Louet Harlow Gansey Jumper Knitting Pattern

Louet Harlow Gansey: Seamless Top-Down Knit Sweater

Garment Overview

The Harlow Gansey is a classic pullover sweater designed by Jutta von Hinterm Stein, inspired by traditional fishermen's Gansey sweaters but reimagined with a more feminine and flattering silhouette. This seamless, top-down construction creates a timeless knitted garment suitable for everyday wear and special occasions alike.

Available Sizes and Fit

The Harlow Gansey is offered in six sizes with finished chest measurements ranging from 32 inches to 47½ inches, accommodating a wide range of body types. Length measurements remain consistent across most sizes at approximately 25½ to 26½ inches, with the garment shown in the 35½-inch size on a 34-inch bust with 1½ inches of positive ease for comfortable wearing room.

Knitting Techniques

Seamless Construction: The Harlow Gansey employs a seamless, top-down methodology, meaning the sweater is knitted in one continuous piece beginning at the neckline and progressing downward. This technique eliminates the need for seaming and creates a smooth, professional finish with no interruptions in the fabric or stitch pattern.

Worked in the Round: The garment is primarily worked in the round using circular needles, a technique that produces tubular fabric and allows for continuous knitting without turning the work. This method is particularly suited to creating fitted garments with even stitch tension throughout.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used in the Harlow Gansey is stockinette stitch, a fundamental knitting pattern created by alternating knit and purl stitches to produce a smooth, V-textured fabric on the right side. The pattern achieves a gauge of 21 stitches and 30 rows over a 4-inch square when worked in stockinette stitch and lightly blocked, providing a fabric with good drape and structure.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Harlow Gansey is designed to be knitted with Louet Gems Sport Weight yarn, a 100% merino wool fiber that offers softness, breathability, and natural elasticity. Each skein contains 225 yards and weighs 100 grams. The garment shown in the pattern is worked in colorway #21 Cloud Grey. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 4 skeins for the smallest size (32-inch chest) to 7 skeins for the largest sizes (44½ and 47½-inch chest measurements).

Needles and Tools

The Harlow Gansey requires 3.5mm to 4mm circular needles (US sizes 5–6) in lengths of 80 to 100 centimeters (32 to 40 inches) to accommodate the body of the sweater when worked in the round. The pattern recommends using one size smaller needles for the cuffs, which creates a tighter, more elastic ribbed edge at the wrists and hem. Optional double-pointed needles of the same size may be used for sleeve construction, and an optional smaller circular needle can be used for picking up stitches. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, stitch holders or waste yarn for securing stitches during construction, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends.

Detailed Measurements

• Measurement A (Sleeve Cap Height): Ranges from 7½ inches to 10 inches depending on size
• Measurement B (Upper Arm Circumference): Ranges from 13½ inches to 16¼ inches
• Measurement C (Finished Bust): Ranges from 32¼ inches to 47½ inches
• Measurement D (Waist Circumference): Ranges from 28¾ inches to 44 inches
• Measurement E (Hip Circumference): Ranges from 33 inches to 48½ inches
• Measurement F (Lower Body Circumference): Ranges from 35¾ inches to 51¼ inches
• Measurement G (Sleeve Length from Underarm): Ranges from 12¼ inches to 15¾ inches
• Measurement H (Sleeve Cuff Circumference): Ranges from 8 inches to