Jenne Sweater

Jenne Sweater by SunnyGray

Garment Overview

The Jenne Sweater is a contemporary knitted pullover featuring a distinctive deep open back and flared sleeves. This top-down raglan construction creates a fitted silhouette with loose drape, making it an elegant layering piece. Available in five sizes ranging from XS to XL, with finished bust measurements from 39" to 48" (99cm to 122cm) after blocking, the Jenne accommodates various body types while maintaining its flattering design.

Construction Method

The Jenne Sweater is worked from the top down using the raglan increase method, a popular technique in modern knitting that allows for seamless construction and easy customization. The body is primarily worked in stockinette stitch, the fundamental knit fabric created by alternating knit and purl rows. Increases are strategically placed on right-side rows only, following the raglan shaping pattern to create the characteristic diagonal lines from the neckline to the underarms. This construction method eliminates the need for seaming and provides excellent fit control.

Stitches and Techniques

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch throughout the sweater, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric with a flat appearance on the right side
• Raglan Increases: Shaping increases worked on right-side rows to form the distinctive raglan sleeve cap and body shaping
• Magic Loop Method: An optional technique for working small circumferences in the round using a single circular needle, ideal for the arm sections
• Top-Down Construction: Working from the neckline downward, allowing for in-progress fitting and easy adjustments

Materials and Gauge

The Jenne Sweater is designed to be worked in lace-weight yarn for a delicate, refined drape. The pattern calls for Lana Grossa Lace Seta, a luxurious blend of 70% alpaka and 30% silk, which provides softness and subtle sheen. Yardage requirements range from 4 skeins (50g each, totaling 1000 meters) for the smallest size to 5 skeins for the largest size. The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10cm x10cm) using size 4.00mm (US 6) needles in stockinette stitch.

Tools Required

• US 6 (4.00mm) double-pointed knitting needles
• US 6 (4.00mm) circular knitting needles in 16" (40cm) length for magic loop method on sleeves, or 32" to 40" (80cm to 100cm) for finishing the body
• 4.00mm crochet hook (optional, for finishing edges if needed)
• 4 stitch markers for tracking raglan increases and pattern sections

Skill Level

The Jenne Sweater is classified as a beginner-friendly project, making it accessible to knitters new to garment construction. While it involves fundamental techniques like top-down raglan shaping and working in the round, the straightforward stockinette stitch and clear increase placement provide an excellent introduction to fitted sweater design without overwhelming complexity.