Decious Jumper Knitting Pattern

Decious Jumper in Berroco Aurelia

What Is Being Made

The Decious Jumper is an intermediate-level knitted sweater designed by Mel Kennelly. This garment is available in 11 sizes ranging from extra-small through extra-large, with finished bust measurements spanning from 32 inches (81.5 cm) to 72½ inches (184 cm). The jumper features a classic pullover construction with set-in sleeves and finished lengths ranging from approximately 22 to 24½ inches (56 to 62 cm), making it suitable for various body types and style preferences. The sample shown is size 2 with a finished bust of 37 inches (94 cm).

Construction Techniques

The Decious Jumper employs a strategic construction method that combines flat and circular knitting techniques. The back and front panels are worked flat separately, allowing for precise shaping and pattern work on these main body pieces. Shoulders are shaped using short rows, a technique that creates gradual slope without visible steps, resulting in a professional-looking garment fit. Once the front and back are complete, they are joined together using the mattress stitch, a nearly invisible seaming method that creates a clean, polished finish along the shoulder seams. The sleeves are picked up from the armhole edges and worked downward in the round, eliminating the need for sleeve seams and creating a seamless, comfortable fit at the underarm.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used in the Decious Jumper is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates the classic smooth, V-textured fabric characteristic of traditional knitted sweaters. Stockinette stitch is achieved by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side when working flat, or by knitting every round when working in the round. This fundamental stitch provides an excellent canvas for showcasing the yarn's color and texture while maintaining structural integrity throughout the garment.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Decious Jumper is designed to be worked in Berroco Aurelia, a yarn that comes in 100-gram balls. The pattern calls for 4 to 6 balls depending on size, with the sample shown using 4 balls in colorway #11705 Frosted Peach. This yardage quantity is distributed across the 11 available sizes to ensure proper proportions for each finished measurement.

The pattern requires two sets of needles in different sizes to achieve proper gauge and fabric characteristics. Size 6 (4 mm) needles are used for ribbed edgings and cuffs, which create elastic, fitted edges that hold their shape. Size 8 (5 mm) needles are used for the main body and sleeves worked in stockinette stitch. Both needle sizes are available in 16-inch (40 cm) circular configurations for working the body pieces, and knitters will need one set each of double-pointed needles or preferred small-circumference needles in both sizes for working the sleeves and neckline in the round.

Gauge and Blocking

The pattern specifies a gauge of 19 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch using the larger (size 8 / 5 mm) needles. This gauge is measured after blocking, making it essential to block your gauge swatch before committing to the full project. Achieving accurate gauge is critical for obtaining the correct finished measurements and ensuring the garment fits as intended. The pattern recommends taking time to check gauge carefully to avoid sizing discrepancies.

Recommended Fit and Ease

The Decious Jumper is designed with positive ease, meaning the finished measurements are larger than actual body measurements for comfort and style. The pattern recommends approximately 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) of positive ease, allowing knitters to choose their preferred fit from close and tailored to relaxed and oversized. The sample shown is modeled with 3 inches (7.5 cm) of positive ease, demonstrating a comfortable, contemporary fit.

Additional Notions

Beyond yarn and needles, the pattern requires basic notions including 4 removable stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction points, and waste yarn for temporarily holding stitches during construction. A tapestry needle is needed for seaming the shoulders using mattress stitch and for weaving in yarn ends.