Classic Elite Yarns Charlette Jumper Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Charlette Colorblocked A-Line Tee

What is Being Made

The Charlette is a seamless, top-down pullover sweater designed as a colorblocked A-line tee. Originally published in the Calista 1602 printed collection by Classic Elite Yarns, this intermediate-level knitting project features a fitted yoke that transitions into an A-line silhouette, creating a flattering drape. The design includes a side placket detail on the yoke and comes in six sizes ranging from 2XS to XL, with finished bust measurements from 29 inches to 47¼ inches and lengths from 20 to 24½ inches.

Techniques Used

This sweater employs several key knitting techniques that make it an excellent intermediate project:

• Top-down construction: The Charlette begins at the neckline and is worked downward, allowing for easy fitting adjustments as you progress
• Seamless knitting: The garment is worked in the round using circular needles, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a smooth, professional finish
• Worked in the round: After the initial neck shaping, the piece transitions from flat rows to circular knitting, which is more efficient and produces fewer seams
• Short-row shaping: The neck opening is shaped using short rows with wrap-and-turn (w&t) techniques, which create a custom neckline fit while hiding wraps as you work
• Strategic increases: Multiple increase rows are worked into the yoke section to create the A-line shaping, with increases distributed evenly across the round for balanced proportions

Stitches Used

The Charlette pattern utilizes straightforward, classic stitches suitable for an intermediate knitter:

• 2x2 Ribbing: A multiple of 4 stitches worked as *K2, P2* throughout, used for the neckband and providing elasticity and structure at the edges
• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch throughout the body of the sweater, creating a smooth, flat fabric ideal for showcasing colorblocking
• Make One increases (m1): Used strategically in multiple increase rows to shape the yoke and create the A-line silhouette without creating visible holes

Materials and Needles

The pattern is designed to be worked with yarn on circular needles, though specific yarn weight and needle size recommendations are referenced in the complete pattern documentation. The colorblocked design suggests using at least two contrasting yarn colors to create the visual interest of the A-line tee, with color changes occurring at strategic points in the yoke and body sections.

Pattern Construction Overview

The Charlette follows a logical construction sequence. The neckband begins with a cast-on of 96 to 112 stitches (depending on size) and is worked flat in 2x2 ribbing for approximately ¾ inch. Short-row shaping then creates depth and custom fit at the neck opening. Once the neck shaping is complete, the piece is joined and worked in the round in stockinette stitch. Multiple increase rows are spaced throughout the yoke section, with 3 to 5 rows of even knitting between each increase round. These increases gradually expand the stitch count from the neckline (approximately 96–112 stitches) to the underarm and beyond, creating the distinctive A-line shape. The side placket detail adds visual interest and construction complexity appropriate for intermediate knitters.