Adult shawl collar jumper

Adult Shawl Collar Jumper by Carol's Creations

Project Overview

This is an advanced-level knitted jumper designed for adults with a finished chest measurement of 42 inches. The garment features a distinctive shawl collar and is constructed using aran-weight yarn, making it a substantial, warm piece suitable for cooler seasons. The design combines classic knitting techniques with decorative cable work to create visual interest and texture throughout the sweater.

What Is Being Made

An adult-sized pullover jumper with a shawl collar construction. The garment is worked in pieces, with separate sections for the back, front, and sleeves that are later assembled. The shawl collar is a key design feature, offering a relaxed, draped neckline that provides both style and warmth. This jumper is designed as a comfortable, everyday piece that showcases cable knitting techniques.

Yarn and Materials

The jumper requires approximately 900 grams of James C Bret Aztec Aran yarn. Aran-weight yarn is a medium-heavy yarn that works up quickly and creates a dense, durable fabric ideal for structured garments. The pattern calls for both 4mm and 5mm knitting needles, a 4mm circular needle for certain sections, a cable needle for managing cable stitches, and a stitch holder for temporarily securing stitches during construction.

Tension and Gauge

The pattern specifies a tension of 19 stitches and 24 rows to 10 centimeters when working in double moss stitch using 5mm needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this advanced project, as it directly affects the final measurements and fit of the completed garment. Knitters should work a gauge swatch before beginning the main project to ensure accuracy.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Double moss stitch – A textured stitch that creates a reversible, bumpy fabric used as the primary stitch throughout the jumper
• Cable knitting – Multiple cable techniques are employed to add visual depth and traditional texture to the design
• Increase techniques – The m1 (make one) increase is used to shape the garment by picking up the horizontal loop before the next stitch and working into the back of it
• Circular needle work – A 4mm circular needle is used for certain sections, allowing for seamless or in-the-round construction where appropriate
• Stitch holders – Used to temporarily secure stitches, particularly at the neckline and other key points during construction

Stitches and Cable Abbreviations

The pattern uses a comprehensive set of cable stitches to create its distinctive appearance:

• C4B (cable 4 back) – Slip 2 stitches onto a cable needle and leave at the back of work, knit 2 stitches, then knit 2 stitches from the cable needle, creating a cable that twists to the right
• C4F (cable 4 front) – Slip 2 stitches onto a cable needle and leave at the front of work, knit 2 stitches, then knit 2 stitches from the cable needle, creating a cable that twists to the left
• Cr4B (cross 4 back) – Slip 2 stitches onto a cable needle and leave at the back, knit 2 stitches, then purl 2 stitches from the cable needle, combining knit and purl for textural variation
• Cr4F (cross 4 front) – Slip 2 stitches onto a cable needle and leave at the front, purl 2 stitches, then knit 2 stitches from the cable needle
• Cr6B (cross 6 back) – Slip 3 stitches onto a cable needle and leave at the back, work k1tbl (knit 1 through the back loop), p1, k1tbl, then knit 3 stitches from the cable needle
• Cr6F (cross 6 front) – Slip 3 stitches onto a cable needle and leave at the front, knit 3 stitches, then work k1tbl, p1, k1tbl from the cable needle

Construction Method

The back section is cast on using 4mm needles with 109 stitches, beginning