"Staffan Jumper" - Jumper Knitting Pattern in MillaMia Naturally Soft Merino

Staffan Jumper Knitting Pattern – MillaMia Naturally Soft Merino

The Staffan Jumper is a beautifully designed stranded colourwork knitting pattern from MillaMia, crafted in the brand's signature Naturally Soft Merino yarn. Described by the designers as a Christmas jumper with genuine longevity and versatility, the Staffan is intended to be worn throughout the entire winter season rather than reserved for a single occasion. It is a classic, seamed pullover featuring bold two-colour stranded colourwork, making it a rewarding project for knitters who are ready to take their skills to the next level.

What Is Being Made

The finished garment is a seamed, bottom-up pullover jumper worked in two colours. It features a fitted body with set-in or straight sleeves and is sized to fit a wide range of bust measurements. The design uses a striking contrast between a deep Midnight (101) background and crisp Snow (124) colourwork motifs, giving it a timeless Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic that suits the winter wardrobe beautifully.

Sizing and Fit

The Staffan Jumper is available in seven sizes, designed to fit bust measurements of 82, 87, 92, 97, 102, 107, and 112 cm (32–44 in), with actual garment bust measurements ranging from 95 to 133 cm (37½–52½ in), providing a comfortable, relaxed ease. The length to shoulder ranges from 52 to 58 cm (20½–22¾ in) depending on size, and the sleeve length is a consistent 43 cm (17 in) across all sizes.

Techniques Used

• Bottom-up construction: The jumper is worked from the cast-on edge upward toward the shoulders, which is a traditional and widely used method that allows knitters to try on the piece as they go and adjust length easily.
• Seamed construction: The body and sleeves are worked as separate flat pieces and then joined using seaming techniques. This approach produces a structured, tailored finish and is well-suited to garments featuring colourwork, as it keeps the fabric stable and even.
• Stranded colourwork: The signature technique of this pattern, stranded knitting involves carrying two yarn colours across each row, working stitches in whichever colour the chart dictates while the other yarn is stranded loosely across the wrong side of the fabric. This creates the characteristic dense, warm, double-layered fabric associated with traditional Fair Isle and Nordic knitwear. Maintaining an even tension while stranding is key to a polished result.
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted back and forth on straight needles rather than in the round, meaning the knitter alternates between knit and purl rows. When working from the colourwork chart, odd-numbered rows are knit rows and are read from right to left, while even-numbered rows are purl rows and are read from left to right.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (stockinette stitch): The primary stitch used for the body and sleeves, formed by alternating knit and purl rows. The stranded colourwork chart is worked over stocking stitch.
• Garter stitch: Referenced within the pattern's abbreviations, likely used for specific edging or border sections.
• Moss stitch (seed stitch): Also referenced in the abbreviations, potentially used for ribbing alternatives or trim details.
• k2tog (knit two together): A standard right-leaning decrease used for shaping throughout the garment.
• m1 (make one): An increase stitch worked by picking up the loop lying before the next stitch and knitting into the back of it, used for sleeve and body shaping.
• m1p (make one purlwise): A purl-side increase used where shaping occurs on wrong-side rows.

Materials Required

Yarn

The pattern calls for MillaMia Naturally Soft Merino, a sport weight yarn sold in 50g / 1¾oz balls. Two colours are