Cannon Jumper Knitting Pattern

Cannon Sweater in Rowan Alpaca Soft DK

What Is Being Made

The Cannon is a knitted sweater designed as a beginner-level project. This garment is available in nine different sizes, ranging from chest measurements of 71–76 cm (28–30 inches) up to 152–157 cm (60–62 inches), making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The sweater features a classic pullover construction with shaped shoulders, a fitted neckline, and long sleeves.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginners. The construction uses circular needle knitting worked flat, utilizing both an 80–100 cm circular needle for the main body and a 40 cm circular needle for the neckband. The sweater is built in distinct sections—back, front, and sleeves—which are then assembled together. Shaping techniques include cast-off decreases at the neckline and shoulders to create proper garment fit, as well as strategic stitch placement using stitch holders to manage stitches during construction. The pattern requires pattern repeats throughout the body, maintaining stitch alignment while shaping.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used in the Cannon is a body rib pattern, which is worked consistently across the back, front, and sleeves. This rib pattern is fundamental to the sweater's structure and elasticity. The tension for this project is established at 24 stitches and 34 rows to 10 centimeters when measured over the rib pattern using 4mm needles after blocking. The pattern involves careful attention to maintaining stitch counts through multiple sizes, with cast-off sequences at the neck and shoulders creating the garment's shaping.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Cannon is designed to be worked in Rowan Alpaca Soft DK, a double-knitting weight yarn. The yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 14 balls (50 grams each) for the smallest size up to 18 balls for the largest size. The pattern is photographed in two colorways: Simply White 201 and Simply Black 216. All knitting is worked on 4mm (US size 6) needles—specifically, one 80–100 cm circular needle for accommodating the full body stitches and one 40 cm circular needle for the neckband. Additional notions required include stitch holders and stitch markers to manage stitches during construction and shaping.