Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Olivia Jumper Knitting Pattern

Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Olivia Knitted Sweater

What is Being Made

The Olivia is an intermediate-level knitted sweater designed by Vera Keller-Hum. This pullover garment is available in four sizes: Small (bust 37¾"), Medium (bust 41½"), Large (bust 44"), and XL (bust 47¾"). The finished length ranges from 21½" to 24½" depending on size, making it a versatile piece suitable for various body types and style preferences.

Techniques Used

The Olivia sweater employs multiple construction techniques to create a well-fitted, professional-looking garment. The sweater is worked flat in separate pieces that are later seamed together, allowing for precise shaping and control during knitting. The garment is also worked in the round using circular needles for seamless construction in certain sections. The sweater is constructed bottom-up, meaning knitting begins at the lower edge and progresses upward toward the neckline. This method provides excellent fit control and allows for easy length adjustments before binding off. The pattern incorporates cable techniques as a primary design element, creating visual texture and interest throughout the garment.

Stitches Used

The Olivia features two primary stitch patterns that work together to create the finished design:

• K2, P2 Rib: A classic ribbed stitch pattern worked over a multiple of 4 stitches. This reversible pattern alternates knit and purl stitches, creating vertical columns that provide elasticity and structure, typically used at cuffs, hems, and necklines.
• Cable Pattern: A more complex stitch pattern worked over a multiple of 16 stitches plus 8 additional stitches. The cable pattern features the signature C8B (Cable 8 Back) technique, where 4 stitches are slipped to a cable needle and held in back while knitting 4 stitches from the main needle, then knitting the held stitches. This creates the distinctive twisted rope-like texture characteristic of cable knit sweaters. The cable pattern alternates between knit and purl sections (K8, P8) with cable twists occurring every 8 rounds, creating a repeating motif throughout the garment.

Materials

The Olivia is knitted using Stacy Charles Fine Yarns BIOMERINO NUAGE, a premium yarn composed of 100% extrafine organic wool. The yarn is supplied in balls weighing 1.75 ounces (50 grams) with 120 yards (110 meters) per ball. The pattern requires 9 balls for Small, 10 balls for Medium, 11 balls for Large, and 12 balls for XL. The recommended color is #6091 Forest, a deep green shade.

The pattern calls for specific needle sizes to achieve proper gauge. Knitters will need size 6 (4mm) circular needles in both 16"/40 cm and 24"/60 cm lengths for ribbed sections, and size 7 (4.5mm) circular needles in both 24"/60 cm and 32"/80 cm lengths for the main cable pattern. The pattern specifies that knitters should select needle sizes to obtain the correct gauge. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, a cable needle for executing cable stitches, two spare circular needles for holding stitches during armhole and neckline shaping, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming pieces together.

Gauge and Fit

The pattern specifies a gauge of 23½ stitches and 25 rounds over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when working the cable pattern with the larger size 7 (4.5mm) needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and fit of the garment.