Wildflowerknits Marci Jumper Knitting Pattern

Wildflowerknits Marci Knit Sweater

What is Being Made

The Marci is a classic knit sweater designed by Kennita Tully, offered in seven sizes ranging from XS to 3X. This garment features finished chest measurements from 30 inches (XS) to 54 inches (3X), with corresponding length adjustments from 22 inches to 28.5 inches. The sweater is designed at an easy skill level, making it accessible to knitters with basic experience. The sample shown was knit in size Small.

Techniques Used

The Marci sweater is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed, and worked-flat approach. This method involves knitting the front and back panels separately in flat rows, then seaming the pieces together. The front and back panels are identical in construction, simplifying the pattern and reducing complexity. Side shaping is incorporated through strategic increases and decreases worked at the beginning and end of rows to create a fitted silhouette. Armhole shaping is achieved through bind-offs at the beginning of rows followed by decreases on right-side rows to create proper sleeve cap depth.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The primary stitch throughout the Marci is Stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a knit side and purl side. Decreases are worked using specific techniques: ssk (slip, slip, knit) and k2tog (knit two together) are used on right-side rows, while p2tog (purl two together) and ssp (slip, slip, purl) are used on wrong-side rows. These directional decreases are positioned strategically: at the beginning of rows with k2 or p2 edge stitches, and at the end of rows with matching decreases. Increases for sleeve shaping are worked using M1R (make one right) and M1L (make one left) techniques, positioned after and before the k2 edge stitches respectively to maintain consistent shaping.

Materials and Tools

The Marci calls for Tahki Yarns "Baja", a 100% cotton yarn with yardage of 147 yards per 50-gram ball. Yardage requirements vary by size: 5 balls for XS and S, 6 balls for M, 7 balls for L, 8 balls for 1X, 9 balls for 2X, and 10 balls for 3X. The pattern specifies Size US9 (5.5mm) knitting needles or the size needed to obtain proper gauge. A tapestry needle is required for seaming the finished pieces together. The recommended gauge is 16 stitches and 23 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Stockinette stitch, and checking gauge before beginning is emphasized to ensure proper finished measurements.

Construction Details

The back and front panels begin with casting on 62 to 110 stitches depending on size, then work in Stockinette stitch for an initial 6 to 12 rows before side shaping begins. Side decreases and increases are staggered at different intervals depending on size to accommodate the range of finished measurements. The body is worked even until reaching the armhole depth, at which point stitches are bound off at the beginning of rows and additional decreases are worked on right-side rows to shape the armholes. The sleeves are cast on with 32 to 44 stitches and feature their own shaping sequence with increases worked at regular intervals. All pieces are worked until reaching their specified finished measurements before binding off.