MillaMia Bridget Intarsia Jumper Knitting Pattern

MillaMia Bridget Intarsia Jumper

What is Being Made

The Bridget Intarsia Jumper is a knitted sweater designed with a contemporary, slightly cropped silhouette that pairs beautifully with high-waisted trousers or skirts. This intermediate-level garment features a striking intarsia color pattern worked across the front and back, combining multiple vibrant yarn colors to create a cohesive decorative design. The jumper is available in six different size options, ranging from bust measurements of 93cm to 125cm (36in to 49¼in), with a consistent sleeve length of 46cm (18in) and body lengths varying from 53cm to 58cm (21in to 22¾in) depending on size.

Techniques Used

This garment is constructed using bottom-up seamed construction, meaning the pieces are knitted individually from the lower edges upward and then joined together at the seams. The primary decorative technique is intarsia, a color-work method where different colored yarns are used to create a pattern within the knitted fabric. Unlike stranded colorwork, intarsia involves using separate lengths or bobbins of yarn for each color section, which prevents excessive yarn carrying across the back of the work and maintains a smooth, flat fabric surface. The pattern is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for easier management of the intarsia color changes and seaming at completion.

Stitches Used

The Bridget Intarsia Jumper is primarily constructed in stocking stitch (known as stockinette stitch in US terminology), the fundamental knit fabric created by alternating knit rows and purl rows. This classic stitch provides a smooth, refined surface that showcases the intarsia color pattern beautifully. Standard shaping techniques are employed throughout, including knit 2 together (k2tog) and purl 2 together (p2tog) decreases for armhole and neckline shaping, as well as make one (m1) increases for waist shaping where needed. The pattern also utilizes slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over (skpo) as an alternative decrease method, and purl 2 together through the back loop (p2togtbl) for specific shaping applications.

Materials and Gauge

The Bridget Intarsia Jumper is knitted using MillaMia Naturally Soft Cotton, a premium yarn available exclusively through lovecrafts.com. The pattern requires between 5 to 7 balls of 50g (1¾oz) balls depending on the chosen size, with the primary color being Pure White 310 (A). The intarsia design incorporates six additional coordinating colors: Black 300 (B), Seaweed 350 (C), Indigo Purple 321 (D), Bright Green 330 (E), English Rose 342 (F), and Bright Red 331 (G), each requiring only 1 to 2 balls. An alternative colorway is also available, featuring Pebble Grey 312 (A), Mid Grey 301 (B), Flamingo 341 (C), and Duck Egg Teal 351 (D) for those preferring a softer palette.

The pattern is worked using two pairs of knitting needles: 3mm (US 2) and 3.25mm (US 3). The 3mm needles are used for ribbed edgings, while the 3.25mm needles are used for the main body fabric. The correct tension (gauge) is 25 stitches and 34 rows to a 10cm (4in) square over stocking stitch using the 3.25mm (US 3) needles. Achieving this gauge is essential for the finished garment to match the intended measurements and for the intarsia pattern to display at the correct scale.

Pattern Notes

The PDF emphasizes the importance of careful technique when executing the intarsia color changes, specifically advising knitters to avoid leaving holes when making color transitions. This is a common challenge in intarsia work, as improper yarn management at color boundaries can create visible gaps in the finished fabric. The pattern references an online tutorial to assist with this technique, ensuring that knitters can achieve a professional, seamless appearance in their color-work sections.