Juniper Moon Farm Jumper Knitting Pattern

Marnesba Top by Melissa Leapman

What is Being Made

The Marnesba top is a V-neck sweater from the Pasadena Collection, designed by Melissa Leapman. This garment is available in five sizes ranging from Small to 2X-Large, with finished bust measurements of 36 to 54 inches (91.5 to 137 centimeters) and a consistent length of 23½ inches (59.5 centimeters). The Marnesba is crafted using Juniper Moon Farm Nimbus yarn in the Pearl colorway, making it an elegant knit suitable for various occasions and body types.

Techniques Used

This sweater is constructed using a bottom-up approach, meaning the knitter begins at the lower edge and works upward toward the neckline. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, requiring seaming to join the pieces together once all components are complete. The design incorporates lace elements throughout, adding visual interest and texture to the finished piece. The V-neck construction is a defining feature of this design, creating a flattering neckline shape.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The Marnesba employs a variety of knitting stitches and techniques to achieve its finished appearance. The foundational fabric is worked in stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic knit surface. Lace patterning is integrated into the design, with a 16-stitch lace panel measuring 5 inches (12.5 centimeters) when blocked. The pattern utilizes several specialized decrease and increase techniques:

• M1 and M1L (Make 1 Left): Increases created by inserting the left-hand needle under the running thread between stitches and knitting through the back loop
• M1R (Make 1 Right): A directional increase worked by inserting the needle from back to front under the running thread and knitting through the front loop
• ssk (Slip, Slip, Knit): A left-leaning decrease where two stitches are slipped knitwise, transferred back to the left needle, and knitted together through their back loops
• ssp (Slip, Slip, Purl): The purl equivalent of ssk, used for decreasing on wrong-side rows
• sssk (Slip, Slip, Slip, Knit): A double decrease technique involving three stitches
• k2tog and k3tog: Basic knit decreases for two or three stitches respectively
• p2tog: A purl decrease combining two stitches
• Yarn overs (yo): Used throughout the lace sections to create the openwork pattern characteristic of lace knitting

Materials and Tools

The Marnesba requires Juniper Moon Farm Nimbus yarn in the Pearl colorway. Yardage requirements vary by size: Small, Medium, and Large sizes each need 3 balls of 100 grams, while X-Large and 2X-Large sizes require 4 balls of 100 grams each. The project is worked on US 10½/6.5mm knitting needles or the size necessary to achieve proper gauge. Additional tools needed include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and lace sections, and stitch holders or waste yarn for temporarily securing stitches during construction.

Gauge and Blocking

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies a gauge of 13 stitches and 18 rows equaling 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch when blocked. The 16-stitch lace panel should measure 5 inches (12.5 centimeters) when blocked. Blocking is a critical finishing step for this garment, as it sets both the gauge and the lace pattern, ensuring the finished measurements match the pattern specifications and the lace elements display their intended appearance.