Noro Sweater (Hanami) Jumper Knitting Pattern

Noro Sweater (Hanami) - Knitted Pullover

What Is Being Made

The Noro Sweater (Hanami) is a knitted pullover designed to fit bust sizes 34-38 inches (86-96 centimeters). This garment features a finished width measurement of 48 inches (121 centimeters) at the underarm and a back length of 25 inches (59 centimeters), with sleeves measuring 13 inches (33 centimeters) in length. The sweater is constructed as a classic pullover style with a structured fit and decorative patterning throughout.

Construction Method and Techniques

This sweater is worked bottom-up, meaning construction begins at the lower edge and progresses upward toward the neckline. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, requiring seaming to join the pieces together once knitting is complete. The design incorporates lace techniques, which create openwork sections that add visual interest and texture to the finished piece.

The construction begins with short rows, a shaping technique that creates graduated increases in stitch count. This method allows for precise fit adjustments and creates the foundation for the patterned sections. After the short row setup, the sweater transitions into a repeating stitch pattern that is maintained and modified as the piece grows.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The sweater begins with a ribbed pattern at the lower edge, created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a K2, P2 sequence. This ribbing provides elasticity and helps the garment hold its shape at the hem.

The main body features a sophisticated lace pattern created using the following core stitches:

• Knit (K) - the fundamental stitch that forms the base fabric
• Purl (P) - the reverse of the knit stitch, used to create textural contrast
• Yarn forward (yf) - a yarn over technique that creates deliberate holes in the fabric, characteristic of lace knitting
• K3tog (knit three together) - a decrease that combines three stitches into one, used to balance the yarn overs and maintain stitch count

The repeating lace pattern is structured as [yf, K3tog, yf, K9], which creates a rhythmic sequence of openwork eyelets alternating with solid knit sections. This pattern is repeated multiple times across each row and continues throughout the body of the sweater, creating a cohesive decorative design.

Materials and Tools

The Noro Sweater (Hanami) is knitted using 380 grams of Noro Kureopatora yarn in shade 1006. Two pairs of needles are required: a 3¾mm (US size 5) needle for the ribbed cuff and a 4mm (US size 6) needle for the main body and patterned sections. The larger needle size accommodates the lace pattern while the smaller needle creates the tighter ribbing at the garment's edge.

Gauge and Tension

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches by 26 rows equals 10 centimeters (4 inches) when measured over the stitch pattern using the 4mm needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for the sweater to fit as designed, as variations in tension will affect the finished measurements significantly.