Niobe Jumper

Niobe Jumper by Kari-Helene Rane

What is Being Made

The Niobe Jumper is a knitted pullover sweater designed by independent designer Kari-Helene Rane. This intermediate-level garment is available in five sizes ranging from extra-small to extra-large, fitting bust measurements from 73 cm (29 inches) to 112 cm (44 inches). The sample shown in the pattern is knitted in size Small.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Niobe Jumper is constructed using circular knitting techniques, worked in the round to create a seamless body. The pattern employs a knitted cast-on method, which creates a neat, flexible edge suitable for ribbed sections. The garment begins with a moss stitch ribbing worked over 12 rounds, establishing the lower edge of the jumper before transitioning to stockinette stitch for the main body.

The use of circular needles allows for continuous rounds of knitting, eliminating the need for seaming along the sides and reducing finishing work. Light steaming is recommended after completing the swatch to achieve accurate tension measurements, ensuring proper fit across all size options.

Stitches Used

• Moss Stitch: A textured stitch pattern created by alternating knit and purl stitches (k1, p1) across each round. This stitch is worked for the opening rounds to create an elastic, decorative ribbed cuff.
• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch used for the main body of the jumper, created by knitting all stitches on one round and purling all stitches on the following round when working flat, or simply knitting every round when working in the round.

Materials and Specifications

The Niobe Jumper is knitted using Purl Alpaca Fine, a luxury yarn composed of 100% English alpaca fiber. This natural fiber provides softness, breathability, and excellent drape. The yarn is supplied in 50-gram balls with a yardage of 116 meters per ball. Depending on size, the pattern requires between 7 and 9 balls of yarn, with the sample photographed in the shade 'Alpaca Storm'.

Knitting is worked on 5 mm circular knitting needles with an 80 cm cord, or needles sized as needed to match the required tension. The pattern specifies a tension of 18 stitches and 23 rows to a 10 cm square, measured over stockinette stitch after light steaming. Adjusting needle size is recommended if your gauge differs from the pattern specification.

Additional notions required include a blunt tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends after completion.