Jody Long Martha Jumper Knitting Pattern

Jody Long Martha Knitted Sweater

What is Being Made

The Martha is a knitted sweater designed for experienced knitters, offered in the Jody Long ALPAMAYO Collection. This garment features a classic pullover construction with straightforward shaping techniques suitable for knitters with intermediate to advanced skills. The sweater is available in five sizes ranging from small (81-86 cm bust) to extra-extra-large (122-127 cm bust), with a full length from shoulder measuring between 56-64 cm depending on size.

Knitting Techniques

The Martha employs several key knitting techniques to create visual interest and structural integrity:

• Bottom-up construction: The sweater is worked from the lower edge upward, allowing for easy adjustments and try-ons during the knitting process
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, then seamed together at the end
• Cable work: The design features cable panels as a central design element, with the main cable panel measuring 26.5 cm (10½ inches) in width
• Seamed construction: Finished pieces are sewn together using traditional seaming methods for a polished appearance
• Shaping techniques: The pattern introduces various shaping methods appropriate for experienced knitters, creating a well-fitted garment

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Martha utilizes several essential stitches and abbreviations:

• Stockinette stitch (st st): The primary fabric base, providing a smooth, classic knit appearance
• Ribbing: Knit-purl combinations (K2, P2) create elastic ribbed sections, particularly at the edges and cuffs
• Cable stitches: The pattern includes specialized cable abbreviations:
  • C4B (cable 4 back): Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold at back, knit 2, then knit 2 from cable needle
  • C4F (cable 4 front): Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold at front, knit 2, then knit 2 from cable needle
  • Cr4R (cross 4 right): Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold at back, knit 2, then purl 2 from cable needle
  • Cr4L (cross 4 left): Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold at front, purl 2, then knit 2 from cable needle

Materials Required

Yarn: The Martha is designed to be knitted with Jody Long ALPAMAYO yarn. Yarn quantities vary by size, ranging from 7 x 100g balls for the smallest size to 11 x 100g balls for the largest size. The pattern shown features the colorway Wood 005. Yarn requirements are approximate and based on average needs.

Needles and Notions: The pattern requires two pairs of needles in different sizes to create proper tension and fabric characteristics. A 3.75 mm (US 5) needle is used for ribbed sections and initial cast-on, while a 4 mm (US 6) needle is used for the main stockinette and cable work. Additionally, a 3.75 mm (US 5) circular needle and a cable needle are necessary for executing the cable panels.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving proper tension is critical for this design. The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 24 rows to 4 inches (10 cm) measured over stockinette stitch using the 4 mm (US 6) needles. The cable panel, measuring 76 stitches, should measure 26.5 cm (10½ inches) in width. Knitters are strongly advised to knit a tension swatch before beginning the sweater to ensure proper fit and finished dimensions.

Pattern Notes

The Martha pattern is written with instructions for the smallest size provided in regular text, with size variations for larger sizes indicated in square brackets. Stitch repeats are shown in parentheses with the number of repetitions specified. Where a figure of 0 appears, no stitches, rows, or times are worked for that particular size. Yarn quantities provided are approximate and based on average requirements, so individual y