Zira Sweater Jumper Knitting Pattern

Zira Sweater in Berroco Renew

What is Being Made

The Zira Sweater is an intermediate-level knitted pullover designed by Mel Kennelly. This garment offers multiple size options ranging from 36 inches to 72 inches in bust circumference, with a consistent finished length of 30 inches across all sizes. The sweater is designed with approximately 2–4 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Construction Method

The Zira Sweater is constructed using a hybrid approach that combines circular knitting with flat knitting techniques. The garment body is worked in the round from the bottom edge up to the underarms, which creates a seamless lower section. At the underarms, the piece is divided, and the back and front sections are then worked flat in rows to the shoulders. The sleeves are worked separately in the round from the cuff upward and are subsequently sewn onto the finished body.

Stitches and Techniques Used

This intermediate project employs several fundamental knitting techniques and stitch patterns:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): Used for the main body sections, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric
• Pattern Stitch: A decorative stitch pattern incorporated into the design, worked on smaller needles for a tighter gauge
• Decrease stitches: The pattern includes k3tog (knit three together) and k2tog (knit two together) decreases for shaping
• Circular knitting: Worked in rounds using circular needles to create seamless fabric
• Flat knitting: Worked in rows for the front and back sections after the body is divided
• Seaming: Sleeves are attached to the body using traditional seaming methods

Yarn and Needles

The Zira Sweater is designed to be knitted using Berroco Renew, a yarn produced by Berroco, Inc. The pattern requires between 9 and 16 balls of yarn (50 grams each) depending on the chosen size, in the colorway #1352 Peafowl.

The project requires two sets of needles in different sizes to achieve the appropriate gauges for different stitch patterns:

• Size 5 / 3.75 mm circular needles: Available in both 16-inch and 32-inch lengths, used for sections requiring a tighter gauge
• Size 7 / 4.5 mm circular needles: Available in 16-inch and 32-inch lengths, used for the main stockinette sections
• Size 7 / 4.5 mm double-pointed needles or preferred small circumference needles: Used for working the sleeves and other small circumference sections

Additional notions include one stitch marker and waste yarn for holding stitches during construction.

Gauge and Finishing

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies two different gauges depending on the stitch being worked:

• Stockinette Stitch gauge: 19 stitches and 28 rounds equal 4 inches (10 cm) when worked on the larger size 7 / 4.5 mm needles
• Pattern Stitch gauge: 20 stitches and 29 rounds equal 4 inches (10 cm) when worked on the smaller size 5 / 3.75 mm needles

Both gauges are measured after blocking, making blocking an important finishing step to achieve accurate final measurements. Knitters are strongly encouraged to swatch and check gauge before beginning the project to ensure proper fit and garment proportions.