Blue Sky Fibers Dawson Shell Jumper Knitting Pattern

Blue Sky Fibers Dawson Shell

What Is Being Made

The Dawson Shell is a women's sleeveless knit top designed by Vladimira Cmorej. This intermediate-level garment features a classic silhouette with a mock turtleneck collar and a distinctive back neck opening. The shell is available in five sizes ranging from XS to XL, with finished chest measurements from 30½" to 46½". The design showcases a pretty back detail and clever arm shaping, making it versatile enough to wear layered with a jacket or displayed on its own.

Techniques Used

The Dawson Shell is constructed using several key knitting techniques. The garment is worked flat on circular needles and then seamed together, following a bottom-up construction method. This approach allows the knitter to begin at the lower edge of the back piece and work upward, making it easier to try on and adjust fit as needed. The pattern incorporates strategic shaping throughout, including body decreases worked every fourteenth row for a tapered silhouette and armhole shaping with graduated bind-offs to create proper sleeve cap depth. The back neck opening is created using a two-ball technique, allowing both sides to be worked simultaneously while maintaining pattern continuity.

Stitches Used

The Dawson Shell employs a combination of fundamental and decorative stitches. The main body is worked in stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat knit face and textured reverse side. The mock turtleneck collar features plaited basket stitch, adding visual interest and texture to this prominent design element. Additionally, the pattern includes a simple crocheted back button closer, which is worked using a size F-5 crochet hook. This closure detail adds both functional and aesthetic appeal to the back opening. Decreases are accomplished using standard techniques such as ssk (slip, slip, knit) and k2tog (knit two together) for seamless shaping.

Materials and Tools

The Dawson Shell is designed for use with Organic Cotton (Skinny) yarn by Blue Sky Fibers, a 100% organic cotton fiber in a lightweight skinny weight. The yarn is available in the color shown, No. 314 Gravel. Yardage requirements vary by size: XS and S sizes require 5 hanks each, M size requires 6 hanks, L size requires 7 hanks, and XL size requires 8 hanks. Each hank contains 150 yards and weighs 65 grams. Knitting is worked on a 24-inch circular needle in size 5 (3.75mm), or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge of 21 stitches and 29 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch. The crochet closure is worked with a size F-5 (3.75mm) crochet hook. Additional notions include eight 5/8-inch buttons, a stitch holder, stitch markers, and a tapestry needle for seaming and finishing.