Knit and Tonic Jordan Jumper Knitting Pattern

Knit and Tonic Jordan Lace Sweater

What is Being Made

The Knit and Tonic Jordan is a sophisticated lace sweater designed for advanced beginners seeking a garment that looks complex but remains approachable. This pullover features an elegant lace yoke construction with a fitted silhouette, available in eight sizes ranging from XX-Small through 3X-Large with finished chest measurements from 32.5 inches to 51 inches. The design showcases intricate lace patterning that creates visual interest while maintaining structural integrity through thoughtful fiber and technique selection.

Construction Techniques

The Jordan sweater is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed, and worked-flat methodology. The body is initiated from the bottom edge and worked upward in flat pieces rather than in the round, allowing for easier lace pattern management and stitch marker placement. The design incorporates two distinct lace patterns—Arrow Lace and Feathery Lace—that transition strategically throughout the garment. The yoke and sleeves are worked as separate pieces and subsequently seamed into the top of the body, creating clean, professional finishing. This construction method provides flexibility in managing complex stitch patterns and ensures even blocking of the delicate lace sections.

Stitch Patterns and Techniques

The Jordan features two primary lace stitch patterns, each with specific repeat multiples:

• Arrow Lace (multiple of 9 stitches): Combines knit stitches with yarn overs, knit-two-together decreases, and slip-slip-knit decreases to create directional lace motifs. The pattern uses the fundamental lace-making techniques of yarn overs for eyelet creation paired with corresponding decreases to maintain stitch count.
• Feathery Lace (multiple of 11 stitches): A more elaborate pattern incorporating double decreases, multiple yarn overs in succession, and alternating knit stitches to produce a feathery, delicate appearance. This pattern is provided in both written-out instructions and chart format for knitter preference.

Both patterns employ yarn overs, increases, and decreases as core techniques. The pattern instructions recommend placing stitch markers at every pattern multiple—every 11 stitches for Feathery Lace—to maintain accuracy when working lace. Markers may remain in place when transitioning between lace patterns, streamlining the knitting process. The sweater is worked primarily in stockinette stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows when worked flat) with lace sections strategically integrated.

Yarn and Materials

The Jordan is designed specifically for Louet Sales Euroflax Sport Weight Linen in the colorway #36 Natural, a 100% linen yarn offering 270 yards per 100-gram hank. Yardage requirements range from 2 hanks for the smallest size to 4 hanks for the largest sizes. The pattern notes emphasize that yarn choice is critically important; the fiber must possess substantial drape to prevent puckering or rippling between lace patterns. If substituting yarn, knitters should select similar sport-weight options made from fibers such as linen, hemp, or silk that block evenly and provide the necessary fluid drape characteristic of the design.

The pattern requires one 29-inch circular needle in US size 5 (3.75mm) or longer, along with standard notions including stitch markers and a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends. The recommended gauge is 19 stitches and 22 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Knitters should swatch and adjust needle size as necessary to achieve this gauge, as proper gauge is essential for achieving the intended finished measurements and ensuring the lace patterns block correctly.

Design Notes

Designed by Wendy Bernard, the Jordan presents as an advanced beginner project despite its sophisticated appearance. The easy-to-memorize stitch patterns and inclusion of both written instructions and charts make this design accessible to knitters developing their lace skills. The use of natural linen fiber provides a cool, breathable garment suitable for warm-weather wear, while the negative ease (the x-small size shown features 1.5 inches of negative ease) creates a refined, close-fitting silhouette that showcases the delicate lace detailing.