Peppermelon

Peppermelon Knitted Sweater by BabyCocktails

What Is Being Made

Peppermelon is an intermediate-level knitted sweater designed by Thea Colman of BabyCocktails. This garment is a pullover-style jumper available in eight sizes ranging from 37.5 inches to 68.5 inches around the bust, accommodating a wide range of body measurements. The sweater is designed to be worn with 4 to 6 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This sweater is constructed using circular knitting techniques, worked primarily in the round from the bottom up. The garment employs stockinette stitch as the primary fabric, combined with lace patterning for decorative detail. The construction method utilizes multiple needle sizes and types to accommodate different sections of the garment as it progresses from the wider body to narrower areas.

The sweater features a collar section that is worked separately, and set-in sleeves that are shaped and narrowed down to fitted cuffs. The transition from body to sleeves involves strategic decreasing to create proper armhole shaping and sleeve cap construction. Finishing techniques include grafting or binding off edges to create clean, professional seams.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch – the primary fabric structure worked in rounds
• Lace stitch pattern – decorative patterning incorporated into the design
• Ribbing – used at cuffs and collar for elasticity and structure

Yarn and Materials

Peppermelon is designed to be knitted with heavy worsted or aran weight yarn. The pattern is shown using Roots & Rain Homestead yarn, which is composed of 100% Dorset and Cheviot wool, single-sourced from Ontario. Each skein contains 200 yards and weighs 4 ounces (115 grams).

Yardage requirements vary by size: the smallest size requires 750 yards (685 meters), while the largest size needs 1,450 yards (1,325 meters). The yarn shown in the pattern photography has been dyed with Black Walnut and Cochineal, creating a rich, natural colorway. Knitters may substitute any heavy worsted or aran weight wool yarn of similar yardage and gauge.

Needles and Notions

Construction requires US #9 (5.5mm) circular needles, or the size necessary to achieve the specified gauge. A 32-inch (80cm) or longer circular needle is used for knitting the body of the sweater, while a 16-inch (40cm) circular needle is used for the collar and sleeves as they decrease in circumference. Double-pointed needles (DPNs) are used for finishing the sleeves as they narrow down to the cuffs.

Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and grafting seams, a cable needle for any twisted or cable elements, and waste yarn for holding stitches during construction.

Gauge and Fit

The pattern is designed to be knitted at a gauge of 16 stitches and 24 rounds per 4 inches (10cm) in stockinette stitch and lace pattern, measured on the final, blocked fabric. Achieving proper gauge is essential for correct sizing and fit. Full schematic measurements for all eight sizes are provided on page 8 of the pattern, allowing knitters to compare their desired finished measurements against the garment schematic before beginning.