Wildflowerknits Sencha Jumper Knitting Pattern

Wildflowerknits Sencha Knit Sweater

What is Being Made

The Sencha is a knit sweater designed by Kennita Tully, available in seven sizes ranging from XS to 3X. This garment features a classic pullover construction with finished chest measurements from 36 inches (XS) to 60 inches (3X) and finished lengths ranging from 23.5 inches to 30 inches depending on size. The sweater is suitable for knitters of all skill levels, classified as an easy skill level project.

Construction Techniques

The Sencha sweater is worked flat on straight needles using a bottom-up construction method, meaning the knitter begins at the hem and works upward toward the shoulders and neckline. The garment pieces are seamed together after completion, creating clean, finished seams along the sides and underarms. This traditional approach allows for straightforward shaping and provides excellent control over fit and drape throughout the knitting process.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Sencha incorporates two primary stitch patterns:

• Stockinette stitch forms the main body fabric, creating a smooth, classic appearance with a gauge of 15 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when worked on the smaller needles.
• K2, P2 Rib is used for the trim and finishing details, providing elasticity and a refined edge. This ribbed pattern is worked at a gauge of 12 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) using the larger needles.

Shaping throughout the sweater is accomplished using standard decrease and increase techniques. Decreases are worked as slip-slip-knit (ssk) on right-side rows and purl two together (p2tog) on wrong-side rows, positioned two stitches from the edges for a neat finish. Sleeve increases utilize make-one right (M1R) and make-one left (M1L) techniques to create smooth, nearly invisible increases at the beginning and end of rows.

Materials and Tools

The Sencha calls for Tahki Yarns "Tucson" in the colorway #04 cactus. This yarn is a blend of 52% cotton and 48% wool, offering breathability and durability in a worsted-weight construction. The yardage requirement ranges from 7 balls (756 yards total) for the smallest size to 13 balls (1,404 yards total) for the largest size, with each ball containing 108 yards and weighing 50 grams.

The project requires two sets of straight knitting needles: size US9 (5.5mm) needles for the main fabric and size US10 (6.0mm) needles for the ribbed trim. A 20-inch circular knitting needle in size US9 (5.5mm) is used for working the neckline trim. Additional tools include a stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats and a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in yarn ends.

Sizing and Fit

The pattern provides complete instructions for seven sizes with all measurements clearly marked. The smallest size (XS) features a 36-inch chest circumference and 23.5-inch length, while the largest size (3X) offers a 60-inch chest circumference and 30-inch length. Armhole depths range from 6 inches in the XS to 9.5 inches in the 3X, ensuring proper proportions across the size range. The sample garment shown in the pattern was knit in size Small.