Louisa Harding Mendocino Jumper Knitting Pattern

Louisa Harding Mendocino Knit Sweater

What is Being Made

The Louisa Harding Mendocino is a pullover sweater designed by Louisa Harding, available in three size ranges: X-Small/Small, Medium/Large, and X-Large/2X-Large. The finished bust circumference ranges from 44¾ inches (113.5cm) to 58 inches (147.5cm), with corresponding lengths from 18½ inches (47cm) to 23¼ inches (59cm). This is a classic pullover construction with identical front and back panels, making it an accessible project for knitters seeking a refined, wearable garment.

Construction Technique

The Mendocino sweater is knit flat in pieces and seamed, rather than worked in the round. This bottom-up construction method allows knitters to work on flat needles and assemble the garment after all pieces are complete. The back and front panels are identical, simplifying the knitting process. Pieces are seamed at the shoulders for 6½ to 8¾ inches (depending on size), with sleeves attached by matching the center of the sleeve band to the shoulder seam. Side and underarm seams are then sewn together, followed by weaving in ends and blocking to shape for a professional finish.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

This design features two primary stitch patterns. The sweater begins with garter stitch, worked over the first 6 rows to create a stable, textured edge. The main body is worked in the seafoam pattern, a lace stitch that creates an openwork, decorative texture throughout the garment.

The seafoam pattern is constructed on a multiple of 14 stitches plus 11, worked over an 8-row repeat. The pattern incorporates multiple yarn overs (yo) in varying sequences—including double and triple yarn overs—combined with knit stitches to create the characteristic lacy appearance. On wrong-side rows, all yarn overs are dropped as the knitter knits to the end, which creates the openwork effect. Rows 3, 4, 7, and 8 are worked in plain knit stitch, allowing the lace pattern to develop with rhythm and structure. The seafoam pattern is repeated 13 to 16 times depending on the size, building the length of the sweater body.

Materials and Tools

The Mendocino is knit using Girandola yarn in colorway 06 Mondovino. Yardage requirements are 2 skeins (400g total) for X-Small/Small, 3 skeins (600g total) for Medium/Large, and 4 skeins (800g total) for X-Large/2X-Large. Each skein weighs 200g.

Needles required include a US 6 (4mm) circular needle measuring 32 inches (80cm) long. Although the sweater is knit flat, the circular needle is recommended to accommodate the width of the pieces. A yarn needle is needed for seaming and weaving in ends. The pattern notes that LYKKE® needles are recommended for best results.

Gauge

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. In garter stitch, blocked, the gauge is 20 stitches and 40 rows over 4 inches (10cm). In the seafoam pattern, blocked, the gauge is 17 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches (10cm). Knitters should swatch and block their gauge swatches before beginning, as blocking significantly affects the final measurements and drape of the lace pattern.