Swans Island Amelia Jumper Knitting Pattern

Swans Island Amelia Sweater

What is Being Made

The Amelia is an intermediate-level knitted sweater designed by Michele Rose Orne (Pattern No. 224). This pullover features a classic turtleneck construction and comes in six sizes ranging from XS to 2XL, with finished bust circumferences from 32 inches to 52 inches and lengths from 20 inches to 24¼ inches. The sample shown is knitted in size Medium.

Construction Techniques

The Amelia sweater employs a bottom-up seamed construction worked primarily flat on straight needles. The front and back panels are knitted separately in flat rows, then sewn together using a tapestry needle. The turtleneck is handled differently—after the body is complete, stitches are picked up around the neckline and worked in the round on a 16-inch circular needle to create the finished turtleneck collar. This mixed approach combines the control of flat knitting for the body with the seamless efficiency of circular knitting for the neck opening.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The primary stitch pattern used throughout the Amelia is Cartridge Rib, a textured stitch that creates visual interest and subtle dimension. The Cartridge Rib pattern works on a multiple of 4 stitches plus 3 additional stitches when worked in rows (flat), and a multiple of 4 stitches when worked in rounds (for the turtleneck). The pattern incorporates fundamental knitting techniques including:

• Knit and purl stitches as the foundation of the Cartridge Rib texture
• Slip stitches (sl1 purlwise) worked with yarn held in back (wyib) or in front (wyif) to create the characteristic ribbed effect
• Decreases including k2tog (knit 2 together), ssk (slip, slip, knit), k3tog (knit 3 together), and the more complex sl1-k2tog-psso (slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over) for shaping
• Increases worked where needed for proper garment fit and shaping

The pattern uses standard abbreviations and includes stitch markers to help track pattern repeats and important construction points.

Materials and Gauge

The Amelia is knitted using Swans Island Ikat Collection Watercolors yarn, a premium fingering-weight yarn composed of 100% Certified Organic Merino Wool. Each skein contains 100 grams and provides 525 yards of yarn. The color shown in the sample is Indigo/Natural. The pattern requires 2 to 4 skeins depending on the size selected (ranging from 2 skeins for the smallest size to 4 skeins for the largest sizes).

The recommended gauge is 8¾ stitches and 11 rows per 1 inch when working the Cartridge Rib pattern. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished dimensions, and knitters are advised to knit a gauge swatch before beginning the project.

The pattern calls for US size 5 (3.75mm) straight needles for the flat sections of the body and a US size 5 (3.75mm) 16-inch circular needle for the turtleneck, or whatever needle size is needed to achieve the specified gauge. Additional notions include stitch markers, stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches, and a tapestry needle for seaming the body pieces together.