Quail Studio Maize Jumper Knitting Pattern

Quail Studio Maize Knitted Sweater

Garment Overview

The Quail Studio Maize is a knitted sweater designed for a comfortable, relaxed fit. This pattern is available in six sizes to fit bust measurements ranging from 71–76 cm (28–30 in) up to 122–127 cm (48–50 in), with finished bust measurements from 108 cm (42½ in) to 133 cm (52¼ in). The sweater features a classic construction method and is worked in a luxurious yarn choice.

Yarn and Materials

This design uses Rowan Cashmere Tweed, a premium blended yarn that combines the softness of cashmere with the durability and texture of tweed fibers. The pattern requires 22–27 balls of 25g yarn (depending on size), photographed in the colorway Oats 001. Knitters will need 4mm (US 6) needles, a cable needle for working cable stitches, and stitch holders for managing stitches during construction.

Knitting Techniques

The Maize sweater employs several fundamental knitting techniques that create both visual interest and structural integrity:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The sweater is knitted from the bottom edge upward, allowing knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and easily adjust length if needed.
• Worked Flat: All pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, making this pattern accessible to knitters who prefer traditional flat knitting methods.
• Seamed Assembly: Individual pieces (back, front, and sleeves) are knitted separately and then seamed together, providing clean, professional finishing.
• Cable Work: The sweater features cable stitch patterns that add textural depth and visual sophistication to the design.

Stitch Details and Cable Pattern

The pattern incorporates a repeating cable motif worked over a six-row sequence. The cable pattern alternates between knit and purl stitches to frame the cables and create definition. Two primary cable crosses are used throughout:

• C4B (Cable 4 Back): Slip 2 stitches onto a cable needle and hold at the back of the work, knit the next 2 stitches, then knit the 2 stitches from the cable needle. This creates a cable that twists toward the back of the fabric.
• C4F (Cable 4 Front): Slip 2 stitches onto a cable needle and hold at the front of the work, knit the next 2 stitches, then knit the 2 stitches from the cable needle. This creates a cable that twists toward the front of the fabric.

The six-row cable pattern repeats throughout the back piece, with cables positioned at regular intervals and separated by reverse stockinette stitch sections that allow the cables to stand out prominently.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is designed to be worked at a tension of 35 stitches and 38 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) using 4mm (US 6) needles measured over the cable pattern. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements and garment fit.

Construction Details

The back piece begins with casting on between 189 and 233 stitches depending on size. The cable pattern is introduced immediately after the cast-on row, with the pattern repeat positioned symmetrically across the width of the back. Decreases are worked strategically to shape the garment, including paired decreases (P2tog) that maintain the pattern integrity while reducing stitch count. The back continues in pattern until reaching the specified length before armhole shaping begins.

The sweater demonstrates thoughtful design with graduated sizing that maintains proportional fit across the size range. The use of Rowan Cashmere Tweed yarn combined with the cable texture creates a garment suitable for both everyday wear and more refined occasions.