Sesia Riley Pullover Jumper Knitting Pattern

Sesia Riley Pullover: Knitted Lace and Textured Pullover Sweater

What is Being Made

The Sesia Riley Pullover is an intermediate-level knitted pullover sweater designed by Irina Poludnenko. This garment is constructed as a classic pullover with a crew neckline, available in six sizes ranging from X-Small to 2X-Large. The finished bust measurements span from 30½ inches (77.5 cm) for the smallest size to 49½ inches (125.5 cm) for the largest, with corresponding lengths between 23¾ and 26¾ inches (60.5 to 66.5 cm). The Riley Pullover combines decorative lace patterning with textured stitchwork to create visual interest throughout the garment.

Construction Techniques

The Riley Pullover employs a bottom-up construction method, meaning the sweater is knitted starting from the lower edge and working upward toward the neckline. The garment is worked flat on circular needles rather than in continuous rounds, allowing for seamed construction. This approach provides greater control over shaping and pattern placement, particularly important for the intricate lace and textured sections featured in this design.

The sweater utilizes seamed construction, with distinct pattern panels that are later joined together. The design incorporates strategically placed lace patterning alongside textured knit sections, creating a balanced aesthetic. Decreases are worked at specific intervals to shape the armholes and body, with the pattern instructions indicating multiple decrease rows spaced throughout the garment's length.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns Used

The Riley Pullover features several key stitch techniques:

• Open Stitch Lace Pattern: A 16-stitch panel measuring 3¼ inches (8.5 cm) wide that creates the decorative lace elements. This pattern is worked on both the front and back of the garment in designated sections.
• Textured Pattern: A central textured stitch pattern that alternates with the lace panels. The gauge for this textured section is 21 stitches and 26 rows per 4 inches (10 cm).
• Decrease Stitches: Multiple decrease techniques are employed, including K2tog (knit two together), ssk/ssp (slip, slip, knit/purl), P2tog (purl two together), and sk2p (slip one, knit two together, pass slipped stitch over) for shaping.
• Increase Stitches: M1L (Make 1 Left) increases are used to add stitches where needed for shaping or pattern expansion.
• Selvedge Stitches: Single knit stitches at the edges of flat-worked sections provide finished edges for seaming.

Materials and Tools

The Riley Pullover is designed to be worked in Sesia Windsurf Lux, a 100% Egyptian cotton yarn. The yardage requirements range from 9 balls for the smallest size to 14 balls for the largest size. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and provides 118 yards (108 meters) of yarn. The pattern shown features color #1353 in champagne, a neutral tone suitable for versatile styling.

The project requires one size 6 (4mm) circular needle measuring 24 inches (60 cm) long, or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge. Additional tools include stitch holders for securing stitches during construction, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming the finished pieces together.

Gauge Information

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit. The textured pattern section should measure 21 stitches and 26 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) when worked on size 6 (4mm) needles. The Open Stitch lace panel gauge is specified as 16 stitches equaling 3¼ inches (8.5 cm) in width. Knitters are advised to take time to check both gauges before beginning the project to ensure the finished garment matches the intended measurements.