Stripe 1

Stripe 1 Striped Jumper by James McIntosh

What is Being Made

Stripe 1 is a downloadable knitting pattern for a striped jumper designed by James McIntosh. This intermediate-level knitting project produces a single finished garment available in 6 different sizes, ranging from 97 cm to 122 cm in circumference (approximately 38 to 48 inches). The pattern is suitable for knitters with some experience who are ready to tackle a multi-color striped construction.

Design and Color Palette

The jumper features a striking horizontal striped design created using six coordinated colors of Sublime Extra Fine Merino DK yarn. The color palette includes:

• Indigo (Shade 363) – Primary color
• Spruce (Shade 362) – Secondary color
• Gem (Shade 361) – Accent color
• Riviera (Shade 489) – Accent color
• Clipper (Shade 015) – Accent color
• Pomeroy (Shade 411) – Accent color

This multi-color approach creates visual interest and allows knitters to explore color work techniques without the complexity of colorwork stitching.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Sublime Extra Fine Merino DK yarn, a double knitting weight (DK) yarn made from merino wool. The yardage requirements vary by size, with quantities ranging from 2 to 4 balls of 50g per color depending on the finished garment size selected. Merino DK is prized for its softness, breathability, and drape—ideal qualities for a wearable jumper.

Knitting Needles and Equipment

The pattern requires two pairs of knitting needles: 4mm needles for main knitting and 3.5mm needles for ribbing (or a needle 0.5mm smaller than your main needle size). Additional equipment includes a row counter, stitch holders, measuring tape, sewing needle, scissors, notepad, and pen. These tools support accurate gauge measurement, stitch management, and garment assembly.

Knitting Techniques

As an intermediate-level pattern, Stripe 1 employs fundamental knitting techniques including ribbed edges (created with the smaller 3.5mm needles) and stockinette stitch for the main body fabric. The striped construction involves color changes across rows, requiring knitters to manage multiple yarn colors and carry unused yarns along the sides of the work. This technique builds skills in tension management and color work without requiring simultaneous multi-color stitching.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes classic knitting stitches suited to DK weight yarn and 4mm needles. Ribbing (typically knit and purl combinations) appears at cuffs and hems to create elasticity and a finished appearance. Stockinette stitch (alternating knit and purl rows) forms the primary fabric, providing a smooth, flat surface ideal for showcasing horizontal stripes. The combination of these stitches creates a professional, wearable garment with good structure and drape.

Pattern Format and Support

Stripe 1 is provided as a downloadable PDF pattern, making it accessible for immediate use. The pattern includes detailed abbreviations and sizing information to guide knitters through the construction process. The intermediate difficulty level assumes familiarity with basic knitting techniques, making this project suitable for knitters seeking to expand their skills through color work and garment construction.