Sesia Penny Pullover Jumper Knitting Pattern

Sesia Penny Pullover

What Is Being Made

The Sesia Penny Pullover is an intermediate-level knitted sweater designed by Rosemary Drysdale. This pullover is a classic crew-neck style available in six sizes ranging from XSmall to 2XL, with finished bust measurements from 34½ inches (87.5 cm) to 55½ inches (141 cm) and lengths from 25¼ inches (64 cm) to 27¾ inches (70.5 cm). The garment features a sophisticated blend of materials that creates a refined, elegant drape suitable for both casual and dressier occasions.

Techniques Used

The Penny Pullover is constructed using a bottom-up seamed approach, meaning the front and back pieces are knitted separately from the lower edge upward, then sewn together at the side seams. The garment is primarily worked flat on straight needles for the body and sleeves, with in-the-round knitting incorporated for the neckline using a circular needle. This hybrid construction method allows for precise shaping at the armholes and neckline while maintaining the stability of flat knitting for the main body sections. The pattern includes detailed shaping instructions for shoulder decreases and neck shaping, requiring careful attention to stitch placement and row counting.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the Penny Pullover is Stockinette Stitch, which creates the smooth, classic V-shaped texture characteristic of traditional knit garments. Stockinette is worked by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows when working flat. The pattern also features Garter Stitch, created by knitting every row, which provides textural contrast and is often used for ribbed edges or decorative bands. Additionally, the design incorporates Horizontal Dash Stitch, a textured pattern repeat worked over a multiple of 10 stitches. This stitch combines knit and purl stitches in a specific arrangement across 8 rows to create a subtle horizontal dashed or striped visual effect, adding visual interest to the finished garment while maintaining the overall elegant aesthetic.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Penny Pullover is designed to be knitted with Sesia Elegant yarn, a premium blend consisting of 42% cotton, 42% silk, 10% metallized polyester, and 6% polyamide. This luxurious fiber composition creates a garment with excellent drape, breathability, and subtle shimmer. The yarn is available in color #5348 silver, a sophisticated neutral tone. Yardage requirements range from 9 balls for the smallest size to 16 balls for the largest size, with each ball containing 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and 136 yards (125 meters) of yarn.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern calls for three needle sizes to achieve proper fabric density and structure. Size 7 (4.50mm) needles and Size 8 (5.00mm) needles are used for the main body and sleeves, with the Size 8 needle being the primary working needle. A Size 6 (4.00mm) circular needle measuring 24 inches (60 cm) is used for the neckline ribbing or finishing. The recommended gauge is 19 stitches and 27 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch when working with the largest needle. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements, and knitters are advised to take time to check gauge before beginning the project.

Additional Supplies

Beyond yarn and needles, the pattern requires standard knitting notions including stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, stitch holders for temporarily holding stitches during neck and shoulder shaping, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming the garment pieces together.