Catarratto Jumper Knitting Pattern

Catarratto Jumper in Berroco Summer Silk

What is Being Made

The Catarratto Jumper is an intermediate-level knitted sweater designed by Amy Christoffers. This garment is available in six sizes with finished bust measurements ranging from 40 inches to 60 inches, and finished lengths from 24 inches to 26 inches. The design features approximately 4 to 6 inches of ease, allowing for a comfortable, relaxed fit. The jumper is constructed as a cohesive piece that combines circular and flat knitting techniques to create a polished, wearable sweater.

Construction and Techniques

The Catarratto Jumper employs a strategic construction method that maximizes efficiency and creates clean seams. The body is worked in one continuous piece in the round from the hem up to the underarms, which eliminates side seams and creates a seamless lower section. Once the body reaches the underarm depth, it is divided into separate front and back pieces, which are then worked flat using traditional back-and-forth knitting. This hybrid approach combines the benefits of circular knitting with the control of flat knitting for shaping the neckline and shoulders.

The sleeves are picked up from the armhole openings and worked downward in the round toward the cuffs. This top-down sleeve construction allows for easy adjustments to sleeve length and creates a neat, integrated join between the body and sleeves.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern featured in the Catarratto Jumper is Broken Rib, which creates a subtle textured fabric with excellent drape and recovery. The Broken Rib pattern is worked differently depending on the section of the garment:

• In the round (for the body and sleeves): The pattern alternates between a knit round and a knit-one, purl-one ribbed round, worked over an even number of stitches.
• Flat (for the front and back): The pattern begins with a knit row on the right side, followed by a row of purl-one, knit-one ribbing worked over an odd number of stitches.

The Broken Rib stitch provides visual interest while maintaining the elasticity and structure needed for a well-fitted jumper. The pattern also incorporates a charted design element that is worked into the front of the garment, adding depth and sophistication to the finished piece.

Materials

The Catarratto Jumper is designed to be knitted with Berroco Summer Silk, a premium yarn that combines the comfort of silk with the workability of a summer-weight yarn. Each ball weighs 50 grams, and the pattern requires 7 to 11 balls depending on the chosen size, with the yarn color specified as #4070 Villa.

The needles required include:

• One 29-inch circular needle in size 5 (3.75 mm) for ribbing and initial setup
• One 29-inch circular needle in size 7 (4.50 mm) for the main body fabric
• One 16-inch circular needle in size 5 (3.75 mm) for working the neckline and cuffs
• One set of four double-pointed needles (dpns) in size 5 (3.75 mm) for small circumference ribbing
• One set of four double-pointed needles (dpns) in size 7 (4.50 mm) for sleeve shaping

Additional notions include one stitch marker to denote the beginning of rounds, one stitch holder for securing stitches during construction, and waste yarn for temporarily holding stitches.

Gauge and Yarn Weight

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 24 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches in Broken Rib on the larger needles (size 7, 4.50 mm). Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the proper finished measurements and fit. The pattern emphasizes the importance of checking gauge before beginning the project to ensure accuracy and avoid potential sizing issues.

Berroco Summer Silk is a lightweight, breathable yarn ideal for warm-weather knitting, making the Catarratto Jumper a versatile piece suitable for layering or wearing on its own during milder seasons.