Ibaraki Jumper Knitting Pattern

Ibaraki Jumper in Rowan Kidsilk Haze

What is Being Made

The Ibaraki Jumper is a knitted sweater designed by Heather Dixon. This intermediate-level garment is tailored to fit bust measurements ranging from 81-86 cm (32-34 inches) up to 122-127 cm (48-50 inches), accommodating sizes Small through Extra Extra Large. The jumper features a structured construction with a shaped back, front with patterned detail, and raglan sleeves that create a classic, fitted silhouette.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its finished design. The garment begins with garter stitch ribbing at the lower edges, providing elasticity and structure. The main body and sleeves feature chart-based patterning, requiring careful stitch placement and shaping coordination. The pattern includes raglan sleeve shaping, which involves strategic decreases at the armhole and sleeve cap to create a smooth, tapered fit. Decreases are worked using K2tog (knit two together) and sl 1, K1, psso (slip one, knit one, pass slipped stitch over) techniques to maintain pattern continuity. The pattern note emphasizes that each decrease must be matched by an increase to preserve the integrity of the stitch pattern throughout shaping.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch (g st): Knit every row, creating a textured, reversible fabric used for the lower ribbing sections
• Stockinette stitch (st st): Knit on right-side rows and purl on wrong-side rows, used for end stitches when insufficient stitches remain to work the full pattern
• Purl (P): Used on wrong-side rows within patterned sections
• K2tog: Knit two stitches together for right-leaning decreases
• Sl 1, K1, psso: Slip one stitch, knit one, pass the slipped stitch over for left-leaning decreases
• P2tog tbl: Purl two stitches together through the back loop for decreases on wrong-side rows
• Chart-based patterning: A 20-row repeating pattern worked from a provided chart, creating the visual design element of the jumper

Materials

The Ibaraki Jumper is crafted using Rowan Kidsilk Haze, a luxurious yarn consisting of 25-gram balls. The yardage requirement varies by size: Small and Medium sizes require 3 balls each, while Large, Extra Large, and Extra Extra Large sizes each require 4 balls. The pattern was photographed in the colorway Shadow 653.

Two pairs of needles are required for construction. The initial ribbing and shaping are worked on 5mm (US 8) needles, while the main patterned sections are worked on slightly larger 6mm (US 10) needles. This needle size progression allows for gauge control and helps achieve the intended fabric drape and structure.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a tension of 16 stitches and 22 rows to 10 centimeters when measured over the patterned fabric using 6mm (US 10) needles. Achieving correct gauge is essential for proper fit across all five size options. The pattern accommodates multiple sizes through stitch count variations in the cast-on rows and shaping sequences, allowing the design to scale proportionally from the smallest to largest measurements.