Juniper Moon Farm Jumper Knitting Pattern

Juniper Moon Farm Trisha Sweater

What is Being Made

The Trisha sweater is a pullover knit garment designed by Melissa Leapman as part of the Aspen Collection. This sweater features stranded colorwork patterning throughout the body and sleeves, creating a richly patterned knit pullover available in sizes Small through 3X, with finished bust measurements ranging from 35¾ inches (91cm) to 57½ inches (146cm) and lengths from 24 to 26 inches (61 to 66cm).

Construction Techniques

The Trisha sweater employs a bottom-up construction method, meaning the knitter begins at the lower edge and works upward toward the shoulders and neckline. The garment is worked in the round for the main body, which creates seamless fabric and allows for continuous colorwork patterning. The pattern incorporates steeks—a traditional technique where extra stitches are cast on at armhole and neck openings to bridge gaps in circular knitting. These steeks are later cut and secured, allowing the knitter to access openings for sleeves and neckline. The sleeves are worked in the round separately using the same steek methodology, then seamed into the body after the armhole and sleeve steeks are cut and finished. This combination of circular knitting with strategic cutting and seaming creates a professionally finished garment.

Stitches and Colorwork

The primary stitch structure uses stranded knitting, a technique where two colors are carried across each row to create intricate color patterns. The pattern features stripes integrated into the overall stranded colorwork design. Shaping is accomplished through mirrored M1 (make one) increases worked within the established stitch patterns, ensuring the colorwork remains balanced and symmetrical on both sides of the garment. The steeks themselves are worked using alternating colors—cast on with an e-wrap (backward loop or half-hitch) cast-on, alternating background and pattern colors four times plus one additional background color stitch, then continued in these colors as the background and pattern colors change throughout the sweater.

Materials

This pattern calls for Juniper Moon Farm Patagonia yarn in five coordinating colors: Violet (color A), Rose (color B), Light Grey (color C), Boysenberry (color D), and Pebble (color E). The sample sweater shown uses 6 skeins total: 2 skeins of color A (Violet) and 1 skein each of colors B through E. Each skein weighs 100 grams. The pattern is worked on US 4 (3.5mm) needles in multiple configurations: a 16-inch circular needle, a 32-inch circular needle, and a set of five double-pointed needles. A US 6 (4mm) circular needle in 16-inch length is also required. All needles should be 2 sizes smaller than the size needed for gauge, ensuring proper tension for the stranded colorwork.

Design Features

The Trisha sweater offers several interchangeable color patterns, providing flexibility for customization. The pattern recommends alternating a pattern with a dark background with another featuring a lighter background for optimal visual contrast. Similarly, patterns with more rounds should be alternated with patterns containing fewer rounds. The sample sweater photographed alternates Patterns 5 and 9 throughout the design, demonstrating how these interchangeable options create a cohesive finished piece.