Paintbox Yarns Breton Jumper Knitting Pattern

Paintbox Yarns Breton Jumper

What is Being Made

The Paintbox Yarns Breton Jumper is a classic striped sweater designed for women, available in six sizes to fit bust measurements from 81 cm to 107 cm (32 to 42 inches). This intermediate-level knitting project features the traditional Breton stripe pattern, combining a main color in Champagne White with contrast stripes in Red Wine. The finished garment measures between 86 cm and 114 cm at the bust with a finished length ranging from 54 cm to 59 cm at the shoulder, and sleeve lengths between 31 cm and 33 cm.

Techniques Used

This sweater is constructed using a bottom-up seamed method, meaning the body and sleeves are knitted separately from the lower edge upward, then sewn together. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, which is a traditional approach for classic sweater construction. The design features horizontal stripes created by alternating between the main color and contrast color throughout the pattern. All pieces are seamed together to create the finished garment.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout this project is stocking stitch (also called stockinette stitch in US terminology), which creates the smooth, classic fabric characteristic of traditional Breton sweaters. Stocking stitch is formed by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows, producing the familiar V-pattern texture on the front of the garment. The stripe pattern is achieved by changing yarn colors at specified intervals while maintaining the stocking stitch throughout.

Materials

The Paintbox Yarns Breton Jumper is designed to be made with Paintbox Yarns Simply DK, a double-knitting weight yarn. Yarn quantities vary by size: the smallest size requires 3 balls of 100g in the main color (Champagne White), while larger sizes require up to 6 balls, plus 1 ball of 100g in the contrast color (Red Wine). The pattern specifies two pairs of knitting needles: 3.25mm (UK 10 - US 3) needles for ribbing and 4mm (UK 8 - US 6) needles for the main fabric. The recommended tension is 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over stocking stitch using the 4mm needles, making accurate gauge checking essential before beginning the project.

Pattern Notes

• Instructions are provided in UK knitting terminology with US equivalents given in parentheses
• Sizing information is given for the smallest size with changes for larger sizes indicated in square brackets
• The pattern emphasizes that Paintbox Yarns cannot accept responsibility for the finished garment if any yarn other than Paintbox Yarns Simply DK is substituted
• Yarn quantities are approximate and based on average requirements
• Checking tension before beginning is described as vitally important to ensure proper fit and finished measurements