Jody Long Harris Jumper Knitting Pattern

Harris Sweater from The Alba Collection

What is Being Made

Harris is a classic knitted sweater designed to fit chest measurements ranging from 91-97 cm (36-38 inches) up to 132-137 cm (52-54 inches), accommodating sizes S, M, L, XL, and XXL. The sweater features a full length of 66-74 cm (26-29¼ inches) from back neck, with sleeve lengths of 47-51 cm (18½-20 inches). This versatile pullover design works equally well for everyday wear or layering.

Techniques Used

Harris is constructed using a bottom-up seamed approach, with pieces worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round. The garment is built in separate sections—back, front, and sleeves—which are subsequently seamed together. This traditional construction method allows for straightforward shaping and provides excellent control over fit and finishing details.

The sweater incorporates raglan armhole shaping, a classic tailoring technique that creates diagonal seams running from the underarm to the neckline. This shaping method involves strategic decreases worked on both knit and purl rows to create a smooth, fitted sleeve cap. The front features additional neck shaping worked over multiple rows, allowing for a comfortable neckline opening.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout Harris is stockinette stitch (st st), which creates the smooth, classic V-patterned fabric characteristic of traditional knitwear. The cuffs and neckband are worked in 2x2 ribbing (K2, P2 repeat), a fundamental ribbed pattern that provides elasticity and helps the garment maintain its shape at the edges. Ribbing is worked for 20 rows at the back waist before transitioning to stockinette stitch.

Decreasing techniques include slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, K1, psso) and knit two together (K2tog) on knit rows, paired with purl two together (P2tog) and purl two together through back loop (P2tog tbl) on purl rows. These decreases are worked symmetrically to create balanced raglan shaping. Cast-off edges are used to bind off stitches at the beginning of armhole shaping.

Materials

Harris is designed to be knitted with Jody Long Alba yarn, requiring 4-6 balls of 100g weight depending on the size being made. The yarn shown in the pattern is in the Midnight 010 colorway, though Alba is available in other colors within The Alba Collection.

Two pairs of needles are required: 3.25 mm (US 3) needles for the ribbed cuffs and initial cast-on, and 3.75 mm (US 5) needles for the main stockinette stitch sections. This needle size progression allows for a tighter, more elastic ribbed edge that contrasts with the slightly more relaxed main fabric.

Gauge and Fit

The pattern specifies a tension of 23 stitches and 31 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over stockinette stitch using 3.75 mm needles. Achieving correct gauge is essential for proper fit, as the sweater is sized with specific chest measurements and lengths. The actual chest measurements range from 103-145 cm (40½-57 inches) across the five sizes, providing a comfortable fit with appropriate ease built into each size.