Austin Sweater Jumper Knitting Pattern

Austin Sweater in Berroco Ultra Wool Fine

What is Being Made

The Austin Sweater is an infant pullover designed by Alison Green, available in sizes ranging from 3 months to 24 months. This garment features finished chest measurements from 20 inches to 25 inches (51 to 63.5 cm) and lengths from 10 inches to 13¾ inches (25 to 35 cm). The sweater is constructed as a single continuous piece, beginning at the lower front edge and concluding at the lower back edge, creating a seamless construction method that simplifies assembly.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Austin Sweater employs intermediate-level knitting techniques suitable for crafters with foundational skills. The garment is worked in one piece from front to back, which requires careful attention to shaping and stitch management throughout the project. A key technique used in this design involves stranded colorwork, where multiple yarn colors are carried along the side of the work when not actively being knitted. To prevent loose loops and maintain even tension, knitters must twist the yarns together at the beginning of every right-side row. This attention to detail ensures a professional finish in the colorwork sections.

Stitches Used

The Austin Sweater incorporates two primary stitch patterns. Stockinette stitch (St st) forms the foundation of the garment and is worked with the larger needles. The pattern stitch, which creates visual interest through a combination of slip stitches and knit stitches, is worked with the smaller needles and repeats over a multiple of 8 stitches plus 1 additional stitch.

The Pattern Stitch sequence is as follows:

• Row 1 (Wrong Side): Slip 1 stitch with yarn in front, knit 7 stitches; repeat to the last stitch, slip 1 stitch with yarn in front
• Row 2 (Right Side): Slip 1 stitch with yarn in back, knit 7 stitches; repeat to the last stitch, slip 1 stitch with yarn in back
• Row 3: Repeat Row 1
• Row 4: Knit all stitches

These four rows form the complete pattern repeat and are worked continuously throughout the patterned sections of the garment.

Materials and Gauge

The Austin Sweater is designed to be knitted using Berroco Ultra Wool, a yarn that provides warmth and durability suitable for infant wear. The yarn requirements vary by size: smaller sizes (3, 6, and 9 months) require 2 balls of the main color, while the largest size (24 months) requires 3 balls. The main color used in the photographed sample is #3301 Cream, complemented by one ball each of #3331 Hibiscus and #3308 Daffodil for the colorwork sections.

Knitting needles in two sizes are required to achieve proper gauge and fabric characteristics. Size 7 (4.5 mm) needles are used for the pattern stitch sections and ribbing, while size 8 (5 mm) needles are used for stockinette stitch sections. A 16-inch circular needle in size 7 (4.5 mm) is also needed for working certain sections of the garment. Two stitch markers assist in tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and two ½-inch buttons are required for the garment's closure.

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit. The target gauge is 18 stitches and 24 rows equals 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch when worked with the larger needle. When working the pattern stitch with the smaller needle, the gauge is 18 stitches and 43 rows equals 4 inches (10 cm). The pattern recommends checking gauge before beginning to ensure accurate finished measurements and proper garment proportions for the infant wearer.