Classic Elite Yarns Cameo Jumper Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Cameo: Knit Pullover and Vest

What Is Being Made

The Cameo pattern offers two garment options that share the same body construction: a classic pullover sweater and a sleeveless vest. Both designs feature a cropped silhouette with deep ribbed waistbands and a subtly draped neckline. The pattern was originally published in Portraits 1311, a printed collection of designs by Classic Elite Yarns. This intermediate-level project is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle seamless construction and shaping techniques.

Techniques Used

The Cameo employs modern seamless knitting methods that minimize finishing work. The garment is constructed using a bottom-up approach, beginning at the lower body and working upward toward the shoulders. The lower body is worked in the round in one continuous piece using circular needles, creating a seamless tube from the cast-on edge to the armhole divisions. This eliminates the need for side seams and ensures a smooth, comfortable fit.

Once the lower body reaches the armhole level, the piece is divided so the front and back are worked separately in flat rows. Each pullover sleeve is constructed by picking up stitches around the armhole opening and worked in the round down to the cuff, creating seamless sleeves with minimal finishing required. The vest version omits sleeves entirely, leaving the armhole edges to roll naturally to the wrong side as a design feature.

Strategic increases are worked into the front piece to create the subtly draped neckline effect. These increases are placed symmetrically around a marked center section, allowing the fabric to drape gracefully at the neck opening. The pattern uses minimal finishing techniques—only shoulder seams require sewing, significantly reducing the time spent on garment assembly compared to traditional construction methods.

Stitches Used

The Cameo pattern relies on two primary stitches:

• 2 x 2 Rib – A reversible ribbed pattern worked over a multiple of 4 stitches. This stitch is executed by alternating knit and purl stitches in a regular pattern (P1, *K2, P2; repeat from * to last 3 stitches, K2, P1) across every round. The ribbing is worked at the lower body for 6 to 6½ inches, depending on size, creating a fitted waistband that hugs the body and provides elasticity.
• Stockinette Stitch (St st) – The primary fabric stitch used for the main body and sleeves after the ribbed cuff. Stockinette creates a smooth, classic knit fabric with a V-textured right side and bumpy wrong side. On the pullover, the no-finish stockinette neck edges are left unbound and roll naturally to the right side, creating a casual, contemporary neckline finish.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

The Cameo is designed to be worked with Classic Elite Yarns yarn, a brand known for outstanding quality and vibrant colorways. The pattern specifies two colorways: Chateau and Chalet, allowing knitters to choose their preferred aesthetic.

Construction requires circular needles in two sizes: a longer circular needle for working the lower body in the round, and appropriately sized needles for the upper body and sleeves. The pattern is graded across six sizes, with cast-on stitch counts ranging from 148 to 236 stitches, accommodating a wide range of finished garment dimensions.

Additional notions include stitch markers to denote pattern repeats and increase points, and waste yarn or stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches when dividing the front and back pieces. These minimal notions reflect the streamlined, efficient construction method that defines the Cameo design.