Classic Elite Yarns Francine Jumper Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Francine Striped Knit Sweater

What is Being Made

Francine is a simple knit sweater top designed by Susan Mills, originally published in Fortuna 1603. The garment is constructed from four rectangular pieces that are seamed together to create a finished sweater. The design features a distinctive geometric construction using bias garter stitch sections, making it an excellent intermediate-level knitting project suitable for knitters with foundational skills.

Construction and Techniques

This sweater is worked flat using the back-and-forth row method rather than in the round, allowing knitters to work each piece as a separate rectangle before seaming them together. The garment employs seaming techniques to join the four rectangular pieces into the finished sweater shape.

The most distinctive technical feature of Francine is the use of bias garter stitch sections. The design incorporates two-row striped patterns created by alternating between a main color (MC) and a contrasting color (CC). When working with the stripes, knitters carry the unused color up the side edge of the work until it is needed again in subsequent rows, a technique that maintains color continuity without cutting yarn.

Each piece of the sweater is divided into three distinct sections: a lower striped triangle worked with increases, a center section worked in garter stitch, and an upper striped triangle worked with decreases. This shaping creates the geometric silhouette characteristic of the design.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch – the primary stitch throughout the entire garment, created by knitting every row
• Kfb (knit front and back) – used during the lower triangle sections to increase stitches
• K2tog (knit two together) – used during the upper triangle sections to decrease stitches
• Knit stitches – the foundation of all pattern work

Materials and Tools

This project is worked on circular needles, though the construction is flat rather than circular. The circular needle allows knitters to slide stitches to the end of the needle where the correct color is attached after working the front lapel fold lines, making color changes and stripe work more manageable. The pattern uses both a main color (MC) and contrasting color (CC) yarn throughout.

Sizing and Skill Level

Francine is available in six sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, and 2XL, with the sample shown knit in size S. The pattern is rated as Intermediate skill level, making it appropriate for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to work with color changes, shaping, and garment construction.

Pattern Notes and Tips

The pattern includes helpful guidance for successful completion. Knitters are advised to mark the right side of each piece with a removable marker or scrap yarn to easily distinguish right and wrong sides throughout construction. This is particularly useful when working with garter stitch, where both sides appear similar. The pattern also notes that the selvedge edges serve different purposes depending on the section being worked – the side edge serves as the side seam line during the lower triangle, while it becomes the shoulder edge during the upper triangle section.