Cassatt Sweater Jumper Knitting Pattern

Cassatt Sweater in Berroco Millstone Tweed

What Is Being Made

The Cassatt Sweater is an intermediate-level knitted pullover designed by Mel Kennelly. This garment is available in nine sizes, ranging from 36 inches to 72 inches bust measurement, with corresponding length options from 18 inches to 22 inches. The sweater is shown in the 44-inch size and features a modern construction method that combines circular and flat knitting techniques for a polished, professional finish.

Construction Method

The Cassatt Sweater employs a bottom-up construction approach that maximizes efficiency and fit control. The body is initially worked in the round using circular needles, creating a seamless lower section. At the armhole depth, the piece is divided, and the front and back are then worked flat using circular needles in a back-and-forth motion. This hybrid approach allows knitters to avoid excessive seaming while maintaining the flexibility of flat knitting for shaping the neckline and armholes. Sleeves are worked separately in the round from cuff to cap, then sewn into the armholes using a tapestry needle for a secure, invisible seam.

Stitches and Colorwork Techniques

The primary stitch used throughout the Cassatt Sweater is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with excellent drape. The pattern incorporates slip stitch colorwork, a stranded colorwork technique that adds visual interest without the bulk of traditional fair isle or intarsia methods. Slip stitch colorwork is an excellent choice for intermediate knitters because it simplifies color changes by using only one color per row, eliminating the need to manage multiple active yarns simultaneously. This technique produces a textured, dimensional fabric while remaining manageable for knitters building their colorwork skills.

Yarn and Materials

The Cassatt Sweater is designed specifically for Berroco Millstone Tweed, a yarn that provides excellent stitch definition and durability. The pattern calls for two colorways: #11168 Umber as the main color (MC) and #11162 Spice as the contrast color (CC). Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 7 to 16 balls of the main color and 2 to 3 balls of the contrast color. Each ball weighs 50 grams, allowing knitters to calculate total yardage based on the specific yarn's yardage per gram.

Needles and Notions

Construction requires size 8 (5 mm) circular needles in two lengths: a 16-inch needle for working smaller circumferences such as the neckline, and a 32-inch needle for the body. Additionally, knitters will need size 8 (5 mm) double-pointed needles or preferred small-circumference needles for working the sleeves in the round. Essential notions include four stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction points, and a tapestry needle for seaming the sleeves and weaving in ends. The pattern recommends checking gauge with the larger needle size to ensure proper fit and fabric characteristics.

Gauge and Fit

The Cassatt Sweater is designed to be worked at a gauge of 16 stitches and 19 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch, measured after blocking. Achieving accurate gauge is critical for proper fit, as the sweater is designed with 2 to 4 inches of positive ease for comfortable wearing. Knitters are strongly encouraged to knit and block a gauge swatch before beginning the project to ensure their finished measurements align with the pattern specifications. The pattern provides nine finished bust measurements from 36 inches to 72 inches, accommodating a wide range of body sizes and fit preferences.

Yarn Characteristics

Berroco Millstone Tweed is a worsted-weight yarn known for its durability and stitch clarity, making it ideal for colorwork projects where stitch definition enhances pattern visibility. The yarn's structure supports the slip stitch colorwork technique beautifully, allowing the color changes to create crisp, well-defined patterns without excessive texture or bulk. The combination of Umber and Spice colorways creates a sophisticated, earthy palette suitable for versatile everyday wear.