Classic Elite Yarns Juniper Berry Jumper Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Juniper Berry Knit Sweater

Garment Overview

The Juniper Berry is a bateau neck sweater with cap sleeves, designed with a relaxed fit intended to be worn with 4 to 6 inches of positive ease. Originally published in the Classic Elite Yarns collection In the Garden 1803, this intermediate-level knitting project combines elegant lace detailing with classic construction techniques. The sweater is available in six sizes ranging from XXS through L.

Construction Method

This sweater is worked bottom-up and worked flat, meaning pieces are knitted on straight needles rather than in the round. The garment uses a seamed construction, with individual pieces joined together after completion. This approach allows for precise shaping and control over the lace panel placement throughout the design.

Stitch Techniques and Patterns

The Juniper Berry features two primary stitch patterns that work together to create visual interest:

• 2 x 2 Rib: A foundational stitch pattern worked over a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2, alternating knit and purl columns. This ribbed pattern is used for the garment's cuffs and creates elastic, fitted edges that frame the lace sections.
• Falling Leaves Lace Chart: A 29-stitch, 18-row repeat lace pattern that forms the decorative panels. This lace motif is worked on the front and back pieces, flanking a center section of Stockinette stitch. The Falling Leaves pattern incorporates classic lace decreases including ssk (slip, slip, knit), k2tog (knit two together), and sk2p (slip, knit two together, pass slipped stitch over), paired with yarn overs to create the characteristic openwork design.
• Stockinette Stitch: Used for the center body sections between lace panels and for shaping areas, providing a smooth, classic knit fabric base.

Pattern Construction Details

The back piece begins with a cast-on of 94 to 122 stitches depending on size. After working ½ inch of 2 x 2 Rib, the pattern transitions to the main body, with the Falling Leaves lace chart worked over the outer 29 stitches on each side and Stockinette stitch filling the center 36 to 64 stitches. The piece is worked even until it measures 15½ to 16 inches from the cast-on edge.

Sleeve shaping is achieved using the cable cast-on method to add 5 stitches at the beginning of 6 consecutive rows, creating cap sleeves. Removable markers are placed at the underarm to track the sleeve cap placement. The piece continues in established patterns until reaching the desired cap sleeve length of 5½ to 8 inches from the underarm markers.

Shoulder shaping is worked by binding off stitches at the beginning of rows in a stepped sequence. During neck and shoulder shaping, stitches designated for binding off are worked in Stockinette stitch. If insufficient stitches remain in the lace panel after binding off to continue the lace pattern, the remaining stitches are worked in Stockinette stitch, ensuring a clean transition at the neckline.

Materials and Tools

The pattern is designed to be worked with Classic Elite Yarns yarn using larger needles for the main fabric and ribbed sections. Specific yarn weight and needle size recommendations are provided in the complete pattern documentation. The cable cast-on method is used for sleeve cap shaping, requiring familiarity with this particular cast-on technique.

Skill Level

Rated as Intermediate, this pattern requires competency with lace knitting, chart reading, seaming techniques, and shaping methods. Knitters should be comfortable working decreases and yarn overs to successfully execute the Falling Leaves lace panels.