Aft Jumper Knitting Pattern

Aft Jumper Knitting Pattern by Ella Burch

What Is Being Made

The Aft Jumper is an advanced-level men's sweater design created by Ella Burch for The Yarn Collective. This downloadable PDF knitting pattern produces a finished garment measuring 108 to 163 centimetres (42½ to 64¼ inches) in circumference, accommodating multiple size options for a comfortable, tailored fit.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern is designed specifically for Bloomsbury DK yarn, a double knit weight fiber. The total yardage requirement is 350 metres or 382 yards, with a yarn weight of 100 grams or 3.5 ounces. Knitters will need 4mm (US 6) needles or the size required to achieve correct tension, along with a cable needle for working the decorative cable stitches that feature prominently in the design.

Stitches and Techniques

The Aft Jumper employs several key knitting techniques and stitches to create its structured appearance:

• Cable stitches are central to the pattern, including C4B (cable 4 back), C6B (cable 6 back), C4F (cable 4 front), Cr4L (cross 4 left), and Cr4R (cross 4 right). These abbreviations indicate cables where stitches are slipped onto a cable needle and held either at the front or back of the work before being crossed with knit and purl stitches.
• Reverse stockinette stitch forms the base fabric, created by purling on right-side rows and knitting on wrong-side rows, providing a textured background that showcases the cable panels.
• Stockinette stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows) is used in contrast to the reverse stockinette sections.
• Standard increases and decreases, including M1 (make one stitch) and dec (decrease) techniques, are used for shaping the garment.
• Patterned panels structure the design: Panel A measures 36 stitches and 10 centimetres (4 inches), Panel B measures 60 stitches and 17 centimetres (6¾ inches), and the sleeve cable panel measures 41 stitches and 11 centimetres (4¼ inches).

Gauge and Tension

Achieving correct tension is essential for this advanced pattern. The required gauge is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 centimetres (4 inches) measured over reverse stockinette stitch using 4mm (US 6) needles. Knitters should swatch before beginning to ensure their needle size produces the correct tension, as this affects the final garment dimensions and fit.

Pattern Complexity

Classified as an advanced knitting project, the Aft Jumper requires proficiency with cable techniques, pattern reading, and garment construction. The combination of multiple stitch patterns, cable panels, and shaping makes this pattern suitable for experienced knitters who are comfortable following complex instructions and managing multiple pattern repeats simultaneously.