Plymouth Yarn Lace Pullover Jumper Knitting Pattern

Plymouth Yarn Baby Alpaca Worsted Lace Pullover

What is Being Made

This is a women's pullover sweater featuring an elegant lace design, available in five sizes ranging from Small to XXL. The finished chest measurements span from 32 ½ inches for the smallest size up to 54 ½ inches for the largest, with corresponding length adjustments from 21 ½ inches to 25 ½ inches. Sleeve length varies from 13 inches to 15 inches across the size range. The pullover is crafted from soft Baby Alpaca Worsted yarn in the colorway Taupe Heather, requiring between 3 and 5 skeins depending on the desired size.

Techniques Used

This pullover is constructed using a combination of knitting techniques to create both structural integrity and decorative lace elements. The garment is worked flat for the body and sleeves, then seamed together to form the finished piece. Certain sections are also worked in the round using circular needles, particularly for ribbed edgings. The sweater is assembled using a bottom-up construction method, meaning the body is knitted from the lower edge upward before sleeves are added. A special technique is employed at the shoulders to prevent a "stairstep" appearance: the first stitch of every row is slipped before proceeding with the pattern, creating a neater, more professional finish.

Stitches Used

The pattern incorporates several essential knitting stitches to achieve its sophisticated appearance:

• Stockinette Stitch (st st): The foundational stitch used throughout much of the garment, creating a smooth, classic fabric base
• Chevron Pattern: A decorative lace motif worked over a multiple of 13 stitches plus 1, repeated across 8 rows. This pattern features yarn overs (yo) and decreases including k2tog (knit two together) and ssk (slip, slip, knit) to create the characteristic chevron or zigzag visual effect
• Cable Stitch (C2F): A two-stitch front cable that appears within the chevron pattern, adding textural interest and dimension to the lace design
• Yarn Overs (yo): Used throughout the lace pattern to create the openwork characteristic of lace knitting
• Decreases (k2tog and ssk): Essential for shaping and balancing the yarn overs in the lace pattern
• 1x1 Ribbing: Used for edgings and cuffs, this alternating knit and purl stitch provides elasticity and a finished appearance. The ribbing is worked both flat and in the round depending on the location
• Make One Increases (M1L and M1R): Left-leaning and right-leaning increases used to shape the garment while maintaining pattern continuity

Materials and Tools

The pullover is knitted using Baby Alpaca Worsted yarn by Plymouth Yarn in the color 101 Taupe Heather. This luxurious fiber choice provides softness and warmth while maintaining the drape necessary for lace patterns. Yardage requirements range from 300 grams (3 skeins of 100g) for smaller sizes to 500 grams (5 skeins of 100g) for the largest sizes.

The primary knitting needle is a US Size 6 (4mm) circular needle measuring 24 inches, which accommodates both flat and in-the-round working methods. Additional notions include 4 removable stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and 2 stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches during construction.

Gauge Information

Proper gauge is critical for achieving the intended finished measurements. The pattern specifies three different gauges depending on the stitch pattern being worked:

• Stockinette Stitch: 20 stitches and 28 rows equal 4 inches when measured after blocking on US Size 6 (4mm) needles
• Chevron Pattern: 19 stitches and 28 rows equal 4 inches when measured after blocking on US Size 6 (4mm) needles
• 1x1 Ribbing: 20 stitches equal 4 inches when measured slightly stretched on US Size 6 (4mm) needles