Watton Jumper Knitting Pattern

Watton Sweater by Quail Studio

What Is Being Made

The Watton is a classic pullover sweater designed by Quail Studio and published as a Mode at Rowan digital knitting pattern. This garment is constructed as a traditional crew-neck sweater with set-in sleeves, available in nine different sizes ranging from 71-76 cm (28-30 inches) chest to 152-157 cm (60-62 inches) chest. The sweater features a tailored fit with actual chest measurements ranging from 88.5 cm to 168.5 cm depending on the chosen size.

Techniques Used

The Watton employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for an advanced beginner level. The pattern uses ribbed edging at the cuffs and hem for structure and elasticity, followed by a textured main body. The garment incorporates stocking stitch (stockinette stitch) for the initial rows after the cast-on, which provides a smooth, classic base. The primary construction technique involves moss stitch (also called seed stitch), which creates a subtle, textured surface throughout the body of the sweater. The pattern includes armhole shaping using cast-off stitches at the beginning of rows and neck shaping with decreases worked at regular intervals. The sleeves are set-in style, requiring careful measurement and shaping to achieve proper fit and sleeve cap construction.

Stitches Used

The Watton pattern utilizes a limited but effective stitch repertoire. Ribbing (alternating knit and purl stitches in a 2x2 pattern) is worked over the first 12 cm of the back and front pieces, creating an elastic edge. Stocking stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows) is worked for 6 rows immediately after the ribbed cuff. The main body is worked in moss stitch, which alternates single knit and purl stitches on every row to create a dense, bumpy texture. Cast-off stitches are used to shape the armholes and neck openings, while decreases (worked at the neck edge on alternate rows) refine the neckline shaping. The pattern also employs stitch holders to temporarily hold stitches for the back neck and front neck sections during construction.

Materials and Tools

The Watton is designed to be knitted with Chunky Wool yarn from the Mode at Rowan collection. Yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 9 balls (100g each) for the smallest size to 17 balls for the largest size. The pattern is photographed in the colorway Mist 012, showcasing the subtle texture of the moss stitch in a neutral tone. Two pairs of needles are required: 6.5mm (US 10½) needles for the ribbed sections and 7mm (US 10½) needles for the main body in moss stitch. The pattern specifies a tension of 14 stitches and 26 rows to 10 cm measured over moss stitch using the 7mm needles, which is essential for achieving the correct finished garment measurements. Additional notions include stitch holders for managing live stitches during construction.

Pattern Structure Overview

The Watton follows a standard sweater construction method. The back piece is worked first, beginning with a cast-on edge worked in 2x2 ribbing on 6.5mm needles, followed by 6 rows of stocking stitch to establish the transition. The main body is then worked in moss stitch on 7mm needles until the piece reaches the required length before armhole shaping. Armhole shaping is achieved by casting off stitches at the beginning of rows, followed by shoulder and back neck shaping. The front piece mirrors the back construction until the neckline shaping begins, which is worked by placing center stitches on a holder and working each shoulder separately with decreases at the neck edge on alternate rows. The pattern includes detailed instructions for shaping both shoulders and managing the front neck opening. This structured approach makes the Watton suitable for knitters with advanced beginner skills who are comfortable with basic shaping techniques.