Classic Elite Yarns Maia Jumper Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Maia Sweater

Garment Overview

Maia is an A-line tank sweater featuring diagonal lace inserts positioned at the front shoulders. Originally published in Wooded Glen 1601, a printed collection of designs by Classic Elite Yarns, this design combines elegant shaping with decorative lace detailing for a refined, feminine silhouette.

Construction Method

This sweater is worked flat on longer circular needles and uses a bottom-up construction approach. The garment pieces are knitted separately and then seamed together, allowing for precise shaping and pattern placement throughout the build process.

Shaping and Fit

The design features strategic decreasing to create the A-line silhouette. The back and front pieces begin with a cast-on of 140 to 190 stitches (depending on size) and are worked in stockinette stitch before decreasing rows are introduced. Decreases are worked every fourth row across multiple repeats to gradually reduce the stitch count from the initial cast-on to approximately 90 to 140 stitches at the waist. Armhole shaping is then worked by binding off stitches at the beginning of rows, followed by additional decrease rows to create fitted armholes.

Lace Pattern Details

The lace inserts appear as diagonal lace panels integrated into the front shoulder sections. These are worked using a charted pattern that spans 12 to 18 marked stitches per side. The lace charts are worked over multiple rows, with the pattern repeated once or twice depending on size adjustments. The lace sections are strategically repositioned during construction, with markers moved toward the center front to accommodate the garment's shaping.

Stitch Techniques

• Stockinette stitch (St st) – forms the primary fabric of the sweater
• Knit and purl stitches – basic foundation for all shaping and texture
• Knit two together (k2tog) – right-leaning decrease used in shaping
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) – left-leaning decrease for balanced shaping
• Bind off (BO) – used to secure stitches at armhole edges
• Charted lace patterns – decorative diagonal lace inserts at front shoulders

Materials Required

This project requires yarn suitable for sweater construction and longer circular needles appropriate to the yarn weight. Stitch markers are essential for tracking lace pattern sections and armhole shaping points throughout construction.

Sizing and Gauge

The pattern is available in multiple sizes, with cast-on stitch counts ranging from 140 to 190 stitches. Finished measurements progress from approximately 16 inches to 17 inches at the lower edge (with unrolled stockinette), and armhole depth reaches approximately 18 to 19 inches from the cast-on edge before shaping begins.

Skill Considerations

This sweater incorporates multiple intermediate techniques including lace chart reading, marker repositioning, paired decreases for shaping, and seaming. The combination of bottom-up construction with integrated lace patterns and strategic armhole shaping makes this an intermediate-level project suitable for knitters with experience in garment construction and charted stitch patterns.