Paintbox Yarns Multi Tartan Jumper Knitting Pattern

Paintbox Yarns Multi Tartan Jumper

What is Being Made

The Paintbox Yarns Multi Tartan Jumper is an advanced-level knitted sweater designed to fit bust measurements ranging from 81 cm to 107 cm (32 to 42 inches). This pullover-style garment features a finished length between 44 cm and 49 cm (17¼ to 19¼ inches) with sleeve lengths of 46 to 48 cm (18 to 19 inches), making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various body sizes and proportions.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs three primary construction techniques that define its advanced difficulty level. The jumper is worked flat, meaning it is knitted in separate pieces on straight needles rather than in the round. The pieces are then seamed together using mattress stitch or similar seaming methods to create the finished garment. Most notably, the design incorporates stranded colorwork, a technique where multiple yarn colors are carried across the back of the work to create the tartan pattern. Stranded colorwork requires careful tension management and color coordination to achieve even, professional-looking results without puckering or loose floats.

Stitches Used

The pattern primarily utilizes stocking stitch (also called stockinette stitch in US terminology), which is created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side. This fundamental stitch creates the smooth, classic fabric base that showcases the stranded colorwork pattern. The tartan design is worked using the stranded technique, which involves knitting with two colors in the same row, switching between them to create the distinctive plaid pattern characteristic of tartan designs.

Materials Required

The Paintbox Yarns Multi Tartan Jumper is worked using Paintbox Yarns Simply DK yarn, a double-knitting weight suitable for creating fabric with good drape and definition. The color palette consists of five distinct shades: Coffee Bean (the primary color, requiring 3 to 5 balls depending on size), Seafoam Blue (1 to 2 balls), Buttercup Yellow (1 ball), Dusty Rose (1 ball), and Lipstick Pink (1 ball). All yarn is supplied in 100g balls.

Two pairs of knitting needles are required: 3¼mm (UK size 10 / US size 3) needles for the ribbed edgings that provide elasticity and structure at the cuffs, hem, and neckline, and 4mm (UK size 8 / US size 6) needles for the main body and pattern work. The pattern specifies a tension (gauge) of 22 stitches and 29 rows over 10 cm (4 inches) when measured over the stranded pattern, and 22 stitches and 30 rows over 10 cm (4 inches) when measured over stocking stitch, both achieved using the 4mm needles. Achieving correct gauge is essential for proper fit, particularly important given the range of sizes accommodated by this pattern.

Pattern Details and Sizing

Instructions are provided for six sizes with the smallest size given as the base instruction, and variations for larger sizes indicated in square brackets. The pattern uses UK knitting terminology with US equivalents provided in parentheses throughout. The downloadable PDF format allows knitters to access detailed construction steps, shaping instructions, and the complete colorwork charts necessary to execute the tartan pattern accurately across all size options.