Jody Long JLD Cynthia Jumper Knitting Pattern

Jody Long JLD Cynthia Knitted Sweater

What is Being Made

The Jody Long JLD Cynthia is a knitted sweater from the FLORA Collection, designed as a beginner-friendly garment featuring basic shaping and straightforward knitting techniques. This pullover sweater is worked flat and seamed, making it an accessible project for knitters new to garment construction. The design is available in six sizes ranging from Small (to fit bust 81-86 cm / 32-34 in) through to XXXL (to fit bust 132-137 cm / 52-54 in), with finished bust measurements ranging from 104 cm to 153 cm.

Techniques Used

The Cynthia sweater employs bottom-up construction, meaning the garment is knitted starting from the lower edge and working upward toward the neckline. The sweater is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, with pieces subsequently seamed together to create the finished garment. This flat construction method is ideal for beginners as it allows for easier stitch counting and pattern reading compared to circular knitting.

The pattern incorporates lace techniques as part of its stitch pattern, adding visual interest and texture to the finished piece. The garment features basic shaping appropriate for beginner knitters, avoiding complex decreases or increases while still achieving a well-fitted silhouette.

Stitches Used

The Cynthia pattern begins with a ribbed edging, worked using alternating knit and purl stitches in a K1, P1 rib pattern. The ribbing is worked for a total of nine rows, providing elasticity and a neat finished edge at the lower edge of the garment.

Following the ribbed cuff, the pattern transitions into a lace stitch pattern worked over the main body of the sweater. The pattern instructions include decreases (worked as "work 2 tog" or knit two stitches together) to shape the garment and reduce stitch counts where needed. The pattern also specifies garter stitch borders, with four stitches worked in knit stitch on either side of the main pattern to create neat, finished edges on the front and back pieces.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Cynthia sweater is knitted using Jody Long FLORA yarn, a multi-colored yarn collection featuring four distinct colorways that are held together as a single strand throughout the project. The four yarns are held together simultaneously to create the finished fabric:

• Yarn A: Marigold 007 – 2 to 4 x 100g balls depending on size
• Yarn B: Tiger Lily 002 – 2 to 4 x 100g balls depending on size
• Yarn C: Cherry Blossom 005 – 2 to 4 x 100g balls depending on size
• Yarn D: Crocus 003 – 2 to 4 x 100g balls depending on size

The pattern requires two pairs of needles in different sizes. The ribbed edging is worked using 6.5 mm (US 10½) needles, which provide the necessary tension for a tight, elastic rib. The main body of the sweater is worked using 12 mm (US 17) needles, which create a more open, lacy fabric appropriate for the stitch pattern. The tension is established at 9 stitches and 14 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) when measured over the lace pattern using the larger needles.

The use of four yarn strands held together creates a thick, textured fabric with beautiful color blending from the FLORA collection's coordinated colorways. This multi-strand approach adds visual complexity and depth to the finished sweater while remaining manageable for beginner knitters.