String Beth Tee Jumper Knitting Pattern

String Beth Tee: Knitted Sweater Pattern Summary

What is Being Made

The String Beth Tee is an easy-level knitted tee designed by Lidia Karabinch. This garment is a classic pullover sweater available in four sizes ranging from Small to Extra Large, with finished bust measurements from 34 inches (86.5 cm) to 45½ inches (115.5 cm). The length to the high point of the shoulder varies from 22 inches (56 cm) in the smallest size to 23½ inches (59.5 cm) in the largest size, making it a versatile everyday knit suitable for various body types and style preferences.

Construction Techniques

The Beth Tee employs a bottom-up construction method, meaning the sweater is knitted starting from the lower edge and working upward toward the shoulders. The garment is worked flat on straight needles for most sections, with seaming used to join the pieces together at the end. Certain sections, such as the neckline finishing, utilize circular needles worked in the round to create a seamless edge. This combination of techniques allows for straightforward shaping while maintaining clean, professional finishing details.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Beth Tee features two primary stitch patterns. The lower edge begins with 1x1 Rib, a fundamental ribbed stitch pattern created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a repeating sequence. This elastic ribbing is worked for 12 rows and provides stretch and shape retention at the hem. The main body of the sweater is worked in Stockinette Stitch (St st), the most common knit fabric stitch, created by knitting all stitches on right-side rows and purling all stitches on wrong-side rows. This produces a smooth, classic fabric with a distinctive V-pattern texture on the right side.

The pattern also incorporates German Short Rows, a specialized shaping technique used to create three-dimensional shaping without the visible wraps that traditional short-row methods produce. This advanced technique involves turning the work mid-row and slipping stitches with specific yarn positioning to create double stitches that are later worked through both loops. This method is employed to shape the shoulders and neckline, allowing for a more refined fit and professional appearance.

Materials and Gauge

The Beth Tee is designed to be knitted with String BLOSSOM yarn, a luxury blend composed of 50% cashmere and 50% silk. Each ball contains 75 ounces (50 grams) of yarn with 177 yards (162.5 meters) of yardage. The pattern requires 4 balls for Small, 5 balls for Medium, 6 balls for Large, and 7 balls for Extra Large. The recommended color is sea pink (color number 306699), though the pattern structure accommodates any colorway of this yarn.

Knitting needles required include US 5 (3.75mm) needles for the main body and US 4 (3.5mm) circular needles measuring 16 inches (40 cm) long for ribbed sections and neckline finishing. The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch using the larger size needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper sizing and fit. Additional materials include stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming pieces together.

Pattern Structure and Difficulty Level

Rated as an EASY pattern, the Beth Tee is suitable for knitters with basic skills. The straightforward bottom-up construction, simple stitch patterns, and clear abbreviations make this an accessible project for those building their knitting repertoire. The inclusion of German Short Rows provides an opportunity to learn a valuable shaping technique while working on a wearable garment.