Wildflowerknits Winter Chai Jumper Knitting Pattern

Winter Chai Sweater by Wildflowerknits

What is Being Made

The Winter Chai is a fitted pullover sweater designed by Kennita Tully for intermediate knitters. This garment features a shaped silhouette with side shaping and armhole decreases, finished with a hood. The sweater is available in seven sizes ranging from XS to 3X, with finished chest measurements from 34 inches to 58 inches and finished lengths from 22 inches to 28.5 inches.

Techniques Used

The Winter Chai sweater is worked flat on straight needles and then seamed together, making it an ideal project for knitters who prefer not to work in the round for the body. The construction includes strategic side shaping with both decreases and increases worked 2 stitches from the edge to create a tailored fit. Armhole shaping is accomplished through bind-offs at the beginning of rows followed by decreases, creating a structured sleeve cap. A hang hem technique is used, where stitches are picked up from the first row using waste yarn and worked to create a finished edge. The hood is worked on a circular needle, demonstrating versatility in needle choice throughout the project.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The primary stitch used in the Winter Chai is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric. Decreases are worked with precision placement: at the beginning of right-side rows using knit 2, slip-slip-knit (ssk), and at the end of rows using knit 2 together (k2tog). On wrong-side rows, decreases are worked as purl 2, purl 2 together (p2tog) and slip, slip, purl (ssp). Increases are incorporated using make 1 right (M1R) and make 1 left (M1L) techniques, worked 2 stitches from the edges to maintain consistent shaping throughout the garment.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Winter Chai is designed to be knit with Tahki Yarns Vermont, a premium blend yarn composed of 50% merino wool and 50% superfine alpaca. This fiber combination provides warmth, breathability, and a luxurious feel appropriate for a winter sweater. The yarn is yardage-efficient at 93 yards per 50-gram ball. Yarn requirements range from 10 balls for the smallest size (XS) to 17 balls for the largest size (3X), with the sample garment shown knit in size Small using 11 balls in the color #02 mica.

Needles and Gauge

The Winter Chai requires three sizes of knitting needles to achieve proper fabric density and construction. Size 6 (4mm) needles and Size 7 (4.5mm) needles are used for ribbed or edge sections, while Size U8 (5mm) needles are used for the main body in stockinette stitch. A Size U8 (5mm) circular needle measuring 24 inches or longer is required for working the hood. The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches and 22 rows per 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch, and knitters are advised to check gauge before beginning to ensure proper finished measurements.

Additional Notions and Tools

• Waste yarn for the hang hem technique
• Stitch holders for securing stitches during construction
• Removable stitch markers for tracking shaping and pattern repeats
• Tapestry needle for seaming pieces together and weaving in ends

The Winter Chai is an intermediate-level project that combines classic knitting techniques with thoughtful shaping to create a flattering, wearable garment suitable for cold weather.