Pixie Sweater Jumper Knitting Pattern

Pixie Sweater in Berroco Aerial

What is Being Made

The Pixie Sweater is an intermediate-level pullover designed by Mel Kennelly, featuring a fitted yoke construction with drop sleeves. This sweater is available in multiple sizes ranging from 40 inches to 72 inches bust measurement, with finished lengths between 23 and 26.5 inches. The design offers positive ease of 4 to 6 inches for comfortable wearing. The sweater is shown in two colorways: Deep Blue and Warhol, both using Berroco Aerial yarn.

Construction Technique

The Pixie Sweater is constructed using a top-down circular yoke method, a popular technique for creating seamless, well-fitting garments. The pattern begins at the neckline and works downward in the round using circular needles. Once the circular yoke is completed, the sleeve stitches are placed on waste yarn and held while the body continues to be worked in the round down to the hem. After the body is finished, the sleeves are then worked individually in the round from the armhole down to the wrist, eliminating the need for seaming.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch used in this sweater is stockinette stitch (abbreviated as St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance on the right side. Stockinette stitch is achieved by alternating knit and purl rows when working flat, or by knitting every round when working in the round. This fundamental stitch is ideal for showcasing the texture and color of the yarn while maintaining structural integrity throughout the garment.

Yarn and Materials

The Pixie Sweater is designed to be made with Berroco Aerial, a yarn that comes in 25-gram balls. The yardage requirement varies by size, ranging from 3 to 5 balls depending on the finished bust measurement selected. The pattern is shown in two Berroco Aerial colorways: #3475 Deep Blue and #34106 Warhol. Berroco Aerial is the recommended yarn for this pattern to ensure proper gauge and finished measurements.

Essential needles and notions include:

• Circular needles in sizes 6 (4 mm) and 8 (5 mm) in both 16-inch and 32-inch lengths
• One set of double-pointed needles in sizes 6 (4 mm) and 8 (5 mm) for working small circumferences, particularly at the wrist and neckline
• Stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction points
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Waste yarn for temporarily holding sleeve stitches during body construction

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches and 22 rounds equal 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch using the larger size 8 (5 mm) needle. This gauge is measured after blocking, making it essential to block the finished sweater to achieve accurate final measurements. The pattern emphasizes the importance of checking gauge before beginning to ensure the sweater will fit as intended, as individual knitter tension variations can significantly affect the finished dimensions.