, creating a smooth, classic appearance. The pattern includes decreasing techniques for shaping, specifically using knit two together (K2tog) decreases to achieve the fitted silhouette. Armhole shaping and shoulder shaping are constructed through strategic cast-offs and decreases worked at regular intervals. Neck shaping is accomplished through gradual decreases at the neckline edge, worked over multiple rows and alternate rows to create a smooth curve.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) - the fundamental stitch forming the fabric
• Purl (P) - used in ribbed sections and stockinette stitch construction
• Knit two together (K2tog) - a right-leaning decrease used for shaping throughout the garment
• Stockinette stitch (st st) - the primary stitch pattern, alternating knit and purl rows to create a smooth finished fabric
• Ribbed stitch - alternating knit and purl stitches in a 1x1 pattern for the cuff edging

Materials and Tools

The Holt sweater is knitted using Rowan Alpaca Wool yarn in 50-gram balls. The quantity required varies by size, ranging from 11 balls for the smallest size to 20 balls for the largest size. The pattern photographed shows the sweater in Olive 018, a natural colorway. Knitting is worked on 3.75mm (US 5) needles, which are paired needles suitable for flat knitting. Additional materials required include stitch holders for managing live stitches during construction, particularly when shaping the neckline and dividing front and back sections.

Tension and Gauge

The pattern specifies a tension of 23 stitches and 30 rows to 10 centimeters, measured over stockinette stitch using 3.75mm needles. Achieving correct gauge is essential for proper fit and garment dimensions, as the sweater's finished measurements are calculated based on this tension.

Construction Details

The sweater is constructed in pieces, with separate back and front panels that are shaped independently before assembly. The back begins with a cast-on of 133 to 225 stitches depending on size, followed by 8 centimeters of 1x1 ribbing for the lower edge. The main body is then worked in stockinette stitch until the armhole shaping point. Armhole shaping involves casting off stitches at the beginning of rows followed by decreases worked at each end. The front follows a similar construction but includes additional neck shaping, with decreases worked gradually over multiple rows to create a curved neckline. Shoulder shaping is accomplished through cast-offs at the beginning of rows on both front and back pieces.