Jody Long JL Wesley Jumper Knitting Pattern

Jody Long JL Wesley Sweater

What is Being Made

The Jody Long JL Wesley is an advanced-level knitted sweater from the Coastline Collection, designed for experienced knitters. This garment is a classic pullover sweater available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3XL, with finished chest measurements from 91-97 cm (36-38 inches) up to 142-147 cm (56-58 inches). The sweater features a full length of 68-78 cm (26¾-30¾ inches) and sleeve length of 48-50 cm (19-19¾ inches), making it a versatile everyday knit suitable for various body types and proportions.

Techniques Used

This sweater employs several intermediate to advanced knitting techniques that build foundational skills while introducing shaping complexity. The garment is worked flat on straight needles for the main body pieces, then seamed together for a finished construction. The design incorporates bottom-up construction, meaning the sweater is knitted starting from the cast-on edge at the lower body and progressing upward toward the neckline. This method allows knitters to try on the garment during construction and adjust length as needed.

The pattern introduces cable techniques as a key design element, with cable panels measuring 3.5 cm (1¼ inches) across and containing 7 stitches. These cables add visual interest and texture while requiring careful stitch management and the use of a cable needle. Raglan armhole shaping is used to create the sleeve cap, a technique that involves strategic decreases along the armhole edges to achieve a fitted shoulder line. The pattern notes that it provides "simple straight forward knitting, introducing various shaping techniques," making it appropriate for knitters ready to move beyond basic stockinette construction.

Stitches Used

The Wesley sweater utilizes fundamental knitting stitches executed with precision and consistency. Ribbing forms the foundation, worked in a 1x1 rib pattern (alternating knit and purl stitches) at the lower edge. The ribbing is worked for 18 rows total using 4.5 mm needles before transitioning to the main fabric, creating an elastic edge that helps the sweater maintain its shape.

The primary stitch throughout the body and sleeves is stockinette stitch (abbreviated st st), which creates the smooth, classic knit fabric characteristic of traditional sweaters. Stockinette stitch is formed by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing the familiar V-pattern texture on the finished garment. The cable stitches are integrated into the stockinette background, requiring knitters to work cable crosses at specified intervals using a cable needle to temporarily hold stitches while crossing them over other stitches for the twisted rope-like effect.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Wesley sweater is knitted using Jody Long COASTLINE yarn, a worsted-weight yarn supplied in 100g balls. The pattern shown features the colorway Deep Ocean 005, though the yarn is available in other colors within the Coastline Collection. Yarn quantities vary by size, ranging from 8 balls for the smallest size to 13 balls for the largest size (3XL), with intermediate sizes requiring 9-12 balls respectively. This yardage accounts for the complete sweater including body, sleeves, and finishing.

Two needle sizes are required for proper gauge and construction. The 4.5 mm (US 7) needles are used for the ribbed edging, where the tighter gauge creates the elastic border. The 5.5 mm (US 9) needles are used for the main body and sleeves worked in stockinette stitch, creating the larger gauge needed for the sweater's drape and fit. A 4.5 mm circular needle is also listed, likely for any finishing techniques or neckline work. A cable needle is essential for managing the cable stitches throughout the pattern. The pattern specifies a tension of 17 stitches and 25 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over stockinette stitch using the 5.5 mm needles, with cable panels measuring 3.5 cm (1¼ inches) across. Achieving correct tension before beginning is emphasized as vitally important to ensure the finished sweater matches the intended measurements.