Malabrigo Haven Jumper Knitting Pattern

Malabrigo Haven V Neck Tank Top

What is Being Made

The Malabrigo Haven is a V neck tank top designed as an intermediate-level knitting project. This sleeveless garment is available in seven sizes ranging from X-Small through XXX-Large, with finished bust measurements from 35½ inches (90cm) up to 60 inches (151cm). The tank top features a classic V neckline and is shown in the Rasta colorway in the shade Cucumber (#708). This versatile piece works as a standalone summer garment or as a layering piece for cooler seasons.

Techniques Used

The Haven employs several fundamental knitting techniques to create its structure. The garment is worked flat on straight needles for the main body sections, then seamed together to form the finished piece. This bottom-up construction method allows knitters to begin at the lower edge and work upward toward the shoulders and neckline. The pattern also incorporates working in the round using circular needles for specific sections. This combination of flat and circular knitting provides flexibility in the construction process while maintaining clean, professional seams where needed.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The Haven utilizes fundamental stitch patterns and shaping techniques appropriate for an intermediate knitter. The k1, p1 ribbing (knit one, purl one alternating rib) creates the elastic cuff at the lower edge, worked over 9 rows to establish a fitted waistband. The main body is worked in stockinette stitch (St st), which creates the smooth, classic fabric that showcases the yarn's characteristics. Shaping is accomplished through strategic decreasing, including p2tog (purl two together) decreases worked on the wrong side during the transition from ribbing to stockinette. The pattern includes Make One (M1) increases, which are worked by inserting the left needle under the strand between stitches and knitting into the back loop to create an invisible increase. SKP (slip, knit, pass) decreases are also employed for refined shaping throughout the garment.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Haven is designed to be worked with Rasta by Malabrigo, a merino wool yarn. Each hank contains 5.29 ounces (150 grams) and yields approximately 90 yards (82 meters). Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 4 hanks for the smallest sizes (X-Small, Small, and Medium) up to 8 hanks for the largest size (XXX-Large). The pattern calls for US size 13 (9mm) needles and US size 15 (10mm) needles—one pair of each size is required, plus a 16-inch (40cm) circular needle in size US 13 (9mm) for certain sections. Knitters should select the needle size that allows them to achieve the specified gauge. Additional notions include a small stitch holder or safety pin for holding stitches and stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction points.

Gauge and Fit

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. For all sizes except XX-Large, the pattern specifies 8.5 stitches and 12 rows over 4 inches (10cm) in stockinette stitch using size US 15 (10mm) needles. For the XX-Large size only, the gauge is 12 stitches and 14 rows over 4 inches (10cm) in k1, p1 ribbing using size US 13 (9mm) needles. The pattern emphasizes taking time to check gauge before beginning, as proper gauge ensures the finished garment will fit as intended. One stitch at each side seam is consumed during seaming and is not included in the final measurements.

Construction Details

The Haven begins with a cast-on at the lower back edge, with stitch counts varying by size from 53 stitches for X-Small to 91 stitches for XXX-Large. After working the k1, p1 ribbing for 9 rows, a decrease row on the wrong side transitions the fabric from ribbing to stockinette stitch. The decrease row is carefully calculated for each size to achieve the correct stitch count for the body. The garment then continues in stockinette stitch until reaching the armhole depth, which ranges from 12 inches (30cm) for smaller sizes to 13 inches (33cm) for larger sizes. Stitch markers are placed at each end of a row to mark the beginning of the armhole shaping. The finished length varies from 20