Blondin Sweater Jumper Knitting Pattern

Blondin Sweater in Berroco Spree

What is Being Made

The Blondin Sweater is an intermediate-level knitted pullover designed by Mel Kennelly. This garment is worked seamlessly in the round from the neck down, featuring a shaped yoke with raglan construction. The sweater is available in nine size options, ranging from 36½" to 72" bust measurement, with corresponding length adjustments from 21¼" to 25¾" measured from the back neck. The design showcases a two-color striping pattern on the yoke, combining a main color with a contrasting color for visual interest.

Construction Techniques

The Blondin Sweater employs a top-down construction method, which allows knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and customize the length before binding off. The entire sweater is worked in the round using circular needles, eliminating the need for seaming. The yoke features raglan shaping, a classic technique that creates diagonal lines from the neckline to the armholes, providing a comfortable and flattering fit. The neck opening is shaped using short rows, a technique that adds depth and contour to the neckline without increasing stitch count. This construction method is ideal for creating a well-fitted garment with minimal finishing work.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the Blondin Sweater is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a distinctive V-pattern appearance. The yoke features a stripe sequence that alternates between the main color and contrasting color: knitters work 4 rounds in the main color, followed by 2 rounds in the contrasting color, repeating this 6-round pattern throughout the yoke shaping. This striping technique adds visual dimension while remaining straightforward to execute, making it appropriate for intermediate-level knitters.

Materials and Gauge

The Blondin Sweater is designed to be worked in Berroco Spree, a yarn that comes in 50-gram balls. The pattern calls for Sand (#94103) as the main color and Meadow (#9452) as the contrasting color, with yardage requirements varying by size from 5 to 11 balls of the main color and 3 to 5 balls of the contrasting color.

The pattern requires two sets of circular needles—one 16" / 40 cm and one 32" / 80 cm—in both size 5 / 3.75 mm and size 7 / 4.5 mm, allowing knitters to adjust needle size to achieve the correct gauge. Additionally, double-pointed needles or preferred small-circumference needles in the same sizes are needed for working the sleeves. The gauge is 23 stitches and 26 rounds over 4 inches / 10 centimeters in stockinette stitch on the larger needles, measured after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements.

Notions and Accessories

Beyond needles and yarn, the pattern requires four stitch markers (with one in a different color to mark the beginning of round), one removable marker for tracking pattern repeats, and waste yarn for holding stitches during construction. The recommended positive ease is approximately 2–4 inches / 5–10 centimeters, providing a comfortable, modern fit.