Louisa Harding Taliesin Jumper Knitting Pattern

Louisa Harding Taliesin Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Louisa Harding Taliesin is a knitted sweater designed in multiple sizes, ranging from 80 cm to 102 cm in finished bust circumference (31½ to 40¼ inches). This garment features a classic pullover construction with set-in sleeves and a finished length of 53.5 to 58.5 cm (21 to 23 inches), making it suitable for various body sizes and proportions.

Construction Technique

This sweater is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed, and worked-flat method. The back and front pieces are worked separately on straight needles before being assembled. The design incorporates horizontal striping throughout the garment, created by alternating between two coordinating yarn shades from the Louisa Harding Amitola collection. The striped pattern is worked continuously across the body and sleeves, with careful color planning recommended to achieve a gradating effect rather than harsh color blocks.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Taliesin employs fundamental knitting stitches and techniques:

• Garter stitch edging forms the foundation, worked over 8 rows at the cast-on edge with a specific pattern sequence: knit rows alternating with a purl row to create a neat, finished edge
• Stockinette stitch (st st) comprises the main body fabric, providing a smooth, classic appearance
• Decreases including K2tog (knit 2 together) and SSK (slip, slip, knit) are used for shaping at armholes and sleeve caps
• Yarn overs (yo) may be incorporated for textural or decorative elements within the striped design
• Slip stitch markers (SSM) help track pattern repeats and construction sections

Materials and Tools

The Taliesin is designed to be worked with Louisa Harding Amitola yarn, a single-spun fiber that requires specific handling. Yarn quantities vary by size: the smaller sizes require 2 x 50g balls each of shades 125 Sleepy Hollow and 127 Amelia, while larger sizes need 3 x 50g balls of each shade. The pattern specifically advises using the cable cast-on method with Amitola to prevent yarn breakage, as the single-spun construction is prone to weakening with excessive twisting during traditional thumb-method casting on.

Needles required include a pair of 4 mm (US 6) straight knitting needles for the initial cast-on and edging work, supplemented by 4 mm (US 6) and 3.75 mm (US 5) long circular knitting needles for body and sleeve sections. Four stitch markers assist in tracking pattern sections and shaping points throughout construction.

Gauge and Finishing Details

The pattern is worked to a tension of 24 stitches by 36 rows over 10 cm (4 inches) measured in stockinette stitch. This gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions across all size options. The design accommodates various sleeve lengths, ranging from 40.5 cm (16 inches) for smaller sizes to 45.5 cm (18 inches) for larger sizes, allowing customization based on individual arm length requirements.

Color planning is emphasized throughout the pattern instructions: when transitioning between yarn balls, the next ball should begin with a similar color value to the one just completed, ensuring seamless color gradation and avoiding abrupt striping that would disrupt the sweater's aesthetic appeal.