Ludham Jumper Knitting Pattern

Ludham Sweater by Quail Studio in Mode at Rowan Softest Alpaca

What is Being Made

The Ludham is a knitted sweater designed by Quail Studio, available in nine sizes ranging from 71-76cm (28-30 inches) to 152-157cm (60-62 inches) chest circumference. This garment features a classic pullover construction with set-in sleeves and a ribbed neckband, making it a versatile wardrobe staple suitable for various occasions and body types.

Craft and Techniques

This is a knitting project classified as advanced beginner difficulty level. The sweater employs fundamental knitting techniques including flat knitting on straight needles, shaping through strategic decreases and increases, and seamless integration of garment components. The construction method involves working the back and front pieces separately in flat rows, then attaching sleeves using traditional set-in sleeve shaping techniques. Shoulder shaping is achieved through graduated cast-offs, while the neckline is finished with a ribbed band worked on smaller needles to create a neat, elastic finish.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (st st): The primary fabric throughout the body and sleeves, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing a smooth, classic appearance
• Ribbed Pattern (K1, P1): Used for the neckband and cuff edges to create elasticity and a fitted finish that hugs the body
• Decreases: Purl two together (P2tog) decreases are used strategically for neck and shoulder shaping
• Cast-off: Standard cast-off technique secures stitches at shoulder seams and garment edges

Materials and Specifications

The Ludham is designed to be worked in Mode at Rowan Softest Alpaca, a luxurious yarn available in 50-gram balls. The pattern is photographed in the colorway Bliss 019. Yarn requirements range from 7 balls for the smallest size to 13 balls for the largest size, accommodating the full range of garment dimensions.

Two pairs of needles are required: 5mm (US size 8) needles for the neckband ribbing, and 5.5mm (US size 9) needles for the main body, sleeves, and cuff ribbing. The tension specification is 18 stitches and 24 rows to 10 centimeters measured over stockinette stitch using the 5.5mm needles, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.

Additional notions required include stitch holders for managing live stitches during construction and stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points throughout the knitting process.

Construction Details

The back piece is cast on with 80 to 154 stitches depending on size, beginning with 10 centimeters of ribbed edging before transitioning to stockinette stitch. The body continues without shaping until reaching approximately 58 to 73 centimeters from the cast-on edge, at which point shoulder shaping commences. Sleeves are similarly constructed, beginning with ribbed cuffs and expanding through increases to accommodate the armhole depth.

The front piece mirrors the back construction until the neckline shaping begins, where stitches are divided and each shoulder is shaped independently. The neckline features a defined depth with stitches held on a stitch holder for the ribbed neckband finish. Shoulder decreases are graduated across multiple rows to create a smooth, professional slope.