Mussell Sweater Jumper Knitting Pattern

Mussell Sweater in Rowan Softyak DK

What is Being Made

The Mussell Sweater is an advanced-level knitted pullover garment designed by Martin Storey. This sweater is available in six sizes, with actual chest measurements ranging from 92 cm (36 inches) to 142 cm (56 inches), accommodating a wide range of body types from small through to extra-large proportions.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for Rowan Softyak DK yarn, a soft and durable double-knit weight fiber. The sweater requires between 11 and 17 balls of 50-gram skeins, depending on the size being knitted. The design was photographed in the colorway Plain 232, which showcases the stitch detail effectively.

Needles and Tools Required

Knitters will need the following equipment:

• One pair of 3¼mm (UK size 10 / US size 3) needles
• One pair of 4mm (UK size 8 / US size 6) needles
• A cable needle for managing cable stitches

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this advanced pattern. The specified gauge is 27 stitches and 34½ rows to 10 centimeters, measured over the pattern using the 4mm (US 6) needles. Knitters should take time to swatch and measure their tension carefully before beginning the main garment, as tension variations will significantly affect the final fit.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The Mussell Sweater features advanced cable knitting techniques that create visual interest and texture throughout the garment. The pattern employs several specialized cable abbreviations that require careful attention:

• C3B (Cable 3 Back): Slip one stitch onto a cable needle and hold at the back of the work, knit two stitches, then knit the stitch from the cable needle. This creates a cable that twists toward the back of the fabric.
• C3F (Cable 3 Front): Slip two stitches onto a cable needle and hold at the front of the work, knit one stitch, then knit the two stitches from the cable needle. This creates a cable that twists toward the front of the fabric.
• Cr6 (Complex 6-stitch Cable): A more intricate cable maneuver involving slipping four stitches onto a cable needle and holding at the front of the work, knitting two stitches, then slipping the center two stitches of the cable group back onto the left needle while leaving the remaining two stitches on the cable needle. This creates a sophisticated braided or crossed effect.

Garment Construction

The sweater is constructed in separate pieces that are subsequently joined together. The pattern includes detailed shaping instructions for:

• Back piece: Features the full cable pattern and shoulder shaping with multiple cast-off stages
• Front piece: Incorporates front neck shaping with graduated decreases worked over multiple rows and alternating rows to create a smooth neckline curve
• Neckline shaping: The front neck features decreases worked at the neck edge over 8 consecutive rows, followed by decreases on alternating rows, and additional decreases on every fourth row, creating a refined and well-proportioned neck opening
• Shoulder shaping: Multiple cast-off sequences at the shoulder edges ensure proper garment structure and fit

Skill Level Considerations

This pattern is rated as advanced and is best suited for experienced knitters. The complexity arises from the cable work, which requires confidence in managing stitches on cable needles, maintaining pattern consistency across multiple pieces, and executing precise shaping decreases. Knitters should be comfortable reading detailed pattern instructions and managing multiple stitch counts across different sizes.