Sesia Makena Pullover Jumper Knitting Pattern

Sesia Makena Pullover

What is Being Made

The Sesia Makena Pullover is an easy-level knitted sweater designed by Teresa Chorzepa. This pullover is constructed as a classic crewneck sweater available in five sizes ranging from Small to 2XL, with finished bust measurements from 36½ inches to 53½ inches and lengths from 20 to 24 inches. The garment is ideal for those seeking a comfortable, everyday knit with a timeless design.

Construction Technique

The Makena Pullover is constructed using the bottom-up method, a popular approach in sweater knitting where pieces are worked from the lower edge upward. This technique allows knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and easily adjust length before binding off. The pattern involves knitting separate pieces—the back, front, and sleeves—which are later joined together using the Three-Needle Bind-Off technique, a method that creates a secure, finished seam while binding off stitches simultaneously.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques Used

The Makena Pullover employs fundamental knitting stitches suitable for beginners and intermediate knitters:

• Garter Stitch (Garter st): Used for the ribbed edging at the lower edge of the back piece, creating a textured, elastic border that helps the sweater maintain its shape
• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch used throughout the main body and sleeves, creating a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance on the right side
• K2tog (Knit 2 Together): A right-leaning decrease stitch used for shaping the garment
• P2tog (Purl 2 Together): A decrease stitch used on the wrong side for shaping
• Backward Loop Cast-On: The method used to add stitches for sleeve cap shaping, allowing for gradual increases that create a well-fitted armhole

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Makena Pullover is designed to be knitted with Sesia Batik yarn, a high-quality fiber blend consisting of 98% organic cotton and 2% polyamide. This blend provides breathability and durability while maintaining the natural comfort of cotton. Yarn quantities vary by size: Small requires 8 balls, Medium requires 10 balls, Large requires 11 balls, XL requires 12 balls, and 2XL requires 13 balls. Each ball weighs 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and contains 93 yards (85 meters) of yarn. The sample shown is knitted in color #554 Celestial Sky, a serene blue shade.

Needles and Tools

The pattern calls for multiple needle sizes to achieve proper gauge and construction:

• One US size 10½ (6.5mm) circular needle, 32 inches (80cm) long for the main body in Stockinette Stitch
• One pair of US size 9 (5.5mm) needles for the Garter Stitch ribbing at the lower edge
• One US size 9 (5.5mm) circular needle, 16 inches (40cm) long for working the neckline
• A spare US size 10½ (6.5mm) needle for the Three-Needle Bind-Off technique
• Stitch holders or waste yarn for holding stitches temporarily during construction
• Stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points
• A yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming

Gauge Information

The pattern specifies a gauge of 15 stitches and 19 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when working Stockinette Stitch with the larger US size 10½ (6.5mm) needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for the finished garment to match the intended measurements, and knitters are advised to take time to check gauge before beginning the project.

Pattern Structure Overview

The Makena Pullover pattern begins with the back piece, which is worked flat from the lower edge upward. The back starts with a Garter Stitch border created on smaller needles, then transitions to Stockinette Stitch on larger needles. Armhole shaping is created by casting on stitches using the Backward Loop method at regular