Perrin Top Jumper Knitting Pattern

Perrin Top in Berroco Zinnia

What is Being Made

The Perrin Top is a pullover sweater designed by Amy Christoffers, intended to be worn with a relaxed fit that is neither too loose nor too tight. This intermediate-level knitting project is available in eleven sizes, ranging from 32¾ inches to 68¾ inches in bust measurement, with finished lengths varying from 18 inches to 22¾ inches. The garment is shown in the 40¾-inch size and is recommended to be worked with approximately 4–8 inches of positive ease for optimal comfort and drape.

Techniques Used

The Perrin Top is worked in the round using circular needles, which allows for seamless construction and continuous knitting. The pattern incorporates a structured stripe pattern that creates visual interest throughout the garment. Knitters will work with two different needle sizes—smaller needles for ribbing or edging and larger needles for the main body—a common technique for achieving proper gauge and fabric structure. The use of waste yarn to hold stitches and stitch markers in two different colors helps manage increases and pattern repeats during construction.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is the Stripe Pattern, which is worked over an even number of stitches in the round. This pattern alternates between rows featuring k2tog (knit two together) decreases paired with yo (yarn over) increases, creating an openwork or lacy effect. The pattern is offset on alternating rounds to create visual movement and texture. The stripe pattern includes both decrease and increase rows worked in specific sequences, with plain knit rows interspersed to allow the pattern to develop clearly. This combination of decreases and yarn overs is a fundamental lace or eyelet technique that adds both aesthetic appeal and structural interest to the finished garment.

Materials

The Perrin Top is designed to be knitted with Berroco Zinnia yarn, a fingering-weight yarn sold in 50-gram balls. The pattern calls for between 6 and 14 balls depending on the finished size, with the sample shown using color #7118 Menthe. Knitters will need two circular needles—one 16 inches long and one 32 inches long—in both size 6 (4 mm) and size 8 (5 mm), along with one set of size 6 (4 mm) double-pointed needles for working smaller circumferences such as necklines or sleeves. Additional notions include two stitch markers in different colors to track pattern placement and increases. The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 32 rounds per 4 inches when working the Stripe Pattern with the larger needles, and checking gauge before beginning is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.