Classic Elite Yarns Paddle Jumper Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Paddle Lace Sweater

What Is Being Made

Paddle is a square neck pullover sweater designed by Susan Mills and originally published in Spring 2012 in Riverside, a Classic Elite Yarns printed collection. This intermediate-level knitting project features a distinctive chevron lace design across the front, back, and sleeves. The garment is available in six sizes ranging from XS to 2XL, with finished bust measurements from 30½ inches to 50½ inches and finished lengths from 23¼ inches to 25½ inches.

Construction and Techniques

Paddle employs a unique sideways construction method that sets it apart from traditional top-down or bottom-up sweater patterns. The sweater is worked flat on needles, with the back, front, and sleeves all constructed outward from two center panels. This approach allows the lace chevron pattern to radiate from the center of the garment, creating a visually striking design element.

The pattern uses a seamed construction, meaning individual pieces are knitted separately and then joined together. Two identical center panels form the foundation of the design, each measuring approximately 21 to 23¼ inches in length depending on size. From these center panels, stitches are picked up along the selvedge edges to create the right front and right back sections, which are then extended outward. This sideways working method is an advanced construction technique that requires careful attention to stitch pickup and shaping.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern incorporates several key stitch techniques:

• 1 x 1 Ribbing: Used for edging and cuff details, this fundamental knit and purl alternation creates an elastic, fitted finish. The pattern provides instructions for both flat ribbing (worked on an odd number of stitches) and circular ribbing (worked on an even number of stitches), offering flexibility depending on the construction method chosen for different sections.
• Center Panel Lace Pattern: The signature element of Paddle is a 17-stitch, 10-row repeat lace panel that creates the chevron motif. This panel combines yarn overs (yo), knit two together decreases (k2tog), slip-slip-knit decreases (ssk), and a centered double decrease (s2kp, or slip 2 stitches together knitwise, knit 1, pass slipped stitches over). The interplay of increases and decreases produces an elegant openwork chevron that flows vertically down the center panels and radiates outward through the body and sleeves.
• Stockinette Stitch: The primary fabric stitch used throughout most of the sweater, stockinette provides a smooth, classic base that allows the lace pattern to stand out prominently.
• Garter Stitch: Used selectively at edges (2 stitches at the side seams), garter stitch provides a stable, non-curling edge that aids in seaming and finishing.

The lace pattern requires intermediate knitting skills, as it involves managing yarn overs and multiple decrease techniques while maintaining stitch count and pattern alignment across the 10-row repeat.

Materials

The pattern calls for Classic Elite Yarns yarn, though the specific yarn weight and yardage requirements are referenced in the complete pattern documentation. The project is worked on larger circular needles, which accommodate the sideways construction and allow for picking up stitches along the center panel edges. The use of circular needles provides flexibility for managing the large stitch counts created when picking up stitches along the 21 to 23¼ inch selvedge edges of the center panels.

Skill Level and Pattern Details

Paddle is rated as an intermediate-level pattern, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to tackle lace construction and sideways garment shaping. The pattern includes detailed stitch charts for the center panel lace pattern, allowing knitters to follow the design visually alongside written instructions. The six-size range ensures accessibility for a wide range of body measurements and fit preferences.