Classic Elite Yarns Mariana Jumper Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Mariana Knit Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Mariana is a knit pullover sweater designed by Susan Mills, originally published in Fall 1610. This is an easy-to-knit A-line pullover that features a flattering silhouette with contrasting color hems that peek out at the cuffs, hem, and neck. The sweater is available in seven sizes ranging from XS to 3XL, offering versatility for different body types and fit preferences.

Construction Method

The Mariana employs a bottom-up, seamless construction worked in the round, a technique that minimizes finishing work and creates a polished final garment. The body and sleeves are worked separately in the round to the underarms, then strategically joined for working the yoke to the neck edge. This approach combines the advantages of seamless knitting with the flexibility of modular construction, allowing knitters to adjust fit at key points before joining pieces.

Techniques Used

• Seamless, in-the-round knitting: The body and sleeves are each worked circularly, eliminating side seams and cuff seams for a professional finish
• Contrasting color work: The design incorporates color changes, with a contrasting color (CC) creating visible hems and a main color (MC) for the body
• Decreasing for shaping: Strategic decreases (using ssk and k2tog techniques) create the A-line silhouette by reducing stitches at marked intervals
• Turning rounds: Purl rounds create fold lines that allow the contrasting hems to fold and display at the hem, cuffs, and neckline
• Modular yoke construction: After the body and sleeves reach the underarms, they are joined and worked together to the neck, allowing for seamless integration

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch (St st): The primary stitch throughout the sweater, creating a smooth, classic fabric
• Knit and purl stitches: Used individually for turning rounds that create the contrasting hem details
• Decrease stitches: Slip-slip-knit (ssk) and knit-two-together (k2tog) decreases are used symmetrically on the front and back for shaping the A-line silhouette
• Bind-off: Used to secure stitches at underarm openings where the body and sleeves will be joined

Materials and Gauge

The pattern is designed to be worked with Classic Elite Yarns Wildwood. The recommended gauge is 17 stitches and 22 rounds over 4 inches in stockinette stitch when worked on the larger needle and blocked. Achieving proper gauge is emphasized as essential to the fit and finished dimensions of the garment.

The pattern calls for circular needles in two sizes (a smaller size for ribbing and hems, and a larger size for the main body) as well as double-pointed needles (dpn) for sleeve construction. The use of longer circular needles accommodates the cast-on of 152 to 254 stitches depending on size.

Design Features

The Mariana is characterized by its A-line shaping, which is achieved through four strategic decrease rounds spaced 15 rounds apart on the lower body. The sweater measures approximately 16¾ to 18¼ inches from the turning round to the underarm, depending on size. The contrasting color hems are a signature design element, created by working in a contrasting color for the first 2 inches of the lower body and again at the cuffs and neckline, with purl turning rounds allowing these sections to fold and display visibly. This design detail adds visual interest and a polished, designer-quality finish to an otherwise straightforward knit.