Plymouth Yarn Sassy Sleeve V-Neck Jumper Knitting Pattern

Plymouth Yarn Sassy Sleeve V-Neck Sweater

What is Being Made

The Plymouth Yarn Sassy Sleeve V-Neck is a knitted sweater featuring a flattering V-neckline and distinctive sassy sleeves. This pattern, designated Pattern No. 3395 and featuring the Yakima yarn line, is designed to fit sizes XS through 2XL with finished bust measurements ranging from 35½ inches to 52 inches and lengths from 23½ inches to 27½ inches. The sweater combines classic stockinette stitch with decorative lace elements, creating visual interest through the interplay of solid and open-work sections.

Construction Techniques

This sweater is constructed using a bottom-up method, meaning knitting begins at the lower edge and progresses upward toward the neckline. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, requiring seaming to join pieces together once knitting is complete. The construction approach allows for straightforward shaping and makes it easier to achieve the precise V-neck shaping that defines this design. The lace technique is incorporated through the Diagonal Mesh Pattern, which creates an open, airy aesthetic while maintaining the structural integrity of the garment.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern employs several key stitches and stitch patterns:

• Offset Rib: A textured ribbed pattern worked over a multiple of 3 stitches plus 1, alternating knit and purl stitches to create vertical lines. This pattern is used for the ribbed edging at the lower portion of the sweater and worked until the piece measures 2 inches.
• Stockinette Stitch (St St): The foundational stitch used for the main body of the sweater, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing a smooth, classic fabric.
• Diagonal Mesh Pattern: A lace stitch pattern worked over an even number of stitches that creates a diagonal openwork effect. This pattern alternates yarn overs with knit-two-together decreases to form the characteristic diagonal lines. The pattern repeats over 4 rows, with the fabric naturally biasing during construction. When working the Diagonal Mesh Pattern, if there are insufficient stitches to complete a decrease paired with its companion yarn over, those stitches are worked in stockinette stitch instead.
• Centered Double Decrease (CDD): A special abbreviation used for shaping, created by slipping two stitches together as if to knit two together, knitting one stitch, then passing the two slipped stitches over the knit stitch. This technique provides symmetrical decreases essential for shaping the V-neckline.

Materials and Gauge

The pattern calls for Yakima yarn by Plymouth Yarn, with yardage requirements of 4 to 6 skeins of 100 grams each depending on size, shown in color 202 Pumpkin Spice. Achieving proper gauge is critical for this project. The stockinette stitch section should measure 26 stitches and 34 rows over 4 inches using US size 4 (3.5 mm) needles. The Diagonal Mesh Pattern should measure 20 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches when slightly stretched using US size 4 (3.5 mm) needles.

The needle requirements include a US size 3 (3.25 mm) 24-inch circular needle for the ribbed cuff and a US size 4 (3.5 mm) needle for the main body and sleeves, or the size needed to obtain proper gauge. Additional materials include locking stitch markers or safety pins, stitch holders for holding stitches during construction, and an extra US size 4 (3.75 mm) knitting needle for the 3-Needle Bind Off technique used to finish the garment seams.

Pattern Construction Details

The pattern begins with a long-tail cast-on of 115 to 169 stitches depending on size. The lower edge is worked in Offset Rib Pattern until the piece measures 2 inches, ending with a wrong-side row. Following the ribbed cuff, the sweater transitions to stockinette stitch and continues even until the piece measures 15½ inches, ending with a wrong-side row. All increases and decreases are worked 1 stitch in from the edges to maintain clean, finished-looking selvage edges. The V-neck