#1218 Zion - Jumper Knitting Pattern For Women in Valley Yarns Southwick by Valley Yarns

Zion Women's Striped Knit Jumper Pattern

Project Overview

The Zion is a women's pullover sweater designed by Susan Baron, featuring bold horizontal stripes in a classic color palette. This intermediate-level knitting pattern creates a versatile garment suitable for layering on cool summer evenings or wearing year-round. The finished sweater offers a comfortable fit with 4–6 inches of positive ease across the bust, making it ideal for relaxed, everyday wear.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a striped pullover sweater for women, available in nine sizes ranging from extra-small through 5XL. The bust measurements span from 35 inches (XS) to 67 inches (5XL), accommodating a wide range of body types. The sample garment shown in the pattern is size small with a 39-inch bust measurement.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Bottom-up construction: The sweater is knitted from the lower edge upward, allowing for easy fitting adjustments and a natural progression through the body, armholes, and shoulders.
• Worked flat: The pattern uses flat knitting techniques on circular needles, meaning pieces are worked back and forth in rows rather than in continuous rounds, making it accessible for knitters comfortable with traditional flat knitting methods.
• Seamed assembly: Individual pieces are knitted separately and then seamed together, providing structure and a polished finish to the garment.
• Striped colorwork: The design features bold horizontal stripes created by alternating between two colors (Toffee and Natural) throughout the body and sleeves, adding visual interest without the complexity of intricate stitch patterns.

Stitches and Stitch Definition

While specific stitch details are not fully outlined in the provided pattern excerpt, the design emphasizes crisp stitch definition achieved through Valley Yarns Southwick, a yarn specifically chosen for its ability to showcase clear, well-defined stitches. The pattern likely incorporates fundamental knit and purl stitches to create the striped effect and overall structure of the sweater.

Yarn and Materials

The Zion pattern calls for Valley Yarns Southwick, a premium blend yarn composed of 52% Pima Cotton and 48% Bamboo. This fiber combination provides both breathability and drape, making the sweater comfortable for transitional weather. The yarn is available in two colors for this pattern: Color A (19-Toffee) and Color B (01-Natural).

Yarn yardage requirements vary by size. For example, the size small requires 6 balls of each color, with each ball containing 50 grams and 105 yards of yarn. Larger sizes (up to 5XL) require up to 15 balls of each color, providing sufficient yardage for the complete sweater with minimal leftover.

The pattern specifies US 7 (4.5mm) circular needles in 24–32 inch lengths for the main body and sleeves, with US 6 (4.0mm) 16-inch circular needles for the neckband ribbing. Additional materials include stitch holders for managing live stitches, a stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats, and a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends.

Yarn Weight and Gauge

This pattern uses worsted-weight yarn, a medium-weight option that knits at a relatively quick pace while maintaining excellent stitch definition. The specified gauge is 18 stitches and 24 rows per 4 inches (10 centimeters) when worked on US 7 needles, establishing the foundation for accurate sizing and fit throughout the garment.

Skill Level

The Zion is rated as Adventurous Beginner to Intermediate, making it suitable for knitters with some experience who are ready to tackle projects involving multiple techniques such as flat knitting, color changes, and seamed assembly. The straightforward striped construction and lack of complex colorwork or shaping make it an excellent project for building confidence in garment construction.