Swan Sweater Jumper Knitting Pattern

Swan Sweater in Rowan Pure Cashmere

What is Being Made

The Swan Sweater is a knitted pullover garment designed by Quail Studios, available in nine size options ranging from 71-76 cm chest (28-30 inches) up to 152-157 cm chest (60-62 inches). This sweater features a classic raglan armhole construction and is crafted entirely from pure cashmere yarn for a luxurious, soft finish.

Techniques Used

This advanced beginner knitting project employs several intermediate shaping techniques essential to sweater construction. The pattern incorporates raglan armhole shaping, which involves strategic decreases worked at regular intervals to create the characteristic diagonal seam line from underarm to neckline. The back and front pieces are shaped independently before assembly, with back neck shaping creating a comfortable neckline opening. The pattern uses stitch holders to preserve stitches during construction, allowing sections to be worked separately and later joined. A circular needle technique is employed for the neckband, enabling seamless ribbed edging around the finished neck opening.

Stitches Used

The Swan Sweater is primarily constructed in stockinette stitch (abbreviated as st st), which creates the smooth, classic fabric appearance. Decreases are achieved using two primary methods: knit two together (K2tog) for right-leaning decreases and slip, slip, knit (ssk) for left-leaning decreases, allowing for balanced shaping on both sides of the garment. The neckband utilizes ribbed knitting, which provides elasticity and a finished appearance. Purl stitches (P) are worked on wrong-side rows to maintain stockinette stitch structure. Additional techniques include purl two together (P2tog) and purl two together through back loop (P2tog tbl) for decreasing on wrong-side rows.

Materials and Tools

The Swan Sweater is knitted using Rowan Pure Cashmere yarn in 50-gram balls, photographed in the colorway Chalk 094. Yarn quantities range from 10 balls for the smallest size (71-76 cm chest) to 18 balls for the largest size (152-157 cm chest). The project requires two pairs of needles in different sizes: 3.5mm (US 4) needles for ribbed sections and 4mm (US 6) needles for the main stockinette stitch fabric. Additionally, a 3.5mm circular needle measuring 40 cm in length is needed for working the neckband. The pattern calls for stitch holders to temporarily secure stitches during construction. The recommended tension is 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 centimeters, measured over stockinette stitch using the 4mm needles, ensuring proper garment fit and drape.