Jo Sharp Men's Alpaca Sweater Jumper Knitting Pattern

Jo Sharp Men's Alpaca Sweater

What is Being Made

The Jo Sharp Men's Alpaca Sweater is a classic drop shoulder sweater designed for men, available in four size options to fit chest measurements of 90cm, 100cm, 110cm, and 120cm (approximately 35.5 inches, 39.5 inches, 43.5 inches, and 47 inches). This is a timeless wardrobe staple featuring a simple construction with a ribbed collar and ribbed bands at the cuffs and hem, making it both comfortable and refined.

Techniques Used

This sweater is constructed using bottom-up knitting methodology, meaning the garment is worked from the hem upward. The pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and are subsequently seamed together to create the finished garment. The design incorporates stripe patterning across the body, adding visual interest while maintaining the simplicity of the construction method. The drop shoulder silhouette eliminates the need for complex armhole shaping, making this an accessible project for intermediate knitters.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the sweater body is Stocking stitch (also known as stockinette stitch), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a distinctive V-pattern on the right side. This stitch is achieved by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side. The collar, cuffs, and hem bands are worked in ribbed stitch, typically a knit and purl combination that provides elasticity and helps these edges maintain their shape and fit. The pattern instructions include standard knitting abbreviations such as K (knit), P (purl), K2tog (knit two stitches together for decreasing), and M1 (make one for increasing), which are used throughout the shaping of the neckline and armholes.

Materials

This sweater is knitted using Jo Sharp Alpaca Kid Lustre yarn, a luxurious blend that combines the softness of alpaca with the sheen of lustre fibers. The yarn is supplied in 50-gram balls. The pattern offers two color versions: Version 1 uses Col A in Province (852) as the main color, while Version 2 features Col A in Cassis (855) paired with contrasting stripes in Col B Carbon (861) and Col C Brew (859). Yardage requirements vary by size, with quantities ranging from 12 to 16 balls for the main color depending on the size selected. The pattern specifies 4.00mm needles for construction, and the finished bodice circumference ranges from 103cm to 131.5cm depending on the chosen size.