Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Pearl Tee Jumper Knitting Pattern

Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Pearl Tee

What is Being Made

The Pearl Tee is a classic knitted pullover sweater designed by Rosemary Drysdale. This easy-level garment features a contemporary split design with contrasting stitch textures on the front and back. The tee is available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X, with finished bust measurements from 36 inches (91.5 cm) to 56 inches (142 cm) and lengths from 19½ inches (49.5 cm) to 22 inches (56 cm). The design creates visual interest through its unique combination of smooth and textured surfaces, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs a bottom-up construction method, meaning the sweater is knitted starting from the lower edge and working upward toward the shoulders and neckline. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for easy shaping and modifications. The finished pieces are then seamed together to create the complete sweater, with a circular needle used only for the final neckband ribbing. This traditional approach provides excellent control over fit and allows knitters to try on the garment during construction.

Stitches Used

The Pearl Tee incorporates three primary stitch patterns:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st) — The foundation stitch worked by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows, creating the smooth, classic knit fabric that forms one half of the front and back panels
• Reverse Stockinette Stitch (Rev St st) — Created by purling on right-side rows and knitting on wrong-side rows, this produces a bumpy, textured surface that contrasts beautifully with the stockinette sections
• K1, P1 Rib — A stretchy ribbed stitch used for the cuff at the lower edge and the neckband, providing elasticity and a finished appearance

The pattern features a distinctive split design where the back and front are each divided in half vertically, with one half worked in stockinette stitch and the other half in reverse stockinette stitch, creating a striking two-tone textural effect.

Materials and Gauge

The Pearl Tee is designed to be knitted with Stacy Charles Fine Yarns FLORA, a premium blend of 95% cotton and 5% polyester metallic in the color Pearl (#01). This fiber content creates a lightweight, breathable fabric ideal for warm-weather wear, with the metallic component adding subtle shimmer. The pattern requires 6 to 10 balls depending on size, with each ball weighing 0.88 ounces (25 grams) and yielding 114 yards (105 meters).

The recommended needles are size 7 (4.5mm) straight needles for the main body and a size 7 (4.5mm) circular needle measuring 16 inches (40 cm) for the neckband. The pattern gauge is 20 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit and finished measurements. Additional supplies include stitch holders, a stitch marker, and a yarn needle for seaming and finishing.

Construction Details

The back and front pieces begin with a k1, p1 ribbed cuff worked for 4 rows with a strategic increase on the final row to establish the working stitch count. The body is then divided into two halves, with one side worked in stockinette stitch and the other in reverse stockinette stitch, creating the signature textural contrast. The pieces are worked even until reaching the armhole depth, at which point stitches are bound off and decreased to shape the armholes. The front includes a centered neck opening that is shaped by binding off stitches at the neck edges while working both sides simultaneously. Shoulder shaping is accomplished through bind-offs, and the remaining stitches are held for the neckband, which is picked up and worked in k1, p1 rib using the circular needle. All pieces are seamed together using the yarn needle, creating a polished, professional finish.