Edie Trompe L'oeil Pullover Jumper Knitting Pattern

Edie Trompe L'oeil Pullover

What is Being Made

The Edie Trompe L'oeil Pullover is a fitted knit sweater designed by Pamela Wynne for Juniper Moon Farm. This pullover features an optical illusion effect created through strategic color placement and shaping techniques. Available in seven sizes ranging from XS to 3X, with finished bust measurements from 30 inches (76 cm) to 54 inches (137 cm), this intermediate-level garment offers a sophisticated design suitable for various body types.

Techniques Used

This pullover employs simple intarsia colorwork combined with short rows to achieve the distinctive trompe l'oeil visual effect. The trompe l'oeil technique, meaning "deceive the eye" in French, creates an illusion of depth and dimension through the interplay of two contrasting colors and strategic shaping. The garment also incorporates applied I-cord as a finishing detail.

The applied I-cord technique involves using double-pointed needles to create a decorative cord that is simultaneously knitted and attached to the edges of the finished garment. This method requires picking up stitches from the garment edge while working the I-cord itself, creating a seamless, professional finish. When working in the round, this technique begins with a provisional cast-on, which is later undone and grafted to live stitches for a polished appearance.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch (St st): The primary stitch structure for the body of the pullover, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric
• Knit and purl stitches: Foundation stitches used throughout the garment construction
• Increases (M1): Make one increases used for shaping the fitted silhouette
• Decreases (ssk): Slip, slip, knit decreases for shaping and tailoring the fit
• I-cord stitches: Applied as a decorative border or edging element

Materials

This pattern calls for Juniper Moon Farm Herriot yarn, a premium fiber choice. The main color (MC) is Herriot in color #02 Heartwood, with quantities ranging from 5 hanks for size XS to 10 hanks for size 3X. A contrasting color (CC) in Herriot #01 Talc is used for the intarsia colorwork, requiring just 1 hank regardless of size.

Needles required include US size 4 (3.5 mm) circular needles measuring 16 inches (40 cm) in length, along with a set of 4 or 5 double-pointed needles (dpn) for working the sleeves and I-cord. A US size 3 (3.25 mm) needle in the same circular and dpn configurations serves as the smaller needle for ribbing and other sections. The pattern specifies adjusting needle size as necessary to achieve the correct gauge.

Additional notions include 5 small shank buttons, stitch markers for tracking pattern placement, a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends, and waste yarn for provisional cast-ons. The recommended gauge is 24 stitches and 30 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch using the larger needles, ensuring proper fit and drape of the finished garment.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle colorwork and advanced shaping techniques. The combination of intarsia, short rows, and applied I-cord requires attention to detail and familiarity with multiple knitting methods, though each technique is individually manageable for experienced beginners advancing their skills.