Classic Elite Yarns Amsterdam Jumper Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Amsterdam Striped Pullover Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Amsterdam is a classic pullover sweater designed by Cathy Payson, originally published in Fall 2011 in Avenue, a printed collection by Classic Elite Yarns. This garment is offered in two versatile versions: an A-line silhouette and a blouson style with an I-cord drawstring. The sweater features a comfortable fit with decorative striping throughout and is suitable for knitters of all skill levels, rated as Easy difficulty.

Construction and Techniques

The Amsterdam sweater is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed approach, meaning pieces are knitted from the lower edge upward and then sewn together. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for straightforward shaping and pattern work.

The design incorporates several key construction techniques:

• Striped colorwork throughout the body, created by alternating between two yarn colors (designated A and B) in repeating 4-row stripe sequences
• Strategic decreasing at the side seams to create a tapered, fitted silhouette through the torso
• Garter stitch detailing at the center front and back, worked over 12 rows to create textured ridges
• Armhole bands worked in Garter stitch for a finished, professional edge
• Seamed construction at shoulders and side seams for durability and clean finishing

Stitches Used

The Amsterdam pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches accessible to knitters at all experience levels:

• Stockinette stitch (St st) – the primary stitch used for the main body of the sweater, creating a smooth, classic fabric
• Garter stitch – used for the decorative center panel detail, the armhole bands, and the final stripe of the sweater for textural contrast
• Decreases (ssk and k2tog) – worked at the edges to shape the sweater's waistline and create the fitted silhouette

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Amsterdam is designed to be knitted with Classic Elite Yarns products. The pattern is worked with two alternating yarn colors (referenced as A and B throughout the instructions) to create the distinctive striped effect. Knitters will need straight needles appropriate to their chosen yarn weight, and the pattern is provided in six different sizes with cast-on counts ranging from 110 to 166 stitches to accommodate various body measurements.

Sizing and Fit Details

The sweater is available in six sizes with finished measurements ranging from approximately 12½ to 15 inches in length before armhole shaping. The pattern includes specific stitch counts for each size and detailed measurements for armhole depth (7½ to 10 inches depending on size) and neck opening width (10½ to 13 inches). The tapered construction through strategic decreasing creates a flattering, fitted waistline before the piece widens slightly at the armholes.

Finishing Options

The Amsterdam offers flexible finishing options to suit different style preferences. A hem or casing finish is created by folding the first four rows to the wrong side and sewing for a clean lower edge. For the A-line version, side seams are simply sewn closed. The blouson version (shown in the pattern) features an I-cord drawstring threaded through a casing opening at one side, allowing the wearer to adjust the fit at the waistline. Shoulder seams are sewn on either side of the neck opening to create a centered neckline.