Gardiner Yarn Works Sea Breeze Jumper Knitting Pattern

Gardiner Yarn Works Sea Breeze Sweater

Project Overview

The Sea Breeze is an advanced beginner knitted sweater designed by Chrissy Gardiner, sized for plus-size figures from XXL through 6X. This garment features a distinctive winged cable pattern on the front and is constructed with modified drop shoulders and side-seam button plackets for a comfortable, layerable fit. The design accommodates bust sizes ranging from 46 to 58 inches with corresponding length adjustments from 25 to 27 inches.

Construction Technique

The Sea Breeze is worked flat on straight needles or circular needles using a bottom-up seamed construction. The back and front pieces are knitted separately from the hem upward, then joined together at the seams. This method allows for precise shaping at the armholes and shoulders while maintaining consistent stitch definition throughout the garment.

Stitch Techniques

This sweater showcases multiple knitting techniques appropriate for an advanced beginner level:

• Cable stitches form the signature winged cable pattern on the front, created using a cable needle to manipulate stitch placement and create dimensional texture
• Stockinette stitch comprises the primary body fabric, providing a smooth, refined appearance
• Garter stitch is used for the hem edges, creating a rolled, finished edge that prevents curling
• Seaming joins the front and back pieces together at the sides and shoulders
• Cable abbreviations used include C2B (cable 2 back) and C2F (cable 2 front), fundamental cable crossing techniques

Materials Required

The Sea Breeze calls for DK-weight yarn in quantities ranging from approximately 1650 yards for size XXL to 2050 yards for size 6X. The sample garment was created using Blue Sky Alpacas Sport Weight yarn in Petal Pink. Essential notions include a size 6 (4mm) circular needle or straight needles, a cable needle, stitch holders or waste yarn, stitch markers, six 1.5-inch buttons, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming. A sewing needle and thread are required for attaching the buttons.

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. The stockinette stitch gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches, while the cable stitch gauge is 22 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches. The pattern provides five finished bust measurements—46, 48, 50, 54, and 58 inches—with corresponding yardage requirements and length specifications for each size, ensuring a proper fit across the plus-size range.

Design Features

The Sea Breeze incorporates modified drop shoulders, which sit slightly off the shoulder point for a relaxed, contemporary silhouette. The side-seam button plackets provide functional closures and add visual interest to the garment's construction. The winged cable pattern on the front creates a focal point that draws attention to the center of the sweater, while the garter stitch hem and stockinette body provide balance and simplicity that allows the cables to stand out.