Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Downing Top Jumper Knitting Pattern

Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Downing Top

What is Being Made

The Downing Top is a knitted pullover sweater designed by Vera Keller-Hum. This garment features a classic silhouette available in three size ranges: Small/Medium with a 40" bust, Large/XL with a 48" bust, and 2X/3X with a 56" bust. The finished length ranges from 23¾" to 25¾" depending on size. The sweater is constructed with a sophisticated design element where the piece is turned inside-out after completion, making the purl side the finished right side of the fabric.

Techniques Used

The Downing Top employs both worked in the round and seamed construction techniques. The body begins as a seamless piece worked in the round using circular needles, continuing from the cast-on through the ribbed cuff and stockinette body until the armholes are reached. At the armhole division, stitches are cast on for the sleeves, and the back and front are then worked separately in flat rows. This hybrid approach combines the efficiency of circular knitting for the main body with the shaping flexibility of flat knitting for the upper garment sections.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches executed with precision. K2, P2 ribbing (knit 2, purl 2) forms the lower edge, worked over a multiple of 4 stitches to create an elastic, fitted cuff that measures 2" from the cast-on. Stockinette stitch comprises the main body fabric, worked in the round (knitting every round) for the seamless lower sections and in rows (knitting on right side, purling on wrong side) for the upper back and front sections. The pattern also incorporates P2tog (purl 2 together) decreases for shaping. Six ¾" diameter buttons are incorporated into the design, though specific button placement details appear in the complete pattern instructions.

Materials and Gauge

The Downing Top is designed to be worked in Stacy Charles Fine Yarns NINA, a linen and cotton blend yarn composed of 77% linen and 23% cotton. The yardage requirements are 6 balls for Small/Medium, 7 balls for Large/XL, and 9 balls for 2X/3X sizes. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and yields 136 yards (125 meters). The recommended color is #28 midnight blue. The pattern calls for size 7 (4.5mm) circular needles measuring 29" long for the main fabric and size 5 (3.75mm) circular needles of the same length for the ribbed cuff. The working gauge is 20 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch, and checking gauge before beginning is essential for proper fit. Additional supplies include stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn, and a yarn needle for finishing.