Sesia Kaia Tee Jumper Knitting Pattern

Sesia Kaia Tee: Striped Knit Sweater Pattern

What Is Being Made

The Sesia Kaia Tee is an easy-level knitted pullover sweater designed by Karen Tatro. This garment features a classic tee silhouette with a relaxed fit that falls to the high hip. The pattern is available in six sizes ranging from X-Small to 2X-Large, with finished bust measurements from 35½ inches (90.5 cm) to 55½ inches (141 cm). The sweater is designed to fit with 4 inches (10 cm) of positive ease for a comfortable, contemporary fit. Length varies by size, ranging from 24 inches (61 cm) in the smaller sizes to 27 inches (68.5 cm) in the larger sizes.

Construction Technique

The Kaia Tee is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed approach with pieces worked flat on straight needles. The body components—front and back panels—are knitted separately from the bottom edge upward. Once the front and back pieces reach the appropriate length, they are joined together at the shoulder seams. The side seams are then seamed together to create the body tube. This traditional flat construction method allows for precise shaping and makes it easy to customize the final length if desired. The pattern notes that extra length can be added equally to both the front and back pieces for a longer finished garment.

Stitch Techniques

The Kaia Tee incorporates two primary stitch patterns:

• K1/P1 Ribbing: Used for the neckline, armbands, and as a structural element throughout the pattern. When worked flat over an odd number of stitches, ribbing is created by alternating knit and purl stitches across each row. When worked in the round for the armband ribbing, the pattern uses an even number of stitches with alternating knit and purl stitches in each round. Ribbing provides elasticity and a finished appearance to the edges.
• Stockinette Stitch: Forms the main fabric body of the sweater. Stockinette stitch is created by knitting all stitches on the right-side rows and purling all stitches on the wrong-side rows when working flat. This creates the smooth, classic knit fabric that characterizes this tee.

Stripe Pattern and Color Work

The Kaia Tee features a striped color design created using three coordinating colors of Sesia BATIK yarn. The pattern specifies three color options: Raspberry (#5065), Pumpkin (#4180), and Layer Cake (#4350). Each size requires 3 to 5 balls per color, depending on the finished dimensions. The striped effect is achieved by alternating between the three colors as you work the stockinette stitch sections, creating a visually interesting horizontal striping pattern throughout the sweater.

Finishing Details

After the front and back pieces are seamed at the sides, armband ribbing is worked down from the armholes. The pattern uses selvage stitches on the front and back pieces, which are incorporated into the seams for a neat, professional finish. The neckline is finished with a ribbed band worked in the round using circular needles or double-pointed needles. Stitch markers and stitch holders are used throughout construction to manage live stitches and mark important points.

Materials and Tools

The Sesia Kaia Tee is knitted with Sesia BATIK yarn, a high-quality blend of 98% organic cotton and 2% polyamide. Each ball weighs 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and contains 93 yards (85 meters) of yarn. This natural fiber composition makes the sweater breathable and suitable for warm-weather wear. Knitting is worked on US 7 (4.5 mm) needles, with a 16-inch (40 cm) circular needle or double-pointed needles reserved for working the armband ribbing in the round. The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 25 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) when working stockinette stitch in a blocked state. Additional tools required include locking stitch markers for tracking pattern sections, stitch holders or waste yarn for securing live stitches, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming pieces together.

Gauge and Fit

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this pattern. Knitters should work a gauge swatch in K1/P1 ribbing for 2 inches (5 cm), ending with a wrong-side row, then measure to