Sweater Jumper Knitting Pattern

Sweater Jumper Knitting Pattern by Jenny Watson

What is Being Made

This is a fitted sweater jumper designed by Jenny Watson, available in five size options to fit bust measurements of 71-76cm, 81-86cm, 91-97cm, 102-107cm, and 112-117cm. The garment features a classic pullover construction with shaped armholes, a neck shaping detail, and includes both back and front pieces. The sweater has a full length of 51-57cm depending on size, making it a standard-length pullover suitable for everyday wear.

Techniques Used

The sweater employs several fundamental knitting techniques to create its structured fit. The pattern begins with a ribbed cuff worked in 1x1 rib, which provides elasticity and a finished edge. Increases are worked using the make-one method (m1) to shape the garment after the ribbed section. The armhole shaping utilizes paired decreases—knit two together (K2tog) and slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (s1, K1, psso)—worked symmetrically on either side of the piece to create a tapered armhole. Neck shaping is incorporated using similar decrease techniques to form the neckline opening. The pattern requires working from written instructions across multiple rows and managing stitch counts across five different size variations.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) - the fundamental stitch forming the main fabric
• Purl (P) - used for reverse stockinette sections and ribbing
• 1x1 Rib - alternating knit and purl stitches creating an elastic, textured cuff
• Stockinette Stitch (st-st) - the primary stitch pattern for the body, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side
• Slip, Knit, Pass Slipped Stitch Over (s1, K1, psso) - a left-leaning decrease used for armhole and neck shaping
• Knit Two Together (K2tog) - a right-leaning decrease paired with s1, K1, psso for symmetrical shaping
• Make One (m1) - an increase technique used after the ribbed cuff to expand the stitch count for the body

Materials and Tools

This pattern calls for Noro Taiyo 4ply yarn, with yardage requirements varying by size: 300g for the smallest size, 400g for the second and third sizes, and 500g for the largest size. The knitting needles required are 3mm (US2) needles for the main fabric and 2.75mm (US2) needles for the ribbed cuff section. The pattern also requires stitch holders to temporarily hold stitches during neck shaping. The tension is set at 29 stitches and 40 rows to 10cm when working stockinette stitch on 3mm needles, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as Intermediate difficulty. It requires competency with basic knitting stitches, the ability to follow multi-size instructions, and experience with shaping techniques including increases, decreases, and armhole construction. The pattern involves managing multiple stitch counts simultaneously and working neck shaping, making it suitable for knitters who have completed several basic projects and are ready to tackle garment construction with fitted shaping.