1240 Sahara - Jumper Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Northampton by Valley Yarns

1240 Sahara Jumper Knitting Pattern for Women

What Is Being Made

The 1240 Sahara is a women's mock-neck tunic sweater designed by Julie Turjoman for Valley Yarns. This intermediate-level knitting pattern features a boxy silhouette with dropped shoulders and is available in eight sizes ranging from XS to 4XL, with finished bust measurements from 38¾ inches to 68 inches. The garment is designed to fit with 6 to 10 inches of positive ease, making it a comfortable, relaxed-fitting piece suitable for layering and everyday wear.

Design Features and Construction

The Sahara showcases dramatic cable work as its signature design element. A prominent center cable runs down the front and back of the boxy body, surrounded by small, graduated side cables that create visual interest and texture. These smaller cables repeat at the shoulders, providing continuity throughout the design. The sleeves are knit downward from the dropped shoulders in stockinette stitch, featuring decrease shaping that tapers toward the cuffs, which are finished with narrow cable details that echo the body's cable motif.

The construction method makes this sweater virtually seamless. The shoulders are joined using the Three-Needle Bind-Off technique, a professional finishing method that creates a strong, invisible seam while eliminating the need for additional sewing.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Cables: The pattern features multiple cable techniques, including a dramatic center cable and graduated side cables that form the primary design elements
• Worked Flat: The body pieces are constructed flat on circular needles, allowing for easier cable work and pattern management
• Worked in the Round: Sections are also worked circularly using circular needles and double-pointed needles for seamless construction
• Three-Needle Bind-Off: Used to join the shoulders with a professional, seamless finish
• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch used for the sleeves and background areas, providing a smooth canvas that highlights the cable work
• Decrease Shaping: Strategic decreases shape the sleeves from the dropped shoulder line down to the narrower cuffed openings

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern relies on stockinette stitch as the foundational stitch for much of the garment, creating a smooth, classic texture that provides excellent stitch definition. Cable stitches form the decorative focal points, with the center cable and graduated side cables creating dimensional texture and visual movement. The narrow cabled cuffs on the sleeves repeat the cable motif, tying the design together cohesively.

Yarn and Materials

The Sahara is designed to be knit with Valley Yarns Northampton, a worsted-weight yarn composed of 100% wool. This yarn choice is intentional; the pattern notes that Northampton's sharp stitch definition and squishy warmth are ideal for showcasing cable work. Yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 6 skeins for the smallest sizes (XS, S, and M) to 12 skeins for the largest size (4XL). Each skein contains 100 grams and 247 yards. The sample garment shown is knit in Light Gray colorway.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires US size 8 (5.0 mm) circular needles in both 16-inch and 32–40 inch lengths, along with double-pointed needles (dpns) in the same size for working smaller circumferences. A smaller needle size, US size 5 (3.75 mm), is also needed for ribbed or cuffed sections that require a tighter gauge. Knitters should work to the gauge specified in the pattern to ensure proper finished measurements and fit.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern is suitable for knitters with experience in cable work and garment construction. Familiarity with working in the round, reading cable charts, and executing the Three-Needle Bind-Off technique is beneficial for successful completion of this project.