Universal Yarn Surf 'n Stripe Jumper Knitting Pattern

Universal Yarn Surf 'n Stripe Sweater

What is Being Made

The Surf 'n Stripe is a dolman pullover sweater designed for adults in five sizes ranging from Small to 2X. This garment features a relaxed, comfortable fit with 8 inches of positive ease and finished bust measurements from 40½ inches (Small) to 57½ inches (2X). The sweater showcases a distinctive striped colorwork pattern that combines solid color blocks with decorative stitch details, creating a visually striking design suitable for warm-weather wear.

Techniques Used

This sweater is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed construction method, meaning pieces are knitted from the cast-on edge upward and then joined together. The garment is worked flat on circular needles rather than in the round, allowing for easier colorwork management and shaping. The design incorporates dolman shaping, which involves strategic increases at the beginning of rows to create the characteristic wide, flowing sleeves that taper toward the wrists. The front and back pieces are identical, simplifying the knitting process. Smaller sizes feature nine total stripes on each front and back piece, while larger sizes (1X and 2X) include ten total stripes, allowing the pattern to scale proportionally with the garment size.

Stitches Used

The Surf 'n Stripe pattern is based on a multiple of 3 stitches plus 2 and repeats over 36 rows. The pattern incorporates fundamental knitting stitches including knit, purl, yarn overs (yo), and knit two together (k2tog) decreases. The yarn over and decrease combination creates an eyelet or lace-like texture within the striped sections. The pattern also uses make one (m1) increases for the dolman shaping. Rows 1-4 and Row 5-6 establish the color transitions, with Row 7 and subsequent rows establishing the main stitch pattern repeat that continues throughout the piece.

Materials

This pattern calls for Universal Yarn Bamboo Pop, a yarn composed of 50% rayon from bamboo and 50% cotton, offering a soft, breathable fiber blend ideal for warm-weather garments. Each ball contains 100 grams and 292 yards. The yardage requirements vary by size: Small requires 3 balls of 202 Beachy Keen (main color), while 2X requires 5 balls. All sizes need 1 ball each of 107 Ocean (contrast color 1) and 108 Lime Green. Knitting is worked on US Size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles in a 32-inch length, with a gauge of 17 stitches and 25 rows equaling 4 inches in the pattern repeat. A tapestry needle is required for seaming and finishing.