Classic Elite Yarns Merritt Jumper Knitting Pattern

Merritt Cabled Yoke Sweater by Classic Elite Yarns

What is Being Made

Merritt is a short-sleeve layering sweater featuring a distinctive cabled yoke. Designed by Susan Mills and originally published in Century and Winter 1611, this knitted garment showcases a sophisticated construction method where the cabled yoke section is worked sideways before stitches are picked up and worked downward for the body. The pattern is available in six sizes ranging from XS to 2XL, with finished bust measurements from 31¾ inches to 54¾ inches and lengths from 24½ inches to 27¼ inches. The design is noted as an ideal short-sleeve layering piece, though sleeve length can be extended if longer sleeves are desired.

Construction Techniques

Merritt employs several advanced knitting techniques that create both visual interest and structural integrity:

• Sideways Yoke Construction: The cabled section of the yoke is worked back and forth in rows rather than in the round, allowing for precise shaping and design control.
• Short Row Shaping: Short rows are used throughout the yoke section to shape it into a gentle curve, with wraps hidden as you come to them during the knitting process.
• Seaming: The cast-on and bind-off edges of the yoke are sewn together carefully to create a seamless join.
• Top-Down Construction from Yoke: After the yoke is completed and seamed, stitches for the reverse stockinette portion are picked up from the lower edge of the cabled piece.
• Worked in the Round: The reverse stockinette yoke portion and subsequent sections are worked in the round using circular needles or double-pointed needles, continuing down to the underarms.
• Divided Construction: At the underarms, the piece divides so that the body and armhole edgings can be worked separately in the round, allowing for customized shaping and fit.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern employs two primary stitch patterns, each charted for clarity:

• Yoke Pattern (26 stitches; 18-row repeat): This charted pattern features multiple cable crosses that create the visual focal point of the sweater. The pattern includes knit stitches on right-side rows and all rounds, with purl stitches on wrong-side rows. Cable crosses are created using cable needles with instructions such as "slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, knit 2, then knit 2 from cable needle" and similar back-hold variations. The yoke pattern also incorporates purl stitches crossed with knit stitches for textural variation. Short rows are integrated into this pattern using wrap-and-turn techniques.
• Body Pattern (36 stitches; 12-round repeat): This charted pattern is worked in the round and provides the main fabric of the sweater body below the yoke.
• Reverse Stockinette Yoke Portion: The section connecting the cabled yoke to the body is worked in reverse stockinette stitch, creating a smooth textural contrast to the cabled elements.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Merritt is designed to be worked with MountainTop Blackthorn by Classic Elite Yarns, a yarn specifically selected to showcase the cable and texture work of this pattern. The pattern is worked on circular needles or double-pointed needles (size not specified in provided content), appropriate for working in the round. The yoke section is initially worked with needles suitable for the 26-stitch cast-on, with the ability to transition to circular needles as stitches are increased through the yoke shaping.

Skill Level and Pattern Complexity

This pattern is rated as Intermediate difficulty, reflecting the advanced techniques required including cable work, short-row shaping, stitch pickup, and managing multiple pattern sections. Knitters should be comfortable reading charts, working with cable needles, and managing stitches across multiple needles or circular needle configurations.