Malabrigo Arrebol Jumper Knitting Pattern

Malabrigo Arrebol Pullover by Kiri FitzGerald

What is Being Made

The Arrebol is an advanced-level knitted pullover sweater designed for women, available in five sizes ranging from 36.25 inches to 50.5 inches bust circumference. This fitted garment is intended to be worn with 2 to 4 inches of positive ease. The design captures the aesthetic of early morning light and fading colors through strategic color work and cable patterning, offering knitters the option to either blend three tones of yarn together for a gradient effect or work the piece in a single solid color for a classic, beautiful silhouette.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Arrebol pullover is constructed using a top-down method, beginning at the neck edge and working downward to complete the garment. This approach allows for easy fitting adjustments and the ability to try on the piece as it progresses. The sweater features raglan-style increases that shape the armholes and create the fitted silhouette. Knitters must incorporate new stitches from raglan increases into the charted cable patterns, working in stockinette stitch where stitches fall partway on a cable to maintain pattern integrity.

The design incorporates extensive cable work throughout, requiring careful attention to stitch manipulation and chart reading. The Cable Cast-On technique is used to establish the initial neck stitches, providing an elastic and finished edge suitable for this pullover's neckline.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

This advanced pattern employs multiple cable stitches and techniques to create its distinctive netted appearance:

• Stockinette Stitch - The primary background stitch, worked flat in knit and purl rows
• 2/1 Left Purl Cable (2/1 LPC) - Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold at front, purl 1, then knit 2 from cable needle
• 2/1 Right Purl Cable (2/1 RPC) - Slip 1 stitch to cable needle and hold at back, knit 2, then purl 1 from cable needle
• 2/2 Left Purl Cable (2/2 LPC) - Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold at front, purl 2, then knit 2 from cable needle
• 2/2 Right Purl Cable (2/2 RPC) - Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold at back, knit 2, then purl 2 from cable needle

The pattern utilizes charted instructions, including Chart A (which establishes the primary cable repeat measuring 3.5 inches across), and Charts B1 and B2 (which coordinate with Chart A to guide raglan increases). Column numbers on these charts serve as reference points for tracking progress through the pattern.

Yarn and Materials

Yarn: Malabrigo Rios, 100% Superwash Merino wool, with each skein providing 210 yards (192 meters) and weighing 100 grams. The pattern calls for three colors:

• Main Color (MC): Pearl #036 - 3 to 5 skeins depending on size
• Contrast Color 1 (CC1): Winter Lake #846 - 1 to 2 skeins depending on size
• Contrast Color 2 (CC2): Pearl Ten #069 - 1 to 2 skeins depending on size

Needles and Notions: US 8 (5 mm) circular needles in 32-inch length, US 8 (5 mm) double-pointed needles, US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles in 32-inch length, US 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles, cable needle, tapestry needle, 4 stitch markers, and waste yarn.

Gauge and Sizing Information

Proper gauge is essential for this advanced project. After blocking, the pattern specifies 18 stitches and 25 rows equal 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch on US 8 needles. For the charted cable sections, 20 stitches and 25 rows equal 4 inches on US 8 needles, with each chart repeat measuring 3.5 inches in width. The sample shown in the pattern was knitted