Rio Sweater Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rio Sweater in Rowan Island Blend Fine

What Is Being Made

The Rio Sweater is a knitted pullover garment designed by Martin Storey. This intermediate-level project creates a fitted sweater available in six sizes, with actual chest measurements ranging from 92.5 cm (36½ inches) to 141.5 cm (55¾ inches). The design features shaped shoulders, a structured neckline, and a classic pullover construction suitable for various body proportions.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques to create the finished garment. The sweater is constructed using stocking stitch as the primary fabric base, which creates a smooth, classic appearance. Cable knit techniques are incorporated into the design, adding textural interest and visual depth to the finished piece.

The pattern requires careful shaping and decreasing to create the fitted silhouette, particularly at the shoulders and neckline. Shoulder shaping is achieved through strategic cast-offs at the beginning of rows, while neck shaping involves gradual decreasing at the neck edges over multiple rows to create a comfortable, well-proportioned neckline. The front and back pieces are worked separately and then assembled, with each side of the neck shaped individually to ensure symmetry.

Stitches and Stitch Abbreviations

The Rio Sweater utilizes the following key stitches and abbreviations:

• K (Knit): The fundamental knit stitch used throughout the pattern
• St st (Stocking Stitch): The primary fabric, created by alternating knit and purl rows
• C2B (Cable 2 Back): Slip the next stitch onto a cable needle and leave at the back of work, knit one stitch, then knit one stitch from the cable needle
• C2F (Cable 2 Front): Slip the next stitch onto a cable needle and leave at the front of work, knit one stitch, then knit one stitch from the cable needle

These cable stitches create the decorative cable knit elements that distinguish the Rio Sweater's design. The pattern also involves standard shaping abbreviations for casting off stitches and decreasing at specific edges.

Materials and Tools Required

The Rio Sweater is knitted using Rowan Island Blend Fine yarn, a premium yarn choice that provides excellent stitch definition and drape. The yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 8 to 13 balls of 50-gram weight, depending on which of the six sizes you are making.

Two pairs of knitting needles are required for this project. The pattern calls for 2¾mm (US 2) needles for ribbing and edge work, and 3¼mm (US 3) needles for the main body of the sweater. Additionally, a cable needle is essential for working the cable knit stitches that feature throughout the design.

The pattern specifies a tension of 26 stitches and 34 rows to 10 centimeters when measured over stocking stitch using the 3¼mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is crucial for ensuring the finished sweater fits properly according to the intended measurements.

Skill Level and Suitability

This is an intermediate-level knitting project, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to tackle more complex shaping and cable work. The pattern requires competence with decreasing, casting off, working multiple pieces, and executing cable stitches with precision.