Universal Yarn Topography Jumper Knitting Pattern

Universal Yarn Topography Sweater

What is Being Made

The Topography is a slightly-cropped, drop-shoulder pullover sweater designed by Rachel Brockman. This knitted garment features unique ridges along the sleeves and is available in seven sizes ranging from Extra Small to 3X, with finished bust measurements from 34¼" to 58¼" and finished lengths from 19¾" to 22½".

Construction Techniques

This sweater is constructed using a bottom-up knitting method, meaning the body is worked from the hem upward. The body is worked in the round on circular needles, creating a seamless construction. The front and back pieces are divided during construction, and a three-needle bind-off technique is used to seam the shoulders together, creating a professional and durable shoulder seam.

The design incorporates slipped stitches worked purlwise with yarn held back, which creates the distinctive visual texture and ridging throughout the garment. The sleeve patterning is presented in chart form, allowing for precise stitch placement of the unique ridges that define this design.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch: Used for the main body of the sweater, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric
• K2, P1 Rib: A twisted rib pattern used for the hem and cuffs, worked with a multiple of 3 stitches. This ribbing creates elasticity and helps the garment hold its shape
• Left Twist (LT): A cable-based stitch technique where the second stitch on the left needle is knitted through the back loop, then the first stitch is knitted through the front loop, and both stitches are slipped from the needle. This creates the unique v-shaped welts characteristic of the design
• Slipped Stitches: Worked purlwise with yarn held in back, these stitches create texture and visual interest throughout the sweater

Materials and Gauge

This pattern calls for Universal Yarn Uptown DK, a yarn composed of 100% anti-pilling acrylic with 273 yards per 100-gram ball. The color used is Antique Brown (color 133), with yardage requirements ranging from 4 balls for the Extra Small size to 7 balls for the largest sizes.

Needles required include US Size 6 (4 mm) circular needles in 32" length and a set of double-pointed needles, along with US Size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles in 16" length (2 required) and a set of double-pointed needles. The pattern specifies that needle sizes may be adjusted as needed to obtain proper gauge.

The recommended gauge is 22 stitches by 29 rows over 4 inches in Stockinette stitch using the larger needles, and 26 stitches by 30 rows over 4 inches in K2, P1 Rib with twisted stitches, knit in the round, using the smaller needles. Checking gauge before beginning is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.

Additional Notions

Beyond yarn and needles, this project requires stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and round beginnings, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and stitch holders or waste yarn for holding stitches during construction.