Branched Rib Polo Sweater Jumper Knitting Pattern

Branched Rib Polo Sweater in Sirdar Loveful 100% Bio Blend

What is Being Made

This is an intermediate-level knitted polo sweater designed by Sirdar, available in seven sizes ranging from XS (71-76 cm chest) to XXXL (132-137 cm chest). The sweater features a modern silhouette with subtle design details inspired by natural cell structures, beehives, and shells. The garment offers a full length ranging from 54 cm (21¼ inches) in the smallest size to 66 cm (26 inches) in the largest size, with sleeve length of approximately 45-46 cm.

Craft and Yarn Information

This project uses Sirdar Loveful Bio Blend, a sustainable double knitting weight yarn that combines wool with innovative CiCLO® recycled polyester technology. The CiCLO® component is award-winning sustainability innovation designed to reduce microplastic pollution; when the garment reaches the end of its useful life, the recycled polyester behaves similarly to wool in the blend, minimizing environmental impact. Sirdar Loveful yarns are produced by Sirdar Holdings Ltd, a British yarn company established in West Yorkshire in 1880, known for combining traditional hand knitting heritage with contemporary design trends and technical yarn innovations.

Techniques and Construction

The sweater employs double knitting as its primary construction method, a technique that creates a dense, durable fabric ideal for polo-style sweaters. The design incorporates branched rib stitch work, which creates textured vertical lines with a distinctive branching pattern—a detail inspired by the natural motifs that influenced the overall collection aesthetic. These ribs provide structure and subtle visual interest while maintaining the garment's wearability.

Stitch Details

• Double knitting as the foundational fabric construction
• Branched rib stitch for textured vertical patterning and design definition
• Polo-style collar and button band construction (typical of the garment type)

Design Inspiration and Sustainability

The Branched Rib Polo Sweater draws design inspiration from nature-based elements, with the branched rib stitch echoing organic structures found in cell biology, beehives, and shells. This thematic connection extends to the yarn choice itself: Sirdar Loveful Bio Blend represents affordable sustainability without compromising on quality or performance. The yarn is engineered to wash and wear like any standard Sirdar product throughout its useful lifespan, offering knitters the confidence that their finished garment will be durable and long-lasting.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern assumes knitters have foundational skills in basic stitches and garment construction. The branched rib technique and double knitting method require intermediate-level competency, making this an excellent project for knitters looking to expand their stitch repertoire and tackle more complex textural elements.

Materials Required

Knitters will need appropriate needles for double knitting weight yarn (typically UK size 10-11 or US size 6-8, depending on desired gauge) and Sirdar Loveful Bio Blend yarn in the chosen colorway. The pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF and is protected for personal, non-commercial use only.