Paintbox Yarns Bubblegum Bobble Jumper Knitting Pattern

Paintbox Yarns Bubblegum Bobble Jumper

What Is Being Made

The Bubblegum Bobble Jumper is an intermediate-level knitted sweater designed to fit bust measurements from 81 cm to 107 cm (32 to 42 inches). This garment features a distinctive bobble texture throughout and is available in six different size options with finished lengths ranging from 44 cm to 49 cm (17¼ to 19¼ inches). The sweater showcases a classic pullover construction with set-in sleeves and a finished underarm measurement of 90 cm to 114 cm (35½ to 45 inches).

Techniques Used

This design is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, meaning the front and back panels are knitted separately as individual flat pieces. The garment is then seamed together using a seaming method to join all the component pieces—the front, back, sleeves, and neckline. This construction method is characteristic of traditional garment assembly and allows for precise shaping and finishing details. The bobble texture, which is the signature design element, is created using the make bobble (MB) technique that involves increasing into a single stitch, working several rows on those increased stitches, and then decreasing them back down to create a three-dimensional raised bobble effect.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure is stocking stitch (also called stockinette stitch), which is created by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows. This foundational stitch creates the smooth, classic fabric base. The bobble stitch is the featured decorative element, created using the make bobble abbreviation (MB). According to the pattern instructions, the bobble is formed by working (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) all into a single stitch to increase, then turning and working (P5, turn, K5) twice to build height, and finally lifting the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th stitches over the first stitch to decrease and secure the bobble. Additional standard abbreviations used throughout include knit (K), purl (P), increase (inc), decrease (dec), and various other common knitting abbreviations for pattern repeats and shaping.

Materials and Tools

The recommended yarn is Paintbox Yarns Wool Mix Aran in the Washed Teal colorway as pictured on the cover. Yarn quantities required are 6 balls of 100g for the smallest sizes (81 cm and 86 cm bust), increasing to 8 balls of 100g for the largest sizes (102 cm and 107 cm bust), with intermediate quantities for mid-range sizes. Two pairs of knitting needles are required: 4mm (UK 8 – US 6) needles for ribbing and finishing, and 4½mm (UK 7 – US 7) needles for the main fabric. The pattern specifies a tension (gauge) of 18 stitches and 24 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over the bobble pattern using the 4½mm needles. Achieving correct tension before beginning is emphasized as vitally important for proper garment fit and finished dimensions.

Pattern Details

• Intermediate difficulty level suitable for knitters with foundational skills and experience with shaping techniques
• Six size options accommodating a range of body measurements
• Sleeve seam length ranges from 46 cm to 48 cm (18 to 19 inches)
• Pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations and includes instructions for the smallest size with bracketed changes for larger sizes
• Downloadable PDF format for convenient access and printing