Noro Lace Sweater (Hanami 3) Jumper Knitting Pattern

Noro Lace Sweater (Hanami 3) - Knitting Pattern Summary

What is Being Made

The Noro Lace Sweater is a sophisticated pullover garment designed to fit bust sizes 34-38 inches (86-96cm). This seamed, worked-flat knitting project features an elegant lace pattern throughout the body and sleeves, creating an airy, delicate aesthetic. The finished sweater measures 49 inches (124cm) in width and 20 inches (50cm) in length, with sleeves that are 12 inches (30cm) long.

Techniques Used

This sweater employs a bottom-up construction method, meaning the pieces are knitted from the lower edges upward. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for traditional row-by-row knitting. Assembly is completed through seaming, with shoulder seams joined first, followed by sleeve attachment and side seam closure. The pattern matching during seaming ensures the lace design flows seamlessly across all seams.

Stitches and Lace Pattern

The sweater features a repeating 20-row lace pattern that forms the foundation of the design. The lace is created using fundamental knitting stitches combined with decorative yarn overs and decreases:

• Knit (K) - the basic knit stitch
• Purl (P) - the reverse of the knit stitch
• Yarn Forward (yf) - creates the characteristic eyelet holes in lace by bringing the yarn to the front of the work
• Knit Two Together (K2tog) - a left-leaning decrease that balances the yarn overs and maintains stitch count

The 20-row pattern repeats twice on the body pieces, with an additional partial repeat of the first 10 rows. Rows alternate between pattern rows (featuring the lace motif) and purl rows (which create smooth stockinette sections between pattern repeats). This creates visual rhythm and allows the lace to be clearly defined against the background fabric.

Materials and Tools

The Noro Lace Sweater requires 490 grams of Noro Ginga yarn in shade 13. Noro Ginga is a premium Japanese yarn known for its beautiful color variations and quality construction. The pattern calls for one pair of 8mm (US 11) needles for all pieces, providing consistency throughout the project.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a tension of 10 stitches by 14 rows equals 10 centimeters (4 inches) square, measured over the lace pattern using 8mm needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the sweater to fit correctly and for the lace pattern to display at its intended scale.

Pattern Components

Back Piece: Cast on 62 stitches and work the 20-row lace pattern as specified, repeating the full pattern twice, then working the first 10 rows once more before casting off.

Front Piece: Worked identically to the back piece, ensuring matching lace patterning across both sides of the garment.

Sleeves: Begin with 24 stitches cast on and work the same 20-row lace pattern twice (40 rows total). Increases are worked at each end of row 9 and every subsequent 10th row, bringing the stitch count to 32 stitches by the time the sleeve is complete. This gradual increase creates a gently fitted sleeve cap.

Assembly and Finishing

The sweater is assembled by first joining the shoulder seams for 18 stitches on each side. Sleeves are then sewn in place by pinning the center of the cast-off edge to the shoulder point and sewing down to the underarm on both sides. Finally, side seams and sleeve seams are closed, with careful attention paid to matching the lace pattern across all seams for a cohesive, professional appearance.