"Matilda Jumper" - Jumper Knitting Pattern For Women in Debbie Bliss Cotton Denim DK - DBS052

Matilda Jumper – Knitting Pattern Summary

The Matilda Jumper is a women's pullover knitting pattern by Debbie Bliss, designed to be worked in Debbie Bliss Cotton Denim DK yarn. It is a sophisticated, advanced-level project that combines classic cable textures with stripe detailing, resulting in a beautifully structured garment with a timeless, artisan feel. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and covers four sizes to fit bust measurements ranging from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) up to 112–117 cm (44–46 in), with finished bust measurements of 108 cm, 118 cm, 131 cm, and 141 cm respectively.

Garment Overview

The Matilda Jumper is a women's fitted-to-relaxed pullover (jumper) with a structured silhouette shaped by cable panels and stripe sequences. The finished length to shoulder ranges from 62 cm (24½ in) to 68 cm (26¾ in) depending on the size chosen, making it a mid-length layering piece suitable for a variety of occasions. Its combination of tactile cable work and graphic stripe patterning gives it visual interest without sacrificing wearability.

Construction Method

The Matilda Jumper is constructed using a seamed, worked-flat method, meaning each garment piece — typically the front, back, and sleeves — is knitted separately as flat panels and then joined together by sewing seams. This traditional approach to jumper construction offers excellent control over shaping and is well suited to patterns featuring cables and stripes, as it allows each section to be blocked and pressed individually before assembly.

• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted back and forth in rows rather than in the round, using standard knitting needles.
• Seamed construction: Finished pieces are sewn together, which adds structure and durability to the finished garment.

Techniques Used

This is rated an advanced pattern, and knitters should be comfortable with a range of intermediate-to-advanced techniques before beginning. The key techniques employed include:

• Cables: Cable knitting is a central feature of the Matilda Jumper, creating raised, twisted rope-like columns of stitches that add texture and visual depth to the fabric. Cables are worked by temporarily placing stitches on a cable needle, knitting stitches from the main needle, and then knitting the held stitches — crossing them either to the left or right to create the characteristic twist.
• Stripes: Stripe patterning is incorporated into the design, requiring colour changes at regular intervals. Working stripes flat means yarn can be carried up the side of the work where appropriate, minimising the number of ends to weave in.
• Seaming: Joining seamed garment pieces neatly is an important finishing skill; techniques such as mattress stitch are typically used to create invisible, professional joins.
• Shaping: Advanced shaping techniques are used throughout, including increases and decreases such as kfb (knit into front and back), m1 (make one), k2tog (knit two together), skpo (slip one, knit one, pass slipped stitch over), and ssk (slip, slip, knit) to shape armholes, necklines, and sleeve caps.

Stitches Used

The pattern draws on a combination of foundational and decorative stitch types:

• Stocking stitch (stockinette stitch): The base fabric of many sections, formed by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows, creating a smooth, flat surface.
• Moss stitch (seed stitch): An alternating knit-and-purl texture that creates a firm, non-curling fabric often used for borders, collars, and edgings.
• Cable stitches: Worked over designated stitch panels using a cable needle, forming the decorative twisted rope motifs central to the design.
• Rib stitch: Typically used for welts, cuffs, and neckbands to provide elasticity and a neat, fitted edge.
• Yarn forward (yf), yarn over