Cozy Hoodie Jumper Knitting Pattern

Cozy Hoodie in Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash

What Is Being Made

This is a knitted sweater and top designed by Melissa Leapman, specifically categorized as a knitted cardigan. The garment is available in five sizes ranging from Small to 2X, with finished bust measurements of 36 inches (Small) up to 52 inches (2X) and a back length varying from 25 to 26 inches depending on size. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a textured, cozy sweater suitable for layering and everyday wear.

Techniques Used

The construction employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The garment is worked in separate pieces—back, front, and sleeves—which are later assembled. Key shaping techniques include binding off stitches to create armholes and shoulder shaping, as well as strategic increases using the M1 (make one) method, where the left-hand needle is inserted from front to back under the bar between two stitches and knitted through the back loop. The pattern also incorporates slip, slip, knit (SSK) decreases for refined edge finishing. Neck shaping is worked by dividing stitches and working each side separately, a standard method for creating neckline depth and fit.

Stitches Used

• Textured Pattern: The primary stitch pattern alternates knit and purl stitches in a simple two-row repeat. Row 1 (right side) works a knit-one, purl-one ribbing across, ending with a knit stitch. Row 2 (wrong side) is worked entirely in knit stitches. This creates a subtle, reversible textured fabric that adds visual interest while remaining accessible for intermediate knitters.
• Foundational Stitches: Knit (K) and purl (P) stitches form the basis of the entire garment.
• Shaping Stitches: M1 (make one) increases and SSK (slip, slip, knit) decreases are used to shape the armholes, shoulders, and neckline.
• Edge Finishing: Bind off (BO) and cast on (CO) techniques secure the beginning and ending edges of all pieces.

Materials and Tools

This pattern calls for Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash, a 100% superwash wool yarn that offers durability and easy care. Each skein contains 100 grams (3.5 ounces) and yields 220 yards (200 meters) of yardage. The project requires 9 skeins for the Small size, increasing to 12 skeins for the 2X size, all in color #900 (Charcoal). The yarn is worked at a gauge of 22 stitches and 30 rows per 4 inches in the textured pattern, ensuring proper fit and drape.

Needles required include US 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles for the main body pieces and US 6 (4.0 mm) double-pointed knitting needles for smaller circumference areas such as sleeves and neckline finishing. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming pieces together.

Skill Level and Suitability

Designed as an intermediate project, this sweater is well-suited for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and simple garment construction but are ready to tackle shaping techniques and multi-piece assembly. The straightforward textured pattern repeat requires minimal concentration once established, allowing crafters to focus on the shaping sequences that define the garment's fit and silhouette.