Universal Yarn Maki Jumper Knitting Pattern

Universal Yarn Maki Knit Sweater Tank

What Is Being Made

The Maki is a flattering knit tank sweater designed by Amy Gunderson, featuring a distinctive peplum detail at the waist. This garment is crafted to accentuate the wearer's silhouette with strategic shaping and a flirty peplum that invites movement and twirling. The tank is available in eight sizes ranging from Extra Small to 4X, with finished bust measurements from 30¼ inches to 57 inches and lengths from 21¾ inches to 26½ inches.

Construction Techniques

The Maki employs a bottom-up construction method, beginning with the peplum at the lower edge and working upward toward the neckline. The garment is worked seamlessly in the round using circular needles, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a smooth, continuous fabric. The waistband features a distinctive twist-stitch design that is knit sideways and worked as a knit-on edging, adding both visual interest and structural definition to the waist. Strategic decreases are worked throughout the moss stitch sections to shape the garment from the peplum through the waist, creating the flattering silhouette for which this design is known.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used throughout the Maki is Moss Stitch, a textured stitch created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a checkerboard pattern. When worked flat, Moss Stitch is achieved by alternating p1, k1 sequences across odd-numbered rows and k1, p1 sequences across even-numbered rows. The design also incorporates specialty stitches including Right Twist (RT) and Left Twist (LT), which create diagonal lines and visual texture. The Right Twist is worked by knitting two stitches together without slipping them from the needle, then knitting the first stitch again before slipping both stitches off. The Left Twist is executed by knitting the second stitch on the left needle through the back loop, then knitting the first stitch through the front loop before slipping both stitches off. These twist stitches are incorporated into an 8-stitch cable panel that forms the decorative waistband, creating a sophisticated twisted-stitch waistband detail.

Materials and Tools

The Maki is designed to be knit with Fibra Natura Papyrus yarn in the colorway Vapor (color number 229-25). This yarn is composed of 78% cotton and 22% silk, providing a breathable, lustrous blend ideal for a spring tank. Each ball contains 131 yards and weighs 50 grams. Yardage requirements range from 786 yards for the Extra Small size to 1,703 yards for the 4X size, requiring between 6 and 13 balls depending on the finished size.

Needles required include US Size 4 (3.5 mm) circular needles in three lengths—16-inch, 32-inch, and 40-inch—to accommodate different stitch counts at various stages of construction. A set of double-pointed needles (dpns) in the same size may be substituted as needed. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and increases, stitch holders for securing stitches during construction, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends.

Gauge and Fit

The recommended gauge is 22 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches in Moss Stitch. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure proper finished measurements. The design accommodates a range of ease options, with recommended ease between negative 3 inches and positive 2 inches, allowing for both fitted and relaxed silhouettes depending on personal preference. The sample shown is in Small size with 1¾ inches of positive ease.