Zemu Pullover Jumper Knitting Pattern

Zemu Pullover in Juniper Moon Tenzing

What is Being Made

The Zemu Pullover is a flattering knitted sweater from the Karakoram Collection, named after the largest glacier in the Himalayas. This pullover features elegant colorwork details and is available in seven sizes ranging from XS to 3X, with finished bust measurements from 30½ inches (77.5 cm) to 54½ inches (138.5 cm) and lengths from 24½ inches (62 cm) to 29¼ inches (74 cm). The design demonstrates versatility, as it can be knitted using three colors or simplified to use only two colors without compromising its visual appeal.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Zemu Pullover employs several intermediate knitting techniques to achieve its sophisticated construction. Stranded colorwork is a primary technique, allowing multiple colors to be carried across rows to create patterned sections. The pattern utilizes corrugated ribbing worked in the round, which combines knit stitches in one color with purl stitches in another color for a textured, dimensional edge. The sweater is constructed using the seamless in-the-round method, worked on circular needles, which eliminates the need for seaming and creates a more polished finished garment. The pattern includes shaping techniques such as increases and decreases to create the flattering silhouette, and the construction divides the fronts and back at specific points to allow for proper garment shaping and neckline finishing.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The foundation of the Zemu Pullover is built on stockinette stitch, which creates the smooth, classic fabric base. The ribbed sections employ corrugated rib, a specialized pattern worked in the round that alternates knit stitches in contrasting color with purl stitches in the main color. This creates a visually interesting and elastic edge ideal for cuffs and waistbands. The colorwork sections are created using stranded colorwork techniques, where two colors are worked simultaneously across rows following charted patterns (Chart A and Chart B). Additional stitch techniques include make one increases (M1R and M1L for right and left leaning increases), knit two together decreases (k2tog), and slip, slip, knit decreases (ssk) for shaping. The pattern also incorporates bind off techniques for finishing edges and cast on methods to establish the initial stitches.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Zemu Pullover is designed to be knitted with Juniper Moon Farm Tenzing yarn, a premium fiber choice. The yarn requirements vary by size: the main color requires 8 to 14 balls depending on the finished size, with the sample shown in size XS using color #14 Seafoam. Two contrasting colors are used in smaller quantities: 1 ball each of color #08 Scarlet (CC1) and color #06 Mystic Purple (CC2). The pattern specifies US 5 (3¾ mm) circular needles in both 32-inch (80 cm) and 16-inch (40 cm) lengths, as well as double-pointed needles of the same size for working smaller circumferences. US 6 (4 mm) circular and double-point needles are used specifically for the stranded colorwork sections to accommodate the slightly looser gauge required when working with multiple colors. The recommended gauge is 22 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and scrap yarn or stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches during construction.