Mulberry Jumper Knitting Pattern

Mulberry Jumper in Rowan Alpaca Soft DK

What is Being Made

The Mulberry Jumper is a knitted sweater designed to fit bust measurements ranging from 71-76 cm (28 inches) up to 152-157 cm (60 inches), making it available in nine different sizes. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a classic pullover garment with shaped front neckline and fitted sleeves.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters. The garment begins with ribbed edging worked at the cuffs and hem to create elasticity and a finished appearance. Shaping is achieved through strategic increases along the sleeve sides to create a tapered fit, and decreases at the front neckline to form a rounded neck opening. The pattern requires working multiple pieces separately (back, front, and sleeves) before assembly. Knitters must also manage stitch holders to temporarily hold stitches, particularly at the neckline where stitches are reserved for the neckband. The construction involves seaming pieces together and working a neckband finish, with an optional circular needle technique noted for managing larger stitch counts.

Stitches Used

The Mulberry Jumper utilizes fundamental knitting stitches. Stockinette stitch (abbreviated as st st) forms the main fabric body, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing the classic smooth, V-textured appearance. Ribbing is worked using alternating knit and purl stitches in vertical columns, providing stretch and recovery at the cuffs and hem. Decreases are incorporated at the neckline using techniques such as purl two together (P2tog) to shape the front opening. Increases are worked along sleeve sides to gradually widen the sleeve cap.

Materials

This pattern is designed to be worked with Rowan Alpaca Soft DK, a yarn weight classification of DK (double knitting), with each ball weighing 50 grams. The yarn quantities vary by size, ranging from 9 balls for the smallest size to 13 balls for the largest size. The pattern specifies 4mm (US 6) needles for all construction, with the primary requirement being one pair of straight needles. An optional 4mm circular needle at least 80 cm long is suggested for knitters who prefer to work backwards and forwards in rows rather than managing large stitch counts on straight needles. The tension is set at 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 centimeters measured over stockinette stitch using the specified needle size, making accurate gauge measurement essential for proper fit.