Jody Long Arran Jumper Knitting Pattern

Jody Long Arran Sweater from The Alba Collection

What is Being Made

The Jody Long Arran is a classic cable-knit sweater designed to fit bust measurements ranging from 81-127cm (32-50 inches). This pullover features traditional Arran cable patterns and is available in five sizes: Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, and Extra Extra Large. The sweater includes a full-length body with set-in sleeves and a crew neckline, offering a timeless knitwear design suitable for everyday wear.

Techniques Used

This sweater is constructed using several fundamental knitting techniques that create both structure and visual interest. The garment is worked flat on straight needles, meaning the front and back pieces are knitted separately in rows rather than in the round. The pieces are then seamed together to form the finished sweater. The construction follows a bottom-up approach, beginning with the ribbed cuff at the lower edge and progressing upward toward the shoulders and neckline.

Cable work forms the decorative centerpiece of this design. The pattern incorporates two primary cable crosses: C6B (cable 6 back) and C6F (cable 6 front), which create the signature Arran texture. These cables are worked by slipping stitches onto a cable needle, knitting the next group of stitches, then knitting the held stitches to form twisted rope-like columns in the fabric.

Stitches Used

The Jody Long Arran employs a combination of fundamental stitches to achieve its distinctive appearance:

• Knit stitch (K) - forms the smooth vertical columns and cable twists
• Purl stitch (P) - creates the reverse stockinette background that makes cables stand out in relief
• Slipped stitches (sl 1) - worked purlwise with yarn at back to maintain pattern continuity between pattern repeats
• Ribbing (K2, P2) - used for the initial cuff and neckband to create elastic edges that hug the body

The main pattern repeat is 8 rows, alternating between plain stockinette rows and cable cross rows. The cable crosses occur on row 5 of the pattern repeat, with rows 1-4 and 7-8 establishing the background texture and allowing the cables to develop their characteristic twisted appearance.

Materials

The Jody Long Arran requires Jody Long Alba yarn in the colorway Gorse 005. Yarn quantities vary by size: Small requires 4 x 100g balls, Medium requires 5 x 100g balls, Large requires 5 x 100g balls, Extra Large requires 6 x 100g balls, and Extra Extra Large requires 6 x 100g balls.

Two pairs of needles are required for this project. The ribbed cuff and neckband are worked on 3.25mm (US 3) needles, while the main body pattern is worked on 3.75mm (US 5) needles. A cable needle is essential for executing the cable crosses throughout the pattern. The recommended tension is 30 stitches and 33 rows to 10cm (4 inches) measured over the cable pattern using the 3.75mm needles, ensuring proper fit and drape of the finished garment.