Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Leona Tee Jumper Knitting Pattern

Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Leona Tee

What is Being Made

The Leona Tee is a classic knitted pullover sweater designed by Lidia Karabinech. This easy-level garment is available in four sizes: Small (bust 34"), Medium (bust 38"), Large (bust 42"), and Extra Large (bust 46"). The finished length to shoulder ranges from 21½" to 23" depending on size, making it a versatile piece suitable for various body types and styling preferences.

Construction Techniques

The Leona Tee is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed approach, meaning the garment is knitted from the cast-on edge upward and then assembled using seaming techniques. The pattern is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, which is a traditional method that allows for easy stitch adjustments and straightforward shaping.

The construction begins with the back piece, which is worked first in stockinette stitch with ribbed edging. Armhole shaping is introduced partway through the piece, and the shoulders and neck receive a trim worked in ribbing. The front is worked identically to the back. Assembly involves joining the shoulders using a Three Needle Bind Off technique, which creates a secure, finished seam. Side seams are then sewn from the armhole markers down to the cast-on edge, completing the basic structure before finishing touches like blocking.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch throughout most of the garment. This stitch is created by knitting all right-side rows and purling all wrong-side rows, resulting in the smooth, classic fabric commonly seen in sweaters.
• 1x1 Ribbing: Used for the cast-on edge, armhole trim, and shoulder/neck trim. Ribbing is created by alternating knit and purl stitches across each row, producing an elastic, textured fabric that provides structure and helps edges maintain their shape.
• Make 1 (m1): An increase technique used in the pattern to add stitches where shaping is needed, such as the increase row worked after the initial ribbing.

Materials and Gauge

The Leona Tee is designed to be worked in Stacy Charles Fine Yarns AMELIA, a luxurious blend of 40% silk, 30% linen, and 30% cotton. This fiber composition creates a breathable, drape-friendly fabric ideal for a lightweight tee. The yarn is available in color 60 storm clouds and comes in balls of 1.75 ounces (50 grams) with 137 yards (125 meters) per ball. The pattern requires 5 balls for Small, 5 balls for Medium, 6 balls for Large, and 7 balls for Extra Large.

Two sets of needles are required: US size 4 (3.5mm) needles for the ribbed sections and US size 5 (3.75mm) needles for the main stockinette stitch fabric. The gauge is 20 stitches and 25 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, and the pattern emphasizes checking gauge before beginning. Additional materials include removable stitch markers for tracking key points, stitch holders for securing stitches temporarily, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming.