Classic Elite Yarns Glenavon Jumper Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Glenavon Striped Pullover

What is Being Made

The Glenavon is a boat neck striped pullover designed by Tonia Barry and originally published in Gigi 1802A. This intermediate-level knitting project features a relaxed, modern silhouette with three-quarter length balloon sleeves and a no-finish neckline. The pullover is available in six sizes ranging from XS to 2XL, with finished bust measurements from 34 inches to 56 inches and a consistent length of approximately 20½ to 21½ inches depending on size.

Construction Techniques

The Glenavon employs a distinctive sideways construction method that sets it apart from traditional top-down or bottom-up sweater patterns. Both the front and back pieces are worked flat from the center outward, beginning with a provisional cast-on at the center of each piece. This sideways approach creates a unique fabric flow and allows for strategic stripe placement. After the front and back panels are completed, the side seams are joined using the three needle bind-off method, which creates a strong, flexible seam ideal for garment construction. The sleeves are worked in the round and knitted down toward the cuffs, providing a smooth, tubular construction for the arm openings. The pattern notes indicate that when working stripe patterns flat, crafters may need to work two knit or two purl rows in succession to maintain proper stitch definition and avoid cutting yarns between color changes. Using a circular needle allows flexibility in beginning each row at either end, positioning the required color at the working end of the needle.

Stitch Patterns and Techniques

The Glenavon utilizes three primary stitch patterns to create its visual interest:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st) forms the foundation fabric throughout the pullover, creating a smooth, classic knit surface
• Single Row/Rnd Stripe Pattern alternates colors on every row or round, with Row 1 worked in color A and Row 2 in color B, then repeated. This pattern works with any number of stitches and creates thin, alternating stripes
• Double Row Stripe Pattern uses two consecutive rows of each color before switching, with Rows 1–2 in color A and Rows 3–4 in color B, then repeated. This creates bolder stripe blocks compared to the single row variation
• 1 x 1 Rib in rounds is used for the cuffs, alternating knit and purl stitches in an even number of stitches to create the classic ribbed texture that provides stretch and recovery at the wrist openings

The pattern strategically combines these stripe variations throughout the body of the sweater. The construction begins with the Single Row Stripe pattern, transitions to the Double Row Stripe pattern for the middle section, and returns to the Single Row Stripe pattern as it progresses outward from the center. This creates a sophisticated visual rhythm across the finished garment. Because the front and back halves meet at the center with a provisional cast-on, there are three rows of color A where the halves join, creating a deliberate design feature rather than an accidental overlap.

Materials and Tools

The Glenavon is designed to be worked with Classic Elite Yarns and requires both a larger needle size for the main body and appropriate needles for the ribbed cuffs. The pattern calls for two colors of yarn (referred to as color A and color B throughout the instructions) to achieve the striped effect. A provisional cast-on method is used to begin the center sections, allowing for the sideways construction technique. Circular needles are recommended to facilitate the flat construction of the front and back pieces, as they allow the crafter to begin rows at either end of the needle depending on where the required color is positioned. The sleeves are worked in the round, requiring either circular needles or double-pointed needles appropriate to the sleeve circumference.