Lute Jumper Knitting Pattern

Lute Knit Sweater by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Lute is a knitted sweater designed by Martin Storey for Rowan, crafted from Rowan Fine Tweed Haze yarn. This intermediate-level garment is available in nine size options to fit chest measurements ranging from 71–76 cm (28–30 inches) up to 152–157 cm (60–62 inches), with finished chest measurements from 98 cm to 180 cm. The sweater features a classic construction with shaped armholes, shoulder shaping, and back neck shaping for a tailored fit.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Lute employs several fundamental knitting techniques to create its structure and visual interest. The garment begins with a ribbed cuff worked in a 2×2 rib pattern (knit 2, purl 2), which provides elasticity and a neat finished edge. The ribbing is worked for 10 rows total with strategic decreases distributed evenly across the final row to establish the correct stitch count for the body.

The main body is constructed in stockinette stitch (smooth knit side facing outward), which creates a classic, refined appearance. A key design feature is the incorporation of a body stripe sequence that repeats throughout the sweater, adding visual depth and texture variation without requiring complex colorwork techniques. The striping pattern uses multiple yarn colors worked in alternating rows or groups of rows, with colors joined and broken off as needed.

Armhole extensions are created through strategic increases worked at each end of alternating rows, expanding the width at the underarm. Shoulder shaping is accomplished through a series of bind-offs worked at the beginning of successive rows, gradually reducing stitches to create a sloped shoulder line. The back neck is shaped separately to provide proper fit around the neckline.

Stitches Used

• 2×2 Ribbing: Knit 2 stitches, purl 2 stitches, repeated across the row. This creates the elastic cuff at the lower edge and helps the sweater maintain its shape.
• Stockinette Stitch (St St): Alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side, creating the smooth, flat fabric that forms the main body of the sweater.
• Increases: Single stitch increases worked at armhole edges to expand the garment width.
• Cast-offs (Bind-offs): Used to shape shoulders and finish edges, worked in groups across multiple rows to create the shoulder slope.

Yarn and Materials

The Lute is designed to be knitted with Rowan Fine Tweed Haze, a premium yarn available in multiple colorways. The pattern offers two versions: a striped version and a plain version. For the striped version, the following Rowan Fine Tweed Haze colors are used in the body stripe sequence:

• Yarn A – Nero 009: The primary color, worked for extended sections (34–46 rows depending on size) before introducing stripes.
• Yarn B – Blush 010: A contrasting color used in 2-row or 1-row stripes.
• Yarn C – Ash 008: Additional stripe color in the repeating sequence.
• Yarn D – Rise 001: Stripe color in the body sequence.
• Yarn E – Mist 007: Stripe color in the body sequence.
• Yarn F – Lawn 005: Stripe color in the body sequence.
• Yarn G – Linen 006: Stripe color in the body sequence.

Each color is supplied in 50-gram balls. The pattern requires 4mm (US size 6) needles for the main body fabric, with smaller needles implied for the initial ribbed cuff to create proper tension and elasticity. The Fine Tweed Haze yarn provides a tweedy texture and subtle color variation characteristic of traditional British knitwear, making it ideal for creating depth in striped colorwork without requiring intricate Fair Isle or intarsia techniques.

Sizing and Fit

Nine size options accommodate a wide range of body measurements. The actual finished chest measurements of the garment range from 98 cm to 180 cm, providing generous ease for comfortable wear. The body length and armhole depth are proportionally adjusted across sizes, with back length measurements increasing from 38 cm in the smallest size to 42 cm