Jo Sharp Marianne Sweater Jumper Knitting Pattern

Jo Sharp Marianne Sweater

What is Being Made

The Marianne Sweater is a fitted women's sweater featuring a classic crew neck and the option of short or long sleeves. This design offers four size options ranging from a bust measurement of 80cm to 110cm, with corresponding bodice circumferences from 85cm to 114cm and bodice lengths from 58cm to 61cm. The sweater is constructed to provide a tailored fit suitable for everyday wear.

Techniques Used

This sweater is worked using a bottom-up construction method, meaning the garment is knitted starting from the lower edge and progressing upward. The pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and the finished components are seamed together to create the final garment. This traditional approach allows for precise shaping and fitting throughout the construction process.

Stitches Used

The Marianne Sweater employs two primary stitch patterns. The lower edge begins with a K2, P1 rib pattern, which is worked over 6 rows to create an elastic, fitted edge that helps the sweater sit close to the body. This ribbed section measures approximately 10cm from the cast-on edge. The main body of the sweater is worked in stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance on the right side and a bumpy texture on the wrong side. Shaping is achieved through strategic decreases, including slip-stitch decreases (sl1, K1, psso) and knit-two-together decreases (K2tog), which are worked at specific intervals to create the fitted bodice and neck shaping.

Materials and Specifications

The Marianne Sweater pattern calls for 3.25mm needles (USA size 3 / UK size 10), including one pair of straight needles and one 3.25mm circular needle for finishing work. The pattern also requires two stitch holders for managing stitches during construction. The recommended tension is 25 stitches and 33 rows measured over 10cm of stockinette stitch using 3.25mm needles, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. The pattern is designed to be worked in Jo Sharp Mulberry Silk Georgette yarn, a luxurious fiber choice that provides a refined drape and elegant finish suitable for this fitted silhouette.

Construction Details

The front panel begins with casting on between 113 and 149 stitches depending on size. After the ribbed edge is complete, the body is worked straight in stockinette stitch until reaching the appropriate length. Bodice shaping is then introduced through strategic decreases at the sides to create the fitted silhouette. Neck shaping is worked separately for each shoulder, with decreases worked over multiple rows to create a smooth, curved neckline. The short sleeve option measures 5cm in length, while the long sleeve option extends to 48cm, both measured from seam to seam. The shoulder is finished with cast-off stitches to complete the garment construction.