Etta Jumper Knitting Pattern

Etta Jumper in Rowan Alpaca Soft DK

What is Being Made

The Etta Jumper is a knitted pullover sweater designed by Lisa Richardson. This intermediate-level garment is available in nine sizes ranging from 71-76 cm to 152-157 cm bust measurement, making it suitable for a wide range of wearers. The finished garment features a classic jumper silhouette with practical details including functional front pockets and a divided front opening with ribbed edging.

Design Features and Construction

The Etta Jumper is constructed using a traditional knitting method that begins with the back piece. The garment incorporates set-in sleeves and features two functional patch pockets positioned on the front. A distinctive design element is the front opening with a ribbed border, which adds both visual interest and practical functionality to the sweater. The front opening is worked with a 10-stitch rib edge that frames the opening, creating a refined finish.

The construction involves careful stitch placement and shaping, including decreases at the shoulder to create proper armhole shaping. The ribbed front opening border is maintained throughout the upper front sections, requiring the knitter to keep stitches correct as set while working the body shaping.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches Used

This pattern employs several essential knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters:

• Stockinette stitch (st st) forms the primary fabric throughout most of the garment, creating a smooth, classic knit texture
• Ribbing (alternating knit and purl stitches) is used for the front opening border, worked as P1, K1 tbl (knit through the back loop) for a refined appearance
• Knit through the back loop (K1 tbl) technique is used in the ribbed sections to create a twisted rib effect
• Pocket construction using stitch holders to temporarily hold stitches while pocket linings are integrated into the main fabric
• Decreasing techniques including K2tog (knit two together) for shaping at the shoulders and neck areas
• Casting on is used to create the ribbed border at the front opening edge

The pattern requires working from written instructions with specific stitch counts for each size, maintaining tension consistency, and managing multiple stitches on holders during pocket and front opening construction.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Etta Jumper is designed to be knitted using Rowan Alpaca Soft DK, a yarn weight classification of DK (double knitting). The yarn is supplied in 50-gram balls, with the yardage varying by size: ranging from 14 balls for the smallest size (71-76 cm bust) to 25 balls for the largest size (152-157 cm bust). The pattern is photographed in the colorway Autumn Gold 220, though the design can be created in any available Rowan Alpaca Soft DK color.

The pattern specifies 4mm (US size 6) needles for all knitting. The tension requirement is 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 centimeters measured over stockinette stitch using the 4mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential for the garment to fit properly across the nine available sizes.

Rowan Alpaca Soft DK is a smooth, lightweight yarn that creates a refined drape, making it ideal for a classic jumper design. The alpaca fiber content provides softness and warmth while maintaining the DK weight structure necessary for the detailed stitch work and shaping required in this intermediate pattern.