Picnic Perfect

Picnic Perfect Short Sleeved Jumper

What is Being Made

The Picnic Perfect Short Sleeved Jumper is a springtime knitting project designed by Monica Russel. This versatile garment measures 36 (37:38)cm in length and is available in three sizes to fit bust measurements of 88-92 (92-96: 101-106)cm, or 32-34 (36-38: 40-42)in. The jumper features short sleeves and can be worn as a standalone piece or layered over a tee shirt, making it an ideal transitional garment for warmer seasons.

Craft and Techniques

This is a knitting project classified at an intermediate difficulty level. The pattern employs fundamental knitting construction techniques including casting on, working in pattern repeats, increasing stitches at armholes, and shaping garment sections through strategic decreasing. The design incorporates armhole shaping with increases at designated points and structured shoulder and back neck shaping using cast-off techniques. Stitch markers are used to denote important construction points such as the start of the armhole.

Stitches and Pattern Work

The jumper is constructed using a combination of knit and purl stitches to create a textured pattern throughout the garment. The pattern includes knit-two-together (k2tog) decreases for shaping the neckline and other design elements. The front and back pieces are worked separately following the same foundational pattern, with specific shaping instructions applied to create the garment silhouette. Stitch holders are used to hold stitches in place during construction, particularly for the back neck and front neckline areas.

Materials and Tools

The recommended yarn for this project is Bergere De France Coton Merinos ETE, a blend of 50% cotton and 50% merino wool, in a DK (double knitting) weight. Each 50g ball yields 103 meters of yarn, and the pattern requires 8 (9: 10) balls depending on size selection. The project calls for two pairs of needles: 4mm needles for the main fabric and 3.5mm needles for ribbing or edging. Additionally, two stitch holders are needed to temporarily hold stitches during construction of the neckline and back sections.

Sizing and Finished Measurements

• Finished length: 55 (56: 57)cm or 21½ (22: 22.5)in
• Armhole depth: 19 (20: 21)cm
• To fit bust: 88-92 (92-96: 101-106)cm or 32-34 (36-38: 40-42)in