Juniper Moon Farm Acapulco Jumper Knitting Pattern

Juniper Moon Farm Acapulco Cropped Pullover

What is Being Made

The Acapulco is a cropped pullover sweater designed by Tabetha Hedrick. This garment features a relaxed, modern silhouette with finished bust circumferences ranging from 34 inches (86 cm) in the smallest size to 57½ inches (146 cm) in the largest size. The pullover offers six size options (S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X) with corresponding length measurements between 13½ and 17 inches (34.5 to 43 cm), making it a versatile piece suitable for various body types and styling preferences.

Construction Techniques

The Acapulco pullover is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, then seamed together to create the finished garment. This construction method allows for precise shaping and control over the garment's fit. The first and last stitch of every row is worked in garter stitch, which creates a chain-like edge that facilitates easier and more professional seaming. The neckband is the only component worked in the round using a circular needle, providing a smooth, finished edge at the neck opening.

The garment is constructed using a bottom-up approach, meaning knitting begins at the lower edge and progresses upward toward the shoulders and neckline. This method is popular for pullover sweaters as it allows for easy adjustments to length and straightforward shaping of armholes and necklines.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary decorative element of the Acapulco is the Acapulco stitch, an intricate lace pattern that repeats over a multiple of 10 stitches plus 2 edge stitches. This stitch pattern combines several fundamental knitting techniques to create an elegant, openwork fabric:

• Yarn overs (yo) create deliberate holes in the fabric, which are characteristic of lace knitting and add visual interest and airiness to the design
• Slip, slip, knit (s2kp) decreases that lean left, providing balanced shaping within the lace pattern
• Knit two together (k2tog) right-leaning decreases that work in concert with yarn overs to maintain stitch count
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) left-leaning decreases that create symmetrical decreases on either side of yarn overs
• Purl stitches (p) interspersed throughout the pattern to add texture and definition to the lace motif
• Garter stitch (knit every row) used for the selvage edges and the neckband for durability and a finished appearance

The Acapulco stitch pattern repeats over 4 rows, creating a rhythmic, repeating lace design that becomes more pronounced as the garment grows. The combination of yarn overs and decreases maintains consistent stitch counts while creating the signature openwork aesthetic.

Materials and Tools

The Acapulco is designed to be knitted with Juniper Moon Farm Cumulus yarn in the color Acapulco salmon. The pattern requires 3 to 5 skeins of 100-gram weight yarn, depending on the size being knitted (smaller sizes require 3 skeins, while larger sizes require up to 5 skeins). This yardage allows for the complete construction of the pullover including the body, sleeves, and neckband.

Knitting is worked on US size 9 (5.5 mm) needles. A 24-inch (60 cm) circular needle is required for working the neckband, though straight needles or a longer circular needle worked flat can be used for the body. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends, and four locking (removable) stitch markers for marking key points such as armhole placement and shaping locations.

Gauge and Sizing Information

The pattern specifies a gauge of 17 stitches and 23 rows equals 4 inches (10 cm) in the Acapulco stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit and is emphasized in the pattern instructions. The pattern provides detailed finished measurements for all six sizes, allowing knitters to select the appropriate size based on desired fit and personal measurements.