Macaba Pullover Jumper Knitting Pattern

Macaba Pullover in Berroco Ultra Wool

What Is Being Made

The Macaba Pullover is an advanced-level knitted sweater designed by Åsa Tricosa, featured in Portfolio Vol. 4. This pullover is a sophisticated garment available in eight sizes, ranging from 36" to 62½" finished bust measurements, with corresponding length options from 22¾" to 26½". The design is engineered with approximately 4–6" of ease for comfortable wearing. The pullover features a lined collar and is constructed using an innovative top-down construction method.

Techniques Used

The Macaba Pullover employs several advanced knitting techniques that make it suitable for experienced knitters. The garment utilizes Åsa's Top-Down Ziggurat Technique, an unconventional construction method that builds the sweater from a regular cast-on at the back, working back and forth while incorporating built-in sleeve caps. This technique streamlines the shaping process and eliminates the need for traditional cap shaping.

The pattern incorporates German Short Rows, a technique used to create shaping and depth in specific areas of the garment. For sleeve construction, knitters have flexibility in their approach: the sleeves can be worked using the Magic Loop technique on a single circular needle or alternatively on two circular needles, accommodating different knitter preferences. The lined collar is knitted as the final component of the project.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure throughout the Macaba Pullover is Stockinette Stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric surface ideal for showcasing yarn texture and color. The pattern relies on fundamental knitting stitches combined with the shaping techniques mentioned above to create the garment's structure.

Materials

The Macaba Pullover is designed to be knitted in Berroco Ultra Wool, a worsted-weight yarn. The yardage requirement varies by size, calling for 5 balls (for sizes 36" and 40½"), 6 balls (for size 44"), 7 balls (for size 48"), 8 balls (for sizes 52" and 56½"), and 9 balls (for sizes 60" and 62½"). Each ball of Berroco Ultra Wool weighs 100 grams.

Needle requirements include one 32"–40" circular needle in size 7 (4.50 mm) for working the main fabric at gauge, plus additional 32"–40" circular needles in sizes 6 (4.00 mm) and 4 (3.50 mm) for ribbing and other sections. The pattern assumes use of the Magic Loop technique for sleeve construction, though alternative needle configurations may be substituted based on individual preference. Additional notions include 5 stitch markers and 2 stitch holders for managing stitches during construction.

Gauge and Finishing Details

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 19 stitches and 26 rounds equal 4" in Stockinette Stitch on size 7 (4.50 mm) needles. Achieving correct gauge is essential before beginning this advanced project. The pattern includes a helpful reference table available on the Berroco blog to assist knitters in tracking rows and shaping progression from the shoulders to the underarm, though consulting this table is optional.