Noro Ladies' Sweater (Taiyo Sport) Jumper Knitting Pattern

Noro Ladies' Sweater (Taiyo Sport) - Knitted Pullover

What is Being Made

The Noro Ladies' Sweater Taiyo Sport is a classic pullover sweater designed for women, available in three sizes to fit bust measurements of 32-34 inches (81-86 cm), 34-36 inches (86-91 cm), and 36-38 inches (91-96 cm). The finished garment features an underarm width of 40-44 inches (101-112 cm) and a length of 21-23 inches (53-58 cm), making it a versatile layering piece or standalone garment. The sweater is distinguished by a distinctive floppy neckline created through strategic shaping at the shoulder seams, where extra stitches are left to fall forward for a relaxed, contemporary aesthetic.

Techniques Used

This sweater is constructed using bottom-up knitting methodology, meaning the garment is worked from the lower edge upward. The construction method is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, with pieces subsequently seamed together to form the finished garment. This approach allows for precise shaping and makes it easier to manage stitch counts during the various increases and decreases required for the body and armhole shaping.

The pattern employs make one increase (M1K) techniques at each end of rows to gradually expand the sweater body. Increases are worked on alternating 6th and 4th rows, creating a gentle, gradual slope that enhances the fit. The shoulder shaping is accomplished through strategic cast-off sequences worked over multiple rows to create a sloped shoulder line that provides better garment structure and fit.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St. st.): The primary stitch throughout the sweater body, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side. This classic stitch creates a smooth, flat fabric with a V-textured appearance on the right side.
• Ribbing (K1, P1): Used for the welts at the lower edge and armbands to create elasticity and a neat, fitted finish. The ribbing is worked over 10 rows at the lower edge and 20 rows at each armband opening.
• Knit and Purl stitches: Individual knit and purl stitches are maintained throughout ribbed sections according to established patterns.
• Make One Increase (M1K): Used strategically at each end of rows during the body shaping phase to increase stitch count gradually.
• Cast-off stitches: Used to bind off stitches at the shoulders in multiple stages, creating the sloped shoulder shaping essential to the garment's construction.

Materials and Needles

The sweater is knitted using Noro Taiyo Sport yarn in shade 6, with yardage requirements of 230 grams for the smallest size, 250 grams for the medium size, and 280 grams for the largest size. Two sizes of needles are required: 4 mm (US size 6) needles for the ribbed welts and armbands, and 4½ mm (US size 7) needles for the main body worked in stockinette stitch. The pattern specifies a tension of 20 stitches by 28 rows over a 10 cm (4 inch) square when measured over stockinette stitch using the 4½ mm needles, ensuring proper fit and drape of the finished garment.

Construction Overview

The back piece is cast on with 99-111 stitches depending on size and begins with 10 rows of K1, P1 ribbing. After ribbing, the piece transitions to stockinette stitch and is worked straight for approximately 64-72 rows before armhole shaping begins. Additional rows are worked straight before the shoulders are shaped through progressive cast-offs. The front follows a similar construction with strategic shaping to accommodate the distinctive floppy neckline. Armbands are picked up around the armhole edges and worked in ribbing before all seams are sewn together to complete the garment.