Jody Long JLB Willow Jumper Knitting Pattern

Jody Long JLB Willow Knitted Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Jody Long JLB Willow is a classic knitted sweater designed for experienced knitters. This garment is part of the ROVESOFT Collection and is available in six sizes ranging from small (to fit bust 81-86 cm / 32-34 in) through to triple extra large (to fit bust 132-137 cm / 52-54 in). The finished sweater features a full length of 66-71 cm (26-28 in) measured from the side neck at the back, with the front cut shorter for a contemporary silhouette. Sleeve length measures 45-47 cm (17¾-18½ in) across all sizes.

Techniques Used

This sweater is constructed using bottom-up seamed construction, meaning the back, front, and sleeves are knitted separately from the lower edge upward, then assembled together. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in continuous rounds, with the exception of the neckline which is worked in the round using a circular needle. The pattern introduces various shaping techniques appropriate for experienced knitters, including decreasing stitches to create garment shaping and proper armhole and neck shaping. Ribbed edging is worked at the lower edge and cuffs to create elasticity and a finished appearance.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the Willow sweater is stockinette stitch (abbreviated as st st), which creates the smooth, classic fabric appearance. The lower edge, cuffs, and neckline are finished with ribbed knitting, specifically a 1x1 rib pattern (alternating knit and purl stitches) that provides stretch and recovery. Shaping is achieved through knit two together decreases (work 2 tog), which are strategically placed to taper the garment at the waist and create proper armhole and neck shaping. The pattern requires careful attention to stitch counts at each size, with decreases distributed across the garment width to maintain balanced proportions.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Willow sweater is designed to be knitted using Jody Long ROVESOFT yarn, a soft, versatile fiber available in multiple colorways (shown in the pattern in Coffee 006). Yarn requirements range from 500g for the smallest size to 800g for the largest size, provided in 100g balls, so you will need between 5 to 8 balls depending on your size.

Three needle sizes are required for construction: 5 mm (US 8) needles are used for casting on and working the ribbed edging at the lower edge and cuffs; 5.5 mm (US 9) needles are used for the main body and sleeve stockinette stitch sections; and a 5 mm (US 8) circular needle is used for working the neckline in the round. The pattern specifies a tension of 16½ stitches and 21 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over stockinette stitch using 5.5 mm needles, which is critical to check before beginning your project to ensure proper fit and finished dimensions.