Noro Lace Jumper Knitting Pattern

Noro Lace Raglan Sweater by Jenny Watson

What Is Being Made

The Noro Lace is a lace raglan sweater designed for knitters seeking an elegant, feminine garment with delicate openwork detailing. This pullover sweater features a classic raglan sleeve construction and is available in five sizes ranging from X Small (to fit bust 81/86cm or 32/34in) through to X Large (to fit bust 122/127cm or 48/50in). The finished sweater has an actual bust measurement of 97cm to 137cm (38in to 54in) depending on size selected, with a full length ranging from 56cm to 64cm (22in to 25¼in) and sleeve length from 46cm to 48cm (18in to 19in).

Techniques Used

This design employs bottom-up construction, meaning the sweater is knitted starting from the lower edge and working upward toward the shoulders. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, requiring seaming to join pieces together. The seamed construction allows for precise shaping and finishing. Lace is the primary decorative technique, created through strategic yarn-over and decrease sequences that form openwork patterns throughout the sweater body and sleeves. The raglan shaping technique is used for sleeve cap construction, where decreases are worked at regular intervals to create the characteristic diagonal seam lines running from underarm to neckline.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined to create lace effects. Knit (K) and purl (P) stitches form the base fabric. Yarn-overs (yfwd) create the openwork holes characteristic of lace knitting. Decreases including knit two together (K2tog), purl two together (P2tog), and slip, knit one, pass slipped stitch over (s1, K1, psso) are used both for shaping and to balance yarn-overs in lace pattern sequences. Two-by-two ribbing (2x2 rib) is worked at the lower edge to create an elastic cuff that helps the sweater maintain its shape. The pattern instructions indicate stitch holders are required, suggesting stitches are held for later finishing, likely at the neckline.

Materials and Gauge

This sweater is designed to be knitted using Noro Janome yarn in colorway 4. The yardage requirement is 6 to 9 balls of 50g weight depending on size, with smaller sizes requiring 6 balls and larger sizes requiring up to 9 balls. Two sizes of 5mm (US8) knitting needles and 4mm (US6) knitting needles are required. The 4mm needles are used for the ribbed cuff, while the 5mm needles are used for the main lace pattern. Stitch holders are needed to secure stitches during construction. The pattern is designed to achieve a gauge of 18 stitches and 26 rows to 10cm (4in) over the lace pattern using 5mm (US8) needles. Achieving correct gauge is essential for the sweater to fit as intended across all five size options.