Rinkside Sweater Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rinkside Sweater in Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash

What is Being Made

The Rinkside Sweater is a knitted pullover sweater designed by Shannon Dunbabin. This intermediate-level project features a classic crew neck construction with color-blocking stripes throughout the body. The sweater is available in five finished sizes ranging from 36 inches to 52 inches in chest circumference, with back lengths varying from 22.5 inches to 28 inches depending on the chosen size.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters. The construction begins with a cast-on foundation, followed by garter stitch ribbing at the lower edge for 1 inch to create a finished hem. The primary fabric is worked in stockinette stitch, which creates the smooth, classic sweater appearance. The pattern incorporates color changes using a multi-color striping technique, alternating between three distinct yarn colors to create horizontal bands of color throughout the body. Stitch markers are used strategically to indicate armhole placement and shoulder boundaries, making shaping easier to track. The pattern concludes with binding off to secure all stitches.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch: Created by knitting every row, used for the 1-inch cuff at the lower edge
• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch throughout the sweater body, created by alternating knit rows with purl rows to produce the classic smooth fabric

Color-Blocking Pattern

The sweater features a sophisticated color-blocking design using three colors of Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash. The stripe sequence includes sections of Navy (Color A), Seafoam Heather (Color B), and Sunset Orange (Color C), with Navy serving as the dominant color that frames and anchors the design.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This pattern is designed for Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash, a 100% superwash wool yarn. Each skein contains 3.5 ounces of yarn with 220 yards of yardage per 100 grams. The total yarn requirements vary by size: the smallest size (36" chest) requires 5 skeins of Navy (#854), 1 skein of Seafoam Heather (#1973), and 1 skein of Sunset Orange (#808); the largest size (52" chest) requires 8 skeins of Navy, 2 skeins of Seafoam Heather, and 2 skeins of Sunset Orange. Knitting is worked on US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles, and a yarn needle is required for finishing and weaving in ends.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 21 stitches by 28 rows per 4 inches when measured over stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for the sweater to fit properly. Five size options are provided with cast-on counts of 90, 100, 110, 120, and 130 stitches respectively.

Pattern Structure

Both the back and front pieces follow an identical construction method. Each piece begins with a cast-on edge, followed by 1 inch of garter stitch ribbing. The main body is then worked in stockinette stitch with the color-blocking stripes applied in sequence. After the striping section is complete, the work continues in solid Navy stockinette stitch until the piece reaches the armhole depth markers. The pattern includes specific measurements for armhole depth at each size, ranging from 9 inches to 13 inches. Shoulder placement is marked with stitch markers to facilitate proper seaming and neckline shaping.