Classic Elite Yarns Manton Jumper Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Manton Knitted Raglan Pullover Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Manton is a classic raglan pullover sweater designed by Lillian May, originally published in Adelaide in 1607. This knitted garment features a distinctive colorful striped panel on the front, combining both horizontal and vertical stripe directions for visual interest. The sweater is available in seven sizes ranging from extra small (XS) through 3XL, with finished bust measurements from 33 inches to 53 inches and finished lengths from 23½ inches to 27 inches.

Construction Techniques

The Manton employs a top-down raglan construction method, which allows knitters to try on the garment as it develops and easily adjust the length. The sweater is worked in a unique modular approach: the three front panels—right, left, and center—are worked separately from the top down and then joined together to work the ribbed lower edge in one unified piece. This technique combines elements of both seamless and seamed construction.

The design incorporates stranded colorwork on the center front panel, creating the distinctive two-directional striped effect. To accommodate the different gauges that can occur between solid-color stockinette stitch and stranded colorwork patterns, the pattern notes that knitters may use a larger needle size for the stranded colorwork rows of the center front panel to match the gauge of the solid-color sections. However, if consistent gauge can be achieved with matching needles, the larger needle is optional.

The yoke shaping uses strategic increases worked at the raglan lines to create the characteristic sloped shoulder seams. The construction begins with a small cast-on at the neckline and progressively increases stitches in a structured pattern that varies by size, ultimately creating the proper depth and width for the armhole and upper body.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns Used

• Stockinette stitch (St st) — the primary stitch used throughout the body and sleeves for a smooth, classic knit fabric
• Ribbing — worked at the neckband and lower edge for elasticity and a finished appearance
• Make one increase (m1) — used for the raglan shaping increases on right-side rows
• Make one purl increase (m1p) — used for increases on wrong-side rows in certain size ranges
• Stranded colorwork — the technique used to create the multi-colored striped panel on the center front, where multiple colors are carried across rows to form the pattern
• Cable cast-on — the method used to cast on stitches at the underarm during construction

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Manton is designed to be worked with Classic Elite Yarns yarn. The pattern requires both smaller needles and larger needles, though the larger needle size is conditional—it is only necessary if gauge differences exist between the stranded colorwork and solid stockinette sections. Specific needle sizes and yarn weight recommendations can be found in the complete pattern details on the Classic Elite Yarns website.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as Intermediate, making it suitable for knitters with some experience who are comfortable with techniques such as increasing, stranded colorwork, and modular construction methods.