Saura - Jumper Knitting Pattern for Women in Tahki Yarns Cotton Classic

Saura Women's Knitting Pattern by Rosemary Drysdale

Project Overview

The Saura is an easy-level knitted jumper designed by Rosemary Drysdale for women, available in five sizes ranging from Small to 2XL. This garment features a classic pullover construction with elegant lace detailing, making it suitable for knitters seeking an accessible project with refined design elements. The finished bust measurements range from 37½ inches (95.5 cm) in the Small size to 54½ inches (183.5 cm) in the 2XL size, with corresponding length options from 20 to 24 inches (51 to 61 cm).

Knitting Techniques

The Saura employs several fundamental knitting techniques that define its construction and aesthetic appeal:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The garment is worked from the lower edge upward, allowing knitters to try on the piece as they progress and easily adjust length if needed.
• Worked Flat: The pattern is created on straight needles using flat knitting rather than circular needles or in-the-round methods, making it accessible for knitters more comfortable with traditional two-needle techniques.
• Seamed Assembly: Individual pieces (front, back, and sleeves) are knitted separately and then joined together using seaming techniques, creating a structured, polished finish.
• Lace Detailing: The design incorporates lace patterning, which adds visual interest and breathability to the cotton construction, particularly suitable for warm-weather wear.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Saura utilizes two primary stitch patterns to create its distinctive appearance:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): This fundamental knit stitch creates the smooth, classic fabric base for much of the garment. Stockinette stitch produces a fabric with knit stitches on the right side and purl stitches on the wrong side, resulting in the characteristic V-pattern texture.
• Eyelet Cable Pattern: This decorative stitch pattern combines eyelet elements (small decorative holes created through yarn overs and decreases) with cable twists, creating an intricate lace effect. The eyelet cable pattern adds textural sophistication and visual dimension to the jumper.

Gauge is critical for this pattern: 19 stitches and 25 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch, while the Eyelet Cable pattern gauges at 21 stitches and 27 rows per 4 inches (10 cm). Knitters must check their gauge carefully before beginning to ensure proper fit.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Saura is designed to be worked in Tahki Yarns Cotton Classic, a 100% mercerized cotton yarn available in the pearl grey color (#3006) specified in this pattern. The yarn weight is DK (double knitting), a versatile mid-weight suitable for creating garments with good drape and structure. Each skein contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and yields approximately 108 yards (99 meters).

Yarn quantities vary by size: Small requires 8 skeins, Medium requires 9 skeins, Large requires 10 skeins, XL requires 11 skeins, and 2XL requires 12 skeins. The mercerized cotton fiber provides a lustrous finish, excellent stitch definition, and breathability ideal for a lightweight jumper.

Tools and Notions

To complete the Saura pattern, knitters will need the following tools and supplies:

• One pair of size 7 (4.5 mm) straight needles, or the size necessary to achieve the specified gauge
• A spare size 7 (4.5 mm) needle for executing the Three-Needle Bind-Off, a seaming technique that creates a strong, flexible join
• Stitch markers to denote pattern repeats and shaping points throughout the knitting process
• Stitch holders to temporarily secure stitches during construction, particularly for the shoulder and neckline areas
• A yarn needle (also called a tapestry needle) for weaving in ends and seaming the finished pieces together

Construction Details

The Saura follows a traditional sweater construction method. The back and front pieces are worked separately from the cast-on edge upward, incorporating shaping for armholes and necklines at specified