Classic Elite Yarns Maynard Jumper Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Maynard Sweater

Garment Overview

The Maynard is an oversized, modified drop shoulder turtleneck sweater designed by Cathy Payson. This intermediate-level knitting project features a relaxed fit intended to be worn with 3 to 5 inches of positive ease, making it a comfortable everyday garment. The sweater is available in six sizes ranging from XS to 2XL, with the pictured sample shown in size S.

Construction Method

The Maynard is worked flat on needles and seamed, using a bottom-up construction approach. This traditional method allows knitters to work the back and front pieces separately from the cast-on edge upward, then join them together. The garment begins with ribbed edging worked on smaller needles before transitioning to larger needles for the main stitch pattern.

Primary Stitch Pattern: Basketweave

The signature design element of the Maynard is its basketweave stitch, which creates a textured, interlocking appearance reminiscent of woven fabric. This stitch pattern repeats over 8 stitches plus 4 additional stitches, worked across 8 rows before the pattern repeats. The basketweave combines knit and purl stitches in alternating blocks:

• Rows 1 and 3 feature purl stitches set against a knit background
• Rows 5 and 7 shift the pattern placement to create the characteristic woven effect
• Rows 2, 4, 6, and 8 complete the pattern sequence with knit rows interspersed throughout

This dimensional stitch pattern adds visual interest and texture to the finished sweater while remaining accessible to intermediate-level knitters.

Ribbed Edging: 2 x 2 Rib

The sweater begins with a 2 x 2 ribbed cuff, a classic stitch pattern that alternates two knit stitches with two purl stitches across the row. This rib is worked over a multiple of 4 stitches and measures 1½ inches in length. The ribbing provides elasticity and helps the sweater maintain its shape at the edges, creating a neat, finished appearance.

Piece-by-Piece Construction Details

Back Piece: The back is cast on with 84 to 124 stitches depending on size, beginning with the 2 x 2 ribbed edging. After the ribbing is complete, the knitter transitions to larger needles and works the basketweave pattern until the piece measures 14 to 15½ inches from the cast-on edge. Armholes are then shaped by binding off 8 stitches at the beginning of the next two rows, reducing the stitch count. The armhole depth ranges from 7½ to 10 inches across the size range before all stitches are bound off.

Front Piece: The front is worked identically to the back until the armhole shaping is complete. The neck shaping begins when the armhole measures 5 to 7½ inches, depending on size. The center 24 to 34 stitches are placed on a holder, and the remaining stitches are divided to work each shoulder separately with its own ball of yarn. The neck edge is shaped by binding off 1 stitch at the neck edge five times on each side, creating a gradual neckline. The front is then worked even until the armhole depth matches the back piece.

Materials and Tools

The Maynard is knitted using both smaller and larger needles to accommodate the different stitch patterns and create proper gauge. The ribbed edging is worked on smaller needles, while the main basketweave pattern is executed on larger needles. Classic Elite Yarns yarn is used throughout the project, though specific yarn weight and yardage requirements are referenced in the complete pattern documentation.

Skill Level and Techniques

Rated as an intermediate project, the Maynard requires knitters to be comfortable with fundamental techniques including casting on, working ribbed and textured stitch patterns, shaping armholes and necklines, and seaming pieces together. The combination of the basketweave stitch pattern with basic shaping makes this an excellent project for knitters looking to expand their skills beyond beginner-level garments.

Originally published in Quest 1710A, a printed collection of designs by Classic Elite Yarns, the Maynard pattern exemplifies the brand's approach to accessible, wearable knitwear designs.