The Pussy Bow Jumper

The Pussy Bow Jumper by Hannah Arterton

What is Being Made

The Pussy Bow Jumper is a semi-fitted knitted sweater designed by Hannah Arterton, featuring a distinctive scarfed neckline that ties into a decorative bow. This intermediate-level knitting project combines classic sweater construction with a modern, elegant neckline detail. The garment is designed to sit approximately 2-11.5cm (¾-4½") wider than your actual bust measurement, offering a comfortable, semi-fitted silhouette suitable for various body types and styling preferences.

Construction Technique

The Pussy Bow Jumper is constructed as a mostly seamless knit, minimizing seaming work throughout the project. The sweater is worked from the bottom up, beginning in the round to create the body seamlessly. At the armholes, the knitting is divided to work the front and back separately, allowing for precise shaping. Decreases are strategically worked at both the armholes and neck to create a tailored fit. Once the body is complete, the shoulders are sewn together using a traditional seaming technique. The bell sleeves are then constructed by picking up stitches at the armholes and working short rows across the shoulder before completing each sleeve in the round. The distinctive scarfed neckline is finished with a ribbed neck band worked in two halves, and during this final neckline construction, stitches are cast on to create the ties that form the signature bow detail.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Knitting in the round using circular needles
• Decreases for armhole and neck shaping
• Set-in bell sleeves with shoulder short rows
• Ribbed stitch for the neck band
• Seaming for shoulder construction
• Picking up stitches at armholes for sleeve caps
• Short row shaping across shoulders
• Casting on for bow tie extensions

Materials and Yarn Weight

The Pussy Bow Jumper is designed to be knitted using DK weight yarn, a versatile medium weight that creates a fabric with excellent drape and definition. DK yarn allows the sweater's tailored shaping and bell sleeve details to be showcased beautifully. Circular needles are required for working the body in the round, and appropriate needle sizes should be selected based on your desired gauge and yarn specifications. The specific yardage requirements and needle sizes are detailed in the full pattern instructions.

Sizing Information

Sizing for the Pussy Bow Jumper is based on bust circumference measurements in both centimetres and inches. To achieve the perfect fit, measure your chest at the widest part of your torso before selecting your size. The pattern is designed with a semi-fitted ease, so the finished jumper will be intentionally larger than your actual measurements. If your measurements fall between two sizes, the pattern recommends knitting the smaller size for a more tailored fit.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond the basics. The combination of seamless construction, armhole shaping, set-in sleeves, and the unique scarfed neckline with bow ties requires solid foundational skills in increases, decreases, and picking up stitches, but the techniques used are well within reach for dedicated intermediate-level knitters.