Sesia Alexandra Pullover Jumper Knitting Pattern

Sesia Alexandra Pullover

What is Being Made

The Sesia Alexandra Pullover is an intermediate-level knitted sweater designed by Susan Mills. This pullover is available in five sizes ranging from Small to 2XL, with finished bust measurements from 37 inches (92.5 cm) to 53 inches (132.5 cm) and lengths from 22 to 25 inches (55 to 62.5 cm). The sweater is designed to fit with 3 to 5 inches (7.5 to 12.5 cm) of positive ease, making it a comfortable, slightly relaxed-fitting garment suitable for everyday wear.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Alexandra Pullover employs several advanced knitting techniques to create visual interest and structure:

• Top-Down Construction: The sweater is knitted from the top down, beginning with the neckline and working downward toward the hem. This method allows for easy fitting adjustments and the ability to try on the garment as you progress.
• Worked in the Round: The body of the sweater is primarily constructed using circular needles to work in continuous rounds, which eliminates the need for seaming on most sections and creates a seamless fabric.
• Cables and Lace: The pattern incorporates cable and lace stitch work, adding textural depth and sophisticated design elements to the pullover. These techniques are worked from a chart, allowing knitters to follow the stitch patterns visually.
• Seamed Construction: While much of the sweater is worked seamlessly, seaming is used strategically, particularly for underarm seams, combining the benefits of both construction methods.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental and decorative knitting stitches:

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch used throughout most of the sweater, created by knitting all stitches on every round. This creates a smooth, classic fabric with a V-shaped texture on the right side.
• Ribbed Stitch: A 1x3 rib pattern (*K1, p2, k1*) is used for the neckline and cuff edgings. This elastic stitch creates a fitted, stretchy edge that helps the garment stay in place.
• Cable and Lace Stitches: These decorative stitches are worked from a chart and form the main design feature of the pullover, with the chart containing 37 to 41 rounds depending on size.
• Decrease Stitches: Techniques such as ssk (slip, slip, knit) and k2tog (knit two together) are used to shape the sleeves and create fitted areas.
• Make One Increase: The m1 (make one) increase is used to adjust stitch counts as needed during construction.

Materials and Tools

The Sesia Alexandra Pullover is knitted with Sesia Pura Lana Ecologica yarn, a premium blend of 50% virgin wool and 50% alpaca. This fiber combination provides warmth, softness, and a luxurious feel. The yardage per ball is 95 yards (87 meters), with each ball weighing 1.75 ounces (50 grams). Yarn quantities range from 9 balls for the smallest size to 13 balls for the largest size, in color #606 granite.

The pattern requires size 8 (5mm) needles in multiple configurations: a 32-inch (80 cm) circular needle for the body, a 16-inch (40 cm) circular needle for the neckline, and a set of double-pointed needles for sleeve construction. Additional supplies include waste yarn for holding stitches, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and round beginnings, and a yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends. The recommended gauge is 16 stitches and 22 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch when worked on double-pointed needles and measured on unblocked fabric.